We encourage and promote responsible pet ownership to enable pets and people to live in harmony.

Registering my dog

New & existing dog owners in the City of Holdfast Bay need to register their pets via the centralised state government website dogs and cats online (DACO) www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au as of 1 July 2018.

The laws have been introduced by the Dog and Cat Management Board to make it easier to reunite lost pets with their owners and reduce the number of unwanted pets.

Things to note:

All dogs and cats must be micro-chipped by 1 July 2018
All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed
The new system means an introduction of statewide Dogs and Cats Online database
Cats do not need to be registered.

The Dog and Cat Management Board have distributed renewal notice with registration instructions to the City of Holdfast Bay's dog owners from 13 July 2018.

Dog owners receive a lifetime registration disc for their pet. The disc includes a permanent dog registration number and now replaces the tag sent annually with renewals.

More information is available via the Dog and Cat Management Board website dogandcatboard.com.au
Pet owners are encouraged to look for discount micro-chipping days on the website chipblitz.com
Increased fines can apply for people who don't register and microchip their pets.
The new laws make registration compulsory for breeders to reduce the number of unwanted dogs by discouraging puppy farms.

Walking your dog

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
During daylight savings times, any dog on the beach must be on a lead between the hours of 10am and 8pm.
Biodegradable dog tidy bags are available for purchase from Council Offices and at various locations throughout the City of Holdfast Bay

Dog Tidy Bag Locations

Pets and noise

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 pets 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

Barking dogs

All dogs make noise at some time. However, if you are concerned about the level of noise a dog is creating the first step towards resolving the issue is to try to speak to the owner in a non-threatening manner and try to reach a compromise.

Often the dog owner can be unaware that their dog is causing a nuisance as they may not be at their property when the barking occurs. Most dog owners are willing to work with their neighbours to achieve an amicable outcome.

Should the problem persist please contact an Animal Management Officer on (08) 8229 9999 or email mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au

Dog Attacks or Harassments

Should you become the victim of a dog attack or harassment please report the incident to us immediately.

If a complaint is received, the Officer will investigate and may issue a fine, or if the offence is more serious or repeated, a control order may be issued to the owner to ensure no further attacks or harassments occur.

A dog causing a nuisance, wandering at large or responsible for harassing, attacking or chasing should be reported to our Animal management team immediately. We also provide advice on training and other dog management issues. You can report a dog related issue on (08) 8229 9999 or email mail@holdfast.sa.gov.au

Pets and training

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 pets 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