Your responsibilities

Being a dog owner is enjoyable and rewarding however brings with it responsibilities.

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your dog is happy and healthy and is not negatively impacting the community in any way.

For all you need to know about how to be a responsible dog owner and keep your dog safe and entertained read the responsible dog owner handbook (1.2 MB).

Registration

Dog registration is compulsory in the ACT. There is no mutual agreement between states and territories for dog registration. All dogs that are kept in the ACT must be registered here.

All dogs must be registered if:

• they are over 8 weeks old
• they have been kept in the ACT for 28 days or more
• the dog's keeper has been a resident of the ACT for 28 days or more.

Registration is for the lifetime of the dog and a one off fee applies. Register using the online dog registration form or visit Domestic Animal Services in Symonston. A concession on registration is available to card holders, however payment must be made at Domestic Animal Services.

From 1 July 2021, dog owners are now required to update or confirm their dog’s registration details annually, free of charge.

For more information see dog registration.

Desexing

It is a strict liability offence under the Domestic Animals Act 2000 to own a dog that has not been desexed. Exemptions include:

• the dog is less than 6 months old
• the dog was born before 21 June 2001
• the keeper of the dog holds a sexually entire permit issued by the Registrar of Domestic Animal Services.

Desexing is essential to reduce the number of neglected or abandoned dogs. It may also improve behaviour, reduce aggression and help to reduce reproductive health problems later in life. Female dogs do not need to produce a litter for full physical and emotional development.

The veterinary practitioner must mark the ear of the dog with a tattoo when they are desexed, unless the vet recommends not tattooing for medical reasons.

Sexually entire permit

To keep a dog which has not been desexed you must apply for a licence to keep a dog sexually entire (PDF 175KB).

If you intend to breed a litter from your dog, you will also need to apply for a breeders licence (PDF 212KB). Fees and conditions apply prior to the granting of the permit and licence.

Microchipping

All dogs in the ACT must be microchipped.

Microchipping is not an alternative to registration and both are compulsory.

Microchipping is a safe procedure where a silicon chip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, is implanted under the skin of the animal. The procedure takes less than a minute and, once inserted, the chip cannot be lost. A dog or cat of any age can be microchipped.

Few animals show any signs of discomfort during this simple and quick procedure.

Dogs can be microchipped by Domestic Animal Services, the RSPCA or any veterinarian.

Microchipping is an effective way for animal shelters and vets to identify lost dogs and cats for quick return to their owners.

If you've ever lost your pet you'll understand the stress and upset it can cause to the whole family. Having your dog or cat microchipped is a simple and easy way to reduce the anguish and it could save your pet's life.

To update your details for your dog's microchip, please visit Pet address.

Keeping 4 or more dogs

To have 4 or more dogs on a residential premise in the ACT, you must have a keeper's licence issued by Domestic Animal Services.

Under section 18 of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 it is an offence to keep 4 or more dogs unless in accordance with a multiple dog licence.

Persons wishing to keep 4 or more dogs must make an application under section 19 of the Domestic Animals Act 2000 for a multiple dog licence. To apply please complete the application for a licence to keep 4 or more dogs (PDF 141KB).

Prior to lodging your application each individual dog must be registered, micro-chipped and de-sexed (unless the keeper holds a sexually entire permit). You are also required to provide a map and photos of your premises, outlining any existing facilities and any proposed construction. A Ranger from Domestic Animal Services must also conduct a site inspection of your property and consult with surrounding residents.

The Registrar may take numerous things into consideration before granting a licence. This includes, but is not limited to:

• the number and kind of dogs to which the application relates
• the size and nature of the premises where the dogs are proposed to be kept
• the security of the premises
• the suitability of facilities for keeping the dogs on the premises
• the potential impact on the neighbouring premises
• any conviction or finding of guilt of the applicant within the last 10 years against a territory or state law for an offence relating to the welfare, keeping or control of an animal.

Minimum requirements to hold a multiple dog licence include:

• written approval from your landlord if you are a tenant
• no objections from your neighbours
• adequate conditions for sanitary disposal of collected waste
• dogs must be penned when the house is unattended (they may use the rest of the yard for exercise when you are home).

A fee is payable if the licence is granted. A yearly renewal applies and must be paid at Domestic Animal Services.

If you have any questions in relation to these guidelines, please call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or visit Domestic Animal Services on Mugga Lane, Symonston during opening hours.

Greyhounds

View information on greyhound ownership in the ACT.

Barking dogs

See the dogs and barking behaviour page for advice on how to deal with a barking dog.

Animal nuisance

The Domestic Animals Act 2000 states that an animal nuisance exists if the keeping or behaviour of an animal causes a condition, state or activity that constitutes:

• damage to property owned by a person other than the keeper
• excessive disturbance to a person other than the keeper because of noise
• danger to the health of an animal or a person other than the keeper.

Animal nuisance now also includes repeated instances of a dog not being kept under control by the dog's keeper or owner.

For more information see animal nuisance.

Advertising dogs for sale

Make sure you follow the advertising requirements for selling or rehoming dogs in the ACT. For more information see advertising cats and dogs for sale.

Fees and charges

For more information about fees see fees and charges.