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Responsible dog ownership

Responsible dog ownership
Dog on Leash
Read about the guidelines for responsible dog ownership. Responsible Dog Ownership canterbury bankstown As a responsible dog owner, following these guidelines you will ensure that you, your dog and the community can all enjoy the satisfaction and privilege of pet ownership.  
Dog on Leash
The Companion Animals Act requires you to have your dog microchipped at a veterinarian or animal welfare organisation, and pay the lifetime registration fee.  
Responsible dog ownership involves:
  • Microchipping and ensuring your dog is wearing a collar and identification tag at all times.
  • Ensuring your dog is lifetime registered, which makes it easier to identify if it is lost.
  • Keeping your dog on a leash, unless in a designated off-leash area.
  • Keeping your dog securely within your premises, as they can do a lot of damage if unrestrained and unsupervised.
  • De-sexing your dog.
  • Collecting and disposing of dog faeces.
  • Protecting our wildlife by keeping control of your dog.
  • Taking care of and keeping your dog entertained to avoid excessive barking.
On the spot fines may apply to breaches of the legislation. See our Enforcement page for more information.

Dog off-leash areas

In accordance with the Companion Animals Act we have a number of off-leash dog parks where dogs can run around freely. 
We ask dog owners, for the safety and enjoyment of all park users, to follow the sign posted guidelines at each park. Ensure your dog is not aggressive within the off-leash area and to clean up and properly dispose of dog faeces. 

More information

Read more about responsible dog ownership at Office of Local Government website.

Off-leash Dog Parks 

Pets are welcome at most local parks, however please remember to keep your dog on a leash unless the reserve is classified as a 'dog off-leash area'.
Walking your dog keeps you and your pet fit and healthy. In fact, dog owners are 68 per cent more likely to get their recommended exercise than those without one!
The Off-leash Dog Park Action Plan was adopted in March 2021 and guides the provision and ongoing management of dog off-leash areas and supporting infrastructure in the City. The vision is to provide quality, accessible off-leash dog parks which balance the needs of all open space users through provision, design and operation of dedicated facilities.
In 2019, we conducted a survey of dog park users and the community told us they wanted separated dog play areas for larger more active dogs and smaller more passive dogs. We are currently trialling separated small and large dog areas within our regional dog parks at Band Hall Reserve, Birrong and Vale of Ah Reserve, Milperra.
Fenced off-leash parks within Canterbury-Bankstown
  • Peace Park – Trevenar Street, Ashbury
  • Band Hall Reserve - Ferrier Road, Birrong
  • Richard Podmore Reserve – Karne Street North, Roselands
  • Cooks River Foreshore – Sixth Avenue, Campsie
  • Hughes Park – Warburton Parade, Earlwood
  • Peter Moore Field – Tudor Street, Belmore
  • Craig Street Reserve – Kylie Parade, Punchbowl
  • Close Street Reserve – Close Street, Canterbury
  • The Vale of Ah – Auld Avenue, Milperra
  • Ruse Park- Macauley Avenue, Bankstown

Your responsibilities

As a pet owner, you have the following responsibilities in the off-leash area:
  • Control your dog.
  • Clean up after your dog.
  • Restrain your dog before entering or leaving the area limits.
  • Do not bring restricted dogs into the area.

Contact

For more information regarding dog parks, to report maintenance issues at the park or to report a dog attack, contact our Customer Service Centre on 9707 9000.
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