Being a dog owner is one of life’s greatest joys, but it comes with important responsibilities that impact not only your dog’s wellbeing but also the community around you. There are several key issues that all dog owners need to be mindful of to ensure their pets are safe, healthy, and respectful to others.
Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs for years, this guide is designed to help you and your furry friend thrive in a shared environment. By taking some simple steps, we can create cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable spaces for everyone.
Find out more below about your responsibilities as a pet owner in Shellharbour, as well as information on reporting animal-related issues.
Microchipping and Registration
All cats and dogs are required by law to be microchipped and registered by 12 weeks of age, or when they go to a new owner - whichever happens first. Often when you purchase or adopt a dog they will already be microchipped, however you do need to update the microchip and register the animal with your contact details.
The registration fee is a once-only payment, which covers the cat or dog for its lifetime in NSW, regardless of any changes in ownership.
It’s important to make sure your pet is microchipped and registered in your name and that the contact details are correct. This is how we’ll get in contact with you if your dog gets lost or escapes and comes into our care and we want to make sure they get home to you as safely and quickly as possible.
More detailed information about registering your pet is available here.
How to be a responsible dog owner
Breeding Dogs: Know the New Laws
New dog breeding laws start on 1 December 2025. These laws apply to everyone who breeds dogs in NSW, even if it’s just one accidental litter. They’re designed to protect dog welfare and stop puppy farming.
Why it Matters:
- Animal Welfare: Dogs deserve safe, healthy breeding practices.
- Transparency: Buyers can make informed choices when breeders follow the rules.
- Community Standards: Responsible breeding helps prevent neglect and cruelty.
What’s Changing:
- Breeders must have a breeder identification number or rehoming organisation number from the NSW Pet Registry.
- Each female dog can have up to 5 litters in her lifetime, with no more than 3 by caesarean.
- A maximum of 20 non-desexed female dogs over 6 months of age can be kept on a property unless exempt.
- There must be one staff member for every 20 dogs on the premises.
- When advertising a dog for sale or transfer, include the dog’s microchip number and your breeder ID.
How to be Compliant:
- Apply for or update your breeder identification number.
- Check your number of dogs and litters.
- Make sure your advertising meets the new requirements.
- If you hold a voluntary breeder identification number, log in to the NSW Pet Registry to update your details and agree to the new terms and conditions. This process cannot be completed in person at Council offices.
Find out more and access resources at dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi/animals/animal-welfare/advice/pets/dogs.
Leash Laws: Keeping Your Dog Under Control
Leash Laws: Keeping Your Dog Under Control
Leash laws exist for a reason: they ensure the safety of your dog, other animals, and people. When dogs are off leash in public spaces, they can cause accidents, such as running into the street or approaching people and animals in a way that may not be welcome. Even the most well-trained dogs can be unpredictable when distracted by new environments, sounds, or smells. For these reasons, it is essential to keep your dog on a leash in public places unless you're in designated off-leash areas.
Why it Matters:
- Safety: Leashes prevent dogs from running into traffic or engaging in aggressive behaviour with other dogs or people.
- Control: Even well-behaved dogs may become unpredictable when they encounter unfamiliar experiences, and a leash ensures you maintain control.
- Respect for Others: Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. A leash helps you respect the personal space of others.
How to be Compliant:
- Always carry a spare leash when you're out, just in case.
- Familiarise yourself with local leash laws, as some parks or public spaces may have different rules.
- If your dog is in an off-leash area, ensure they have a reliable recall command to keep them under control when necessary.
There are a number of places in our City where dog owners are allowed to exercise their dog off the leash.
Waste Management: Keep Our Community Clean
Waste Management: Keep Our Community Clean
Cleaning up after your dog is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways you can contribute to a cleaner community. Dog waste isn’t just unsightly; it also poses a health risk to other dogs, wildlife, and people. It can spread harmful bacteria, parasites, and diseases such as E. coli and salmonella, and it can even contaminate local water supplies if left uncollected.
Why it Matters:
- Hygiene: Dog waste carries bacteria and parasites that can harm both humans and other pets.
- Environmental Impact: Left unattended, dog waste can end up in water systems, causing contamination and health risks.
- Legal Obligation: In most places, failing to clean up after your dog is against the law, and fines can be imposed.
How to be Compliant:
- Always carry waste bags with you when you take your dog out. Keep extra bags in your car, pockets, or tied to the leash.
- Dispose of waste in proper bins. Never leave it behind, even in remote or natural areas.
- If you forget a bag, go back and clean up once you get one. Let’s keep our parks and pathways clean and safe for everyone.
Noise Complaints: Respect Your Neighbours
Noise Complaints: Respect Your Neighbours
Dogs communicate through barking, but excessive barking or howling can be a real nuisance for your neighbours. Dogs may bark excessively due to boredom, anxiety, or lack of exercise. It’s important to understand why your dog is barking and to take steps to manage it. This will ensure a peaceful environment for everyone, especially in neighbourhoods or apartment complexes where close living quarters can make barking more noticeable.
Why it Matters:
- Quality of Life: Excessive barking can disturb your neighbours and may lead to complaints.
- Anxiety: A constantly barking dog may be signalling that it’s anxious, bored, or unwell.
- Community Relations: Building good relationships with your neighbours often starts with respecting their peace and quiet.
How to Reduce Barking:
- Provide mental and physical stimulation: Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental enrichment to reduce boredom, which often leads to excessive barking.
- Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog when they remain quiet in situations that normally trigger barking.
- Professional training: If the barking persists, consider consulting a dog trainer or behaviourist who can help address underlying issues.
- Check for health problems: Sometimes, excessive barking can be a sign that your dog is in discomfort or pain. Always rule out medical issues.
Barking dog complaints are one of the most common complaints received by our rangers. Barking is a dog's natural way to communicate, and there are a number of reasons why dogs bark.
If you feel comfortable speaking to the dog's owner, approach them to have a discussion. A short conversation may be enough to resolve the problem. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to the dog owner, if the noise persists after the owner is made aware of the problem, or if the owner is uncooperative, report the matter to our Customer Service team by calling 4221 6111.
Aggressive Behaviour: Protecting People and Pets
Aggressive Behaviour: Protecting People and Pets
Dogs can exhibit aggressive behaviour for a variety of reasons, including fear, territorial instincts, or a lack of proper socialisation. It's crucial to identify and manage aggressive tendencies before they escalate. Whether your dog becomes protective over their food, toys, or when strangers approach, it's important to recognise the warning signs and take steps to prevent dangerous incidents.
Why it Matters:
- Safety: Aggressive behaviour can result in injury to other dogs, people, and even your own pet.
- Liability: As the owner, you are responsible for your dog’s actions. Aggressive behaviour can lead to legal action or your dog being deemed dangerous.
- Improving Quality of Life: Well-socialised dogs are less stressed, happier, and easier to manage in everyday life.
How to Manage Aggression:
- Socialise your dog early: Introduce your dog to various people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive way from an early age.
- Consult a professional: If your dog shows any signs of aggression, work with a professional dog trainer or animal behaviourist to address the issue early.
- Use preventive tools: Muzzles, harnesses, or head collars can provide an extra layer of safety when in public. Always choose humane options that ensure the comfort of your dog.
Health & Safety: Caring for Your Dog’s Wellbeing
Health & Safety: Caring for Your Dog’s Wellbeing
Keeping your dog healthy goes beyond daily walks and feeding. Regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and proper grooming are all essential parts of responsible dog ownership. Routine veterinary care helps to prevent common health issues, such as skin conditions, ear infections, and parasites, which can affect your dog’s quality of life and even pose risks to other animals.
Why it Matters:
- Prevent illness: Regular check-ups and vaccinations protect your dog from diseases like rabies, parvovirus, and distemper.
- Improve lifespan: Well-cared-for dogs live longer and have better quality lives.
- Avoid costly treatments: Early detection of health issues can save you money and prevent the need for expensive treatments down the road.
How to Keep Your Dog Healthy:
- Schedule regular veterinary check-ups: At least once a year, your dog should visit the vet for a full check-up. Puppies and senior dogs may need more frequent visits.
- Stay up to date on vaccinations: Vaccinations are essential to prevent the spread of diseases. Follow your vet's vaccination schedule closely.
- Prevent parasites: Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention consistently. These parasites can cause serious health issues and discomfort for your dog.
- Groom regularly: Brush your dog’s coat, clean their ears, and trim their nails to prevent infections and other health problems.
Annual permits for non-desexed cats and dangerous/restricted dogs
Annual permits are required for cats no desexed before the age of 4 months. This is fee is charged annually until the cat is desexed.
Annual permits are also charged for restricted animals and dogs declared dangerous.
For details, visit the Office of Local Government website.
You can also email the NSW Pet Registry.
Responsible cat ownership
Responsible cat owners should ensure that their cat
- is microchipped and wearing an identification tag;
- does not enter prohibited areas, such as wildlife protection areas and food preparation/consumption areas;
- does not interfere with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premises;
- does not repeatedly damage anything outside the property on which they are ordinarily kept;
- does not cause harm to our local wildlife.
Cats are not required by law to be kept inside, however, it is recommended that you keep your cat inside at night.
Nuisance Cats
In accordance with the Companion Animals Act 1998, a cat can be declared a nuisance if it “makes a noise that persistently occurs or continues to such a degree or extent that it unreasonably interferes with the peace, comfort or convenience of any person in any other premise” or “repeatedly damages anything outside the property on which it is ordinarily kept”.
If you feel comfortable speaking to the cat's owner, approach them to have a discussion. A short conversation may be enough to resolve the problem. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to the cat owner, if the problem persists after the owner is made aware of the problem, or if the owner is uncooperative, report the matter to our Customer Service team by calling 4221 6111.