Bringing home a new dog is a delight, but it does come with responsibilities. Make sure you’re ready to take on an animal and that you have the right house for the breed you’re choosing. Find out what you can do to keep your pet, your neighbours and your community happy.
Dogs
When you are out an about with your dog, make sure it is leashed and under effective control. Take your dog to dog friendly and unleashed parks and pick up your dog’s waste so nobody steps in it.
Where Your Dog Can’t Go
Be a responsible dog owner and keep your dog out of food consumption areas, wildlife protection areas, school or children’s playgrounds or within 10 metres of children's play equipment. Look out for and observe dog prohibition areas. Fines may apply if your dog is found somewhere it shouldn’t be.
Considerations Before Buying a Dog
Owning a dog is a huge responsibility. Dogs need exercising as well as your time. Make sure you have the means to train, provide veterinary care and feed your dog for the next 15+ years. Finally, be sure everybody in your house will love and welcome your new pooch.
When Your Dog Comes Home
Bringing a new puppy or dog home is exciting. Check your yard is fenced so your dog can’t escape. Make sure you’re at home often with your dog or take it with you. Protect native animals and keep your dog in at night.
Are you a breeder?
Whether your pet has had an accidental litter, or you are a professional recognised breeder, The NSW Digital Pet Registry helps you meet your legal requirements as a breeder in NSW.
Click here for useful resources and tips from the NSW Pet Registry for breeders, as well as information regarding legislative changes coming into effect from December 1
Barking Dogs
Barking occasionally is a natural response, however excessive barking around residential areas can be disruptive. If you are concerned about a dog barking, first speak to the owner as they may not be aware of the issue. For guidance on speaking with your neighbour we recommend you visit Legal Aid website.
Please note, the NSW Government has decided to close Community Justice Centres (CJCs) in NSW. From 1 July 2025, the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) will only provide mediation services for matters referred directly from the courts or relating to disputes involving incorporated Associations.
CJC will remain open until 30 June 2025 to provide information to assist in resolving disputes. However, as part of our operational wind-down activities, mediation sessions will not be offered for new enquiries from 1 May 2025, other than those referred directly by the courts or involving incorporated Associations. The CJC website will be reviewed and updated very soon to reflect these developments.
After 1 May 2025, all enquiries will need to be addressed to LawAccess NSW, the free information service run by Legal Aid NSW.
Dog Off-leash Areas
Let your best friend let off steam in our dog off-leash areas. The Northern Beaches has 30 dog off-leash areas in addition to the Mona Vale Beach (south) Dog Off-leash Area Trial. They are diverse and range from the shared use of sportsgrounds, to fully fenced dog parks and foreshore reserves. Some have shade and seating, dog waste bags and bins. We recommend you and your dog test out a number of off-leash dog areas to see what suits you both best.
Off-leash areas are great places for both you and your dog to play, run, socialise, practice training and enjoy the outdoors. Many dogs and owners have become great friends through regularly meeting with others at a dog off-leash area.
You can find out more about our off-leash areas on the Dogs and Off-leash Areas webpage.
The law requires that your dog must be under effective control at all times and that you dispose of dog poo in a suitable manner. For your convenience, Council provides dog waste bags and bins at some off-leash areas.
Dog Attack
If you or your dog has been attacked, then please call us on 1300 434 434 ideally within 24 hours of the incident and provide as much information as possible to assist us. Children aged 0 to 4 are the highest risk age group for serious dog attack injuries requiring hospital treatment.
7 out of 10 of these dog bite injuries requiring hospital treatment happen in the child’s own home or at a family member or friend’s house. This strongly suggests that the children are being bitten by their own dog or a dog they know.