Learn about your responsibilities as a dog owner, including legal requirements, managing barking and nuisance behaviour and understanding where dogs are not permitted.
Requirements by law
Dogs are a wonderful pet to have and can provide so much joy and comfort to individuals and families. However, it is important to understand your responsibilities as an owner of dog.
Wears a collar with a current City registration tag when in public.
Is registered in one person’s name who is over 18.
Is microchipped.
Is held on a lead no longer than two metres in public places unless in a designated off-lead area.
Can be safely confined to the property where it lives.
Households in residential areas may keep up to two dogs. Rural properties over four hectares may keep up to six. If you want to keep more than the permitted number, you must apply for approval. Visit the Dog Registration and Permits page for details.
Penalties may apply for non-compliance.
Microchipping and sterilisation
In Western Australia, all dogs over three months must be microchipped. Microchipping helps the City identify your dog quickly if it becomes lost or impounded.
You will need to provide your dog’s microchip number when registering or renewing registration. If your dog has been microchipped previously and you do not know the number, your veterinarian can scan it for you.
Sterilisation reduces roaming, aggression, fighting and barking, and helps prevent unwanted litters. Proof of sterilisation is required when applying for registration. A vet certificate is the only acceptable proof when applying online.
If microchipping is likely to adversely affect your dog’s health, your vet can issue an exemption certificate.
Keeping your dog safe at home
Your dog should remain safely on your property when they’re not out with you. A secure yard keeps your dog protected, prevents accidental roaming and helps ensure the safety of other people and pets in the community.
Simple ways to keep your dog safely at home include:
Making sure gates are closed and latch properly
Keeping fences in good condition
Checking for gaps, loose palings or areas a dog could squeeze through
Preventing digging under fences or climbing over them.
A securely contained dog is less likely to get lost, be involved in an accident or cause distress to others. It also helps you avoid fines if your dog is found wandering.
Exercising your dog and prohibited areas
Dogs may be exercised off lead in most City reserves, provided they remain under effective control. You must always carry a lead in case you need to restrain your dog.
There are areas where dogs must be kept on lead, and some areas where dogs are not permitted. For full details, including maps and dog waste bin locations, visit the Dog Exercise Areas page.
Ensuring your dog is not a nuisance to others
Dog waste must be picked up and disposed of properly to keep public spaces clean and safe. It can harm human health, pollute waterways and attract pests.
To help:
Always carry a bag or scooping tool
Use the dog waste bag dispensers and bins available in many parks and dog beaches
Take waste home if no bin is available.
For dispenser locations and maps, visit the Dog Exercise Areas page.
Small changes at home can make a big difference in helping your dog feel calm and settled.
You can help reduce barking by:
Exercising your dog regularly
Providing enrichment such as toys, chew items and mental challenges
Reducing outside stimuli by covering fence gaps or limiting visual access
Avoiding long periods alone in the backyard
Doing short “practice departures” to see whether barking occurs when you're not home
Checking with neighbours to understand if barking happens when you’re away
Seeking advice from a vet or qualified animal behaviourist.
Physical punishment and aversive devices should never be used as they increase fear, stress and aggression, and are not supported by animal welfare evidence.
