Learn about the rules for keeping a dog, how to take care of it and dog-friendly places to visit.
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.
Before you get a dog, think about your living situation and lifestyle.
Check with your landlord or review your property rules.
If you have kids, elderly people or other pets living with you, consider how a dog might impact them.
Think about how caring for a new dog will fit around work and personal responsibilities.
Research health concerns, temperaments and other information to find the perfect match.
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.
Essential supplies and equipment
Before bringing your new dog home, grab some essential supplies.
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.
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.
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, don't forget to update your registration details.
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.
Your dog relies on you to take care of it so it’s healthy and happy.
To look after your dog:
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.
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.
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:
Regular training can also give your dog mental, physical and social stimulation. You can find dog training classes across Brisbane.
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.
The legal requirements for owning a dog in Brisbane include:
To ensure your dog gets enough daily exercise when living in a city, you can:
If you own a guard dog, you must comply with the minimum standards in the Animals Local Law 2017. This includes:
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.
