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Registering my dog & cat
The City of Holdfast Bay encourages and promotes responsible pet ownership in line with the laws introduced by the Dog and Cat Management Board to ensure pets and people live in harmony.
Off-Leash & On Leash Restrictions
When walking your dogs in public they are required to be on a lead. However, they can be exercised off the lead in all City of Holdfast Bay’s reserves but must be under effective control at all times.
Effective control off lead is when the dog;
- responds immediately to voice commands.
- remains in close proximity and visible at all times (not behind you).
- does not approach other people, animals, or birds unless permitted by the other person.
Please note:
During daylight savings times, any dog on the beach must be on a lead between the hours of 10am and 8pm.
Dog tidy bags are required when walking your dogs. Biodegradable dog tidy bags are available for purchase from the Brighton Civic Centre and the Glenelg or Brighton libraries. They are also available at various locations throughout the City of Holdfast Bay.
Registration
The Dog and Cat Management Board have a statewide online registration to assist residents to register, update and renew their pet's registration yearly through Dogs and Cats Online (DACO)
Your pet will receive a lifetime registration number and disc. Annual discs are no longer issued. If the disc is lost, you can request a new one through DACO. Alternatively, the disc number (also on your dog's online profile) can be engraved on a personal tag at the dog owner's cost and design.
All dogs are required to be registered. Please ensure your pet's registration renewal is completed by 31 August each year. Dogs and Cats are required by law to be registered every financial year (1 July to 30 June).
It is a requirement that all dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 are desexed and microchipped. Dogs and cats born before this date can receive exemptions.
$10 microchipping is currently offered by chipblitz.com
Breeders of dogs and cats are required to be registered through DACO. Pets should be purchased through these registered breeders only.
Have you asked someone else to look after your pet?
If your pet is staying with someone else for more than 14 days, please ensure you updates the pet's registration profile on DACO with the temporary address and carer's contact details.
Number of dogs and cats permitted on a property
- Dogs - 1 dog per unit or 2 dogs in a house.
- Cats - 2 cats per property.
You may apply to the council to exceed the limit. Please complete the form and return it to the council prior to acquiring the pet or moving to the council area.
Should you or your pet become the victim of a dog attack or harassment, please report the incident to us at the earliest opportunity. If required, please ensure medical treatment is sought first.
Our Animal Management Officer will investigate and take formal statements from you and the dog owner. All statements and evidence will be taken into consideration and where required, enforcement action may be taken. Serious matters may result in control orders.
Please contact customer service to report the incident.
Cats in the Neighbourhood
Cats wander and may enter another person’s property. It is an offence, under council’s Cat Bylaw, for your cat to wander onto someone else’s property without their permission. Cat owners need to take steps to avoid this.
For strategies on what to do if an unwanted cat is on your property please read the factsheet - Cats in the Neighbourhood
Events that involve loud music or noises may affect your pets and compromise their safety. These can include concerts, fireworks, or thunderstorms.
Below are some suggestions of how to prepare your pets for these events and keep them safe:
- Microchip your pets in case they escape the yard.
- Have an ID tag on your pet's collar with your phone number.
- Exercise your pet before the event. This can alleviate anxiety.
- Keep your pet inside for the duration of the event.
- If pets are outside, ensure fences are secure and cannot be jumped.
- Allow your pet to find a space they feel safe. This may include under the bed or in a wardrobe.
- Stay home with your pet during the event if possible.
- Reward your pet for calm behaviour.
- Close windows and doors to minimise the amount of noise.
- Put on music or TV to distract your pet.
It is a valuable experience to take the time to train your dog. Training your dog is a chance to strengthen your bond and provide a quality base to promote good behaviour.
There are many training organisations and puppy schools available in Adelaide and we recommend that pet owners research to find one that is suitable for you and your pet.
Animal Management Directions Plan
Lost and Found Animals
A lost or found animal should be reported to our Animal Management Officers.