Responsible Dog Ownership
Is your dog registered with Council?
It is a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 for all dogs and cats to be registered with Council, and wear a Council registration tag at all times in public. Council’s pet registration is separate to microchipping. If you don’t have a Council issued tag, your pet may not be registered.
Leashing requirements
Dogs must be on lead in all public areas of Port Phillip, unless signed otherwise. This includes streets, paths and walkways as well as parks and reserves. Dogs must also be on lead within 20 metres of an organised sporting event or training.
We understand that owners need spaces to let their dogs run and play without a leash. While all dogs must be kept on a leash while outside your property, we have designated off-leash areas at several local parks, reserves and beaches.
You can view the map or the full list of locations.
If you own a Greyhound, your dog is required to be on-leash even in off-leash areas.
Remember, always check the signs before taking your dog off leash. It is the owner’s responsibility to be aware of the leashing requirements. Our officers conduct regular patrols and will issue infringements for dogs off leash.
Dogs must be under effective control at all times
In addition to abiding by leashing regulations, dog owners must keep their dogs under effective control at all times – this includes in our off-lead parks and beaches.
Effective control means your dog will:
- return to you on command
- not bother, attack, worry or interfere with other people or animals
- be in your clear and unobstructed view at all times.
Dog owners must always still carry a leash, even in off leash areas.
Dogs aren’t allowed in certain areas
From 1 November to 31 March. Dogs are allowed on the beach only during specific times, in specific locations. They are prohibited (on or off leash) outside these times. You can see the map. For more information you can see the full list of locations.
Dogs are also prohibited (on or off leash):
- within five (5) metres of any children’s playground or public barbecue or exercise equipment areas.
- That part of any ground/playing surface/training space, whilst an organised sporting event or training is taking place. (and must be on lead within 20 metres of these spaces)
Our officers conduct regular patrols and will issue infringements for dogs in prohibited areas.
You must always pick up after your dog
Dog owners are expected to play their part in preventing messy moments for the whole community by picking up after their pooches. On the spot fines apply to everyone who doesn’t.
Dogs bark, but it can’t be a nuisance to your neighbours
Some people think it is normal for dogs to bark consistently. It isn't. Barking dogs are a nuisance and are not conducive to good neighbourly relations. Constant barking usually means the dog is bored, lonely, frustrated or ill.
Dog owners must ensure their dogs do not annoy neighbours by barking excessively. It’s one of the duties of being a responsible pet owner.
If you are having an issue with a barking dog you can visit our animal nuisance page.
You should ensure your dog is contained to your property
It is a legal requirement for Dog owners to securely confine dogs to their property. The yard must have a closed gate and escape-proof fence. There must be safe access to your front door without being interfered with by your dog.
A dog of any size or breed can become aggressive when defending its territory. Even a friendly dog may guard the area on or around its property - especially when you are not present. 80% of dog attacks occur because dogs aren’t effectively contained to your property.
Patrols and enforcement
Random proactive patrols are conducted in all of our public spaces seven days a week throughout the year. People found not complying will be fined. On the spot fines apply for:
- dogs off leash in on-leash areas.
- failing to carry a bag and pick up after your dog.
- failing to wear a Council registration tag.
- dogs on prohibited beaches between 1 November to 31 March.
- other breaches of the Community Amenity Local Law 2023 or Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Our authorised officers are there to keep you safe. We will always treat you with courtesy and respect. Remember, you must always cooperate with our authorised officers and treat them with the same courtesy. Under Section 76(1) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, authorised officers can request your full name and address and that you produce your dog for microchip scanning. Failing to provide these details is an offence.
Under Section 76(3A) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, a person must not threaten, abuse or intimidate or attempt to threaten, abuse or intimidate, an authorised officer, or a person assisting an authorised officer, in the discharge of the authorised officer's powers, duties or functions under this Act.
Contact us
Our Animal Management team is here to help. Get in touch if you have questions or would like a print version of any files.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip.
Phone: 03 9209 6777