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Owning a dog

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Learn about the rules for keeping a dog, how to take care of it and dog-friendly places to visit.

Woman in activewear sitting cross-legged in a Brisbane dog park with a yellow Labrador by her side.

Having a dog can encourage exercise and help ease loneliness, stress and anxiety.

As a dog owner, you’re responsible for the animal’s care. You must also follow pet ownership rules.  

Choosing the right dog for you

Before you get a dog, think about your living situation and lifestyle.

Are you allowed to have pets at your place?

Check with your landlord or review your property rules.

How will a new dog impact your life?

If you have kids, elderly people or other pets living with you, consider how a dog might impact them.

Are you prepared for the time and financial commitment?

Think about how caring for a new dog will fit around work and personal responsibilities.

Which breed suits your household best?

Research health concerns, temperaments and other information to find the perfect match.

Adopting a dog

Adoption can save a dog’s life and save you money on breeding fees, as well as initial vet bills for desexing. Dogs available for adoption usually also have basic training.

You can adopt a dog from an animal shelter. Council’s animal rehoming centres in Willawong and Bracken Ridge are run by Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ).

Dogs for adoption are desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, wormed and the first year of registration is included. Centre staff can also help match a dog to your household.

Preparing your home for a dog

Dog-proof your home to create a safe and welcoming environment for your new pet.

  • Check that fencing in your yard is secure.
  • Tie up or put away loose wires or cables.
  • Move cleaning products and medication out of reach.
  • If you’re getting a puppy or senior dog, create a temporary enclosed living space where they can play, sleep and stay contained.

Essential supplies and equipment

Before bringing your new dog home, grab some essential supplies.

Dog food and treats

Food and water bowls

Leash, collar and harness

Toys

Bed

Grooming tools

Your responsibilities as a dog owner

Owners have a duty of care to their dogs, as well as legal obligations under the Animal Management (Cats & Dogs) Act 2008 and the Animals Local Law 2017.

Responsible ownership checklist

Under Queensland Government law, all dogs must be registered with Council from 3 months of age or within 14 days of moving to Brisbane.

Registration fees support citywide dog services.

Let Council know if you change address, so we can keep your dog’s registration details up to date.

You must update your details within 14 days of moving.

Dog registrations must be renewed every year. Different fees apply when renewing your registration.

You may also be eligible for a discount or refund.

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Note 
If your dog has been declared dangerous or menacing, you need to pay special fees.

Microchipping your dog means it can always be identified, even if it's not wearing a collar.

Under Queensland Government law, all dogs must be microchipped before being sold. The breeder or seller must include their Breeder Identification Number on the microchip details. If your new dog hasn’t been microchipped, a vet can do it for you.

Whenever you move address, you must contact your microchip registry to update your details.

You can keep up to 2 dogs without a permit. If you plan on keeping 3 or more dogs, you need a permit.

Desexing helps to reduce the number of unwanted animals that end up in animal shelters, including Council’s animal rehoming centres. 

You can get your dog desexed at your local vet. 

Once your dog is desexed, dont forget to update your registration details.

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Note

There are discounted renewal and registration fees for desexed dogs.

Pick up after your dog and carry at least 2 dog waste bags when out and about. 

Clean up dog waste at home as it can be harmful to humans, other animals and the environment.

Provide fencing of a sufficient strength and design that your dog cannot go over, under or through. Gates must be able to latch when closed to prevent your dog escaping.

Whenever you’re walking your dog in public, the dog must be securely on a lead, unless you’re in a designated and signed dog off-leash area. You must also be able to physically control your dog to ensure the safety of your dog, those around you and wildlife.  

If your dog is declared menacing or dangerous, you must comply with mandatory requirements.

Barking dogs

While dogs are expected to bark, excessive barking can disturb your neighbours. 

You may not even know that your dog’s barking is a problem until your neighbours tell you or lodge a complaint.

Dog owners are legally responsible for ensuring their dog’s barking doesn’t disturb other people.

Barking dog sitting on grass, side view.

Ensuring your dog's wellbeing and happiness

Your dog relies on you to take care of it so it’s healthy and happy.

Health and wellbeing

To look after your dog:

  • exercise and play with it regularly
  • provide mental, physical and social stimulation
  • visit the vet for regular health check-ups, worming and vaccinations.

Talk to a vet, animal trainer or behaviour specialist if you notice ongoing issues with your dog. The sooner you tackle the problem, the better.

Make sure your dog has a safe place to call home and can’t wander off. Wandering dogs can be a danger to themselves, other people and other animals. 

  • Provide a covered shelter outside to protect your dog from wind, sun and rain. 
  • Check your home’s fencing. Your dog shouldn’t be able to escape by digging or jumping.
  • If your dog fears fireworks and loud noises, don’t tie it up or leave it in the yard. Keep it in an enclosed area or take it somewhere it can’t hear the noise.

If you own a guard dog, it’s a legal requirement to keep it in an escape-proof enclosure. You must also display warning signage at each property entrance.

If you suspect your dog’s been wandering, use a GPS collar to track its whereabouts.

Make sure you investigate how your dog escapes from the property and take measures to prevent it happening again.

Exercise and training for a happy dog

Boredom in dogs can lead to behavioural problems. Providing mental and physical stimulation can curb excessive barking, digging and destructive behaviour.

To entertain and exercise your dog:

  • walk and play with it regularly 
  • visit dog parks and dog-off-leash areas  
  • give it a bone to chew or toy with treats stuffed inside
  • hide treats around your property for your pooch to sniff out
  • arrange for a friend or dog walker to take it out when you’re not home.

Regular training can also give your dog mental, physical and social stimulation. You can find dog training classes across Brisbane.

  • Securely clip the leash to the dog’s collar or harness. Use a flat collar or harness that doesn't automatically tighten, cause pain or discomfort to your dog.
  • Always supervise your dog and follow any special conditions or signage.
  • Pick up after your pet in public, including in dog off-leash areas. This helps keep Brisbane clean and green for other people and their pets to enjoy.

  • Make sure you can take toys, food and other items from your dog without aggression.
  • Avoid excessive jumping to prevent injuring your dog or yourself.
  • Keep your face and hands clear of its mouth.

Dog-friendly places and activities in Brisbane

Dog off-leash areas 

Let your dog run, exercise and socialise with other dogs, leash-free.

Most dog parks are fenced and have seating, water, bins and shaded areas for pets and owners. There are also designated foreshore dog beaches where your pet can feel the sand beneath their paws. 

Most large dog parks have a separate, smaller section for shy, nervous, quiet or small dogs.  Some dog parks have agility equipment and other features for active and busy dogs. 

Visit an off-leash area close to home and enjoy the health benefits for you and your dog.

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Note

You must always have effective control of your dog and supervise it in off-leash areas.

Resources and support for dog owners

Expert advice

Animal Welfare League Queensland is your go-to for information on pet behaviour, care and support.

Easy registration

Do the right thing and register your dog. It’s as easy as completing an online form.

Is your dog missing?

Report your lost pet and check our lost and found register.

Frequently asked questions

The legal requirements for owning a dog in Brisbane include:

  • registration with Council when over 3 months old or within 14 days of ownership
  • updating your registration details within 14 days of changing your address
  • microchipping before the age of 12 weeks
  • cleaning up whenever in a public area, including off-leash areas 
  • using a leash and having effective control when out in public
  • supervising in off-leash areas.

To ensure your dog gets enough daily exercise when living in a city, you can:

  • walk or play with it
  • give it a bone or toys with treats inside
  • take it to the dog park or dog off-leash area
  • organise a dog walker if you’re unavailable or a puppy play date.

If you own a guard dog, you must comply with the minimum standards in the Animals Local Law 2017. This includes:

  • keeping your dog in an escape-proof enclosure
  • controlling your dog when other people are at your property
  • displaying a warning sign at each entrance to the property with: 
    • the words 'BEWARE – DANGEROUS GUARD DOG'
    • a 24-hour contact number in clear letters that are 50 mm or larger.

If your dog is found wandering, Council will seize and impound it. All dogs must be kept in approved enclosures at home. The enclosure must comply with the Animals Local Law 2017 and have adequate fencing that does not allow the dog to escape and wander at large. All gates must be able to be latched closed.