Education and awareness school program


Domestic Animal Services strives to improve community awareness of responsible dog ownership through education programs and community events throughout the ACT. Education and awareness are central to Domestic Animal Services becoming a leader in dog management.

Early childhood education program

All dogs can bite, but the behaviour and actions of the people around them can influence the likelihood of an incident. Studies on dog attacks suggest that the majority of attacks occur in the home where the dog is kept and often involve children.

In 2022, Domestic Animal Services began delivering an education and awareness program to preschools and kindergarten in ACT Government schools. The purpose of this program is to teach children under 8 years of age how to interact safely with dogs.

Key learnings from the education program include:

At the end of each session, children have the opportunity to meet and practice how to interact safely with an attending dog.

A printable booklet has been designed to assist continuing the conversation on how to live safely with dogs at home. The booklet summarises key information delivered during the program.

For further information on the program and to sign up for a session in your school, contact us at TCCS.DASPrograms@act.gov.au

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

To see how we are building stronger relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the ACT view the Reconciliation Action Plan.