Dog Ownership

Download a brochure of this information -  Dog Ownership - 154 KB

Council requires all dogs to be microchipped and registered. You can also read about how to deal with barking dogs.

Walking your dog in public areas

If your dog is in a public area it must be on a leash and controlled effectively by a competent person. Otherwise your dog needs to be confined to your property, not wandering around public or private property.

Your dog must not enter:

  • Eating areas
  • School or childcare grounds
  • Wildlife protection areas
  • Within ten metres of children’s playground equipment.

Council has established off-leash areas where you can let your dog excercise under supervision. 

Cleaning up after your dog

It is the responsibility of owners to clean up after their dog if it leaves waste in public areas. Dog poo on roads, footpaths and parks is a common source of complaint to Council. Council’s Rangers can fine owners who don’t clean up after their dog. The Companion Animals Act dictates a $275 fine for failing to remove dog faeces.

When it rains, your dog's waste gets washed down the stormwater drains and into the nearest creek. It ends up in either Middle Harbour or the Lane Cove River. There is a high level of nutrients in dog droppings, and this contributes to toxic algal blooms and aquatic weeds in our waterways. These blooms and weeds harm the marine organisms that keep our creeks healthy. Plus, dog droppings contain bacteria that can be harmful to people. They can contain infectious roundworm eggs that can cause serious illnesses.

When walking your dog, carry bags to collect your dog’s droppings and put them in the bin. Don’t let your dog out unsupervised or let it poo on your neighbour’s lawn. Take responsibility for your animal; it’s something that comes along with pet ownership.

Lost dogs

There are two places your dog could be taken to if it is captured by a Council Ranger:

1. Within 48 hours of capture: contact Vetfriends Veterinary Practice, 1 - 3 Smith Street, Chatswood (corner of High St), Phone 9882 3433

2. If more than 48 hours after being lost: contact Sydney Dog and Cat Home, 77 Edward Street, Carlton, Phone 9587 9611

Find out more about what to do about lost or found pets.