Owning a dog in Caloundra
- Dog registration
- Impounded dogs
- Dangerous dogs
- Dog bites and attacks
- Local laws
- Nuisance dogs (excessive barking)
- Wandering dogs
- Your responsibilities
- Dog off-leash areas
Dog registration
All dogs kept within the City must be registered at three months of age. Unregistered dogs attract a $150 penalty.
There is an annual registration fee. Renewal fees not paid by due date attract a late fee.
Pensioners are entitled to a discount of these fees, except for dogs declared dangerous by Council.
Drovers/farm work dogs also attract a reduced registration fee. Guide/hearing dogs do not attract a registration fee, however it is still necessary for you to register your dog and return the renewal forms to Council for verification.
Once your dog is registered, you will receive a tag to attach to its collar. Always ensure your dog wears the tag in case he/she becomes lost or strays from your property.
An application to Council is required should you wish to keep more than two dogs. A fee applies. You can download the application form.
Always contact Council to advise if you change your address, give your dog away or he/she has died.
You can register your dog by downloading and completing an application form. You can visit Council's Customer Service Centre at 1 Omrah Ave, Caloundra to complete a dog registration form there.
Impounded Dogs
Council makes every effort to reunite owners and pets that have been lost or impounded. This is only possible if your dog is registered and wearing a current registration/identification tag.
Owners whose dogs are without identification should contact the pound on (07) 5494 5244.
Dangerous Dogs
Your dog can be declared dangerous if it attacks or bites a person or animal, regardless of the severity of the injury, or if it has been declared dangerous by another council.
The following breeds are prohibited in the Caloundra City Council area:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Japanese Tosa
- any breed that is related to, or a cross breed, of these dogs
Once your dog has been declared dangerous, there are certain Council requirements that must be followed. Contact Council for more information on how a dog is declared dangerous.
Dog Bites and Attacks
Avoiding Dog Bites
There are a number of precautions you can take to reduce the chances of a dog bite occurring:
- always supervise children around dogs - rough play can sometimes get out of control resulting in a bite
- never leave babies or young children alone with a dog
- constantly monitor your dog when children are around
- keep children away from your dog when it is sleeping, feeding (especially when it has a bone) or if it is recovering from an illness or injury
Teach children to:
- always respect dogs (both known and strange dogs)
- never put their face against a dog's face
- never approach a strange dog without permission from the owner
- stand still if a strange dog approaches them and not squeal or jump
- avoid eye contact with a dog
What to do if you or your pet has been bitten or attacked by a dog:
- contact Council to report the incident to Council as soon as you can
- seek medical/veterinary attention if required and ask for a statement of attendance from your doctor/veterinarian which records you or your pet's visit
- provide a description of the dog, including registration tag number
- details of the dog owner (name and address)
- photographs of any injuries
- while the incident is fresh in your mind write a statement of events
Local laws
Council's local laws, which control the keeping of animals within governed area, clearly define your responsibilities as a pet owner. The following local laws apply:
- only two dogs per property may be kept without specific Council approval
- no dog is permitted to wander at large
- all dogs must be adequately fenced within the boundaries of a property
- dogs must be under effective control at all times (on a leash)
- dog droppings must be removed from public places. Waste bins, bags, and dispensers can be found throughout the City
For more information, visit the local laws and regulations section.
Nuisance dogs (excessive barking)
Pets can cause serious distress to neighbours and other residents through excessive barking, straying, attacking or biting.
If you would like to report a continuing barking dog nuisance, please contact Council's Customer Service Centre on (07) 5420 8200.
A Local Law Officer will then contact you within 14 days to commence an investigation into the problem. The investigation may entail collecting evidence to establish if a nuisance exists.
To view Council’s Local Law 4 (Animal Control) visit the Local Government and Planning website.
Dogs bark because they are seeking attention, bored, lonely, anxious or protecting their territory. For tips to alleviate your dog's barking download the barking dogs brochure:
Barking dogs: solutions to alleviate barking (PDF 623kb)
If you are experiencing problems disciplining your pet, you should consider talking to one of Council's Local Law Officers, an obedience trainer, veterinarian or animal behaviourist.
Wandering dogs
Uncontrolled and unleashed dogs can be a nuisance in our community, resulting in property damage, attacks on people, wildlife and other animals.
That is why Caloundra City Council has strict controls and penalties for owners who don’t act responsibly.
Dog owners must provide a fence or an enclosure capable of containing their dog to their premises. Penalties may apply if:
- your dog is not leashed, or the leash or chain is more than 2 metres long when walking the dog in a public place that is not a dog off-leash area
- your dog attacks or worries a person in a public place
- your dog damages property or enters private land without the consent of the owner or occupier of that land
If you would like to report a continuing barking dog nuisance, please contact Council's Customer Service Centre on (07) 5420 8200.
Dogs' waste
When you take your dog for a walk, take some plastic bags with you to pick up your after your pet. Penalties apply if you do not pick up your dog's waste.
There are special animal waste bins available in the City.
Your responsibilities
- if you are experiencing problems disciplining your pet you should consider talking to one of Council's Local Law Officers, an obedience trainer, veterinarian or animal behaviorist
- make sure you keep your dog confined on your property at all times unless walking it on a leash
- dog owners must provide a fence or an enclosure capable of containing their dog on their premises (penalties apply)
- ensure your dog is on a leash or chain no more than 2 metres long when walking it in a public place and be aware of dog off-leash areas
- when walking, take plastic bags to pick up your dog's waste