Being a responsible pet owner
Being a responsible pet owner helps keep our neighbourhoods safe, friendly and enjoyable for everyone, including our furry family members.
The Keeping of Animals in Residential Areas Policy sets clear guidelines for owning pets at home. It helps make sure we all think about our neighbours, animals and the local environment.
What’s this policy about?
Council is responsible for managing how animals are kept in residential areas under the Local Government Act (1993).
The updated policy was adopted on 25 February 2025 after a public exhibition and community feedback. It helps guide Council staff when dealing with complaints and gives pet owners clear expectations.
The policy:
- Helps guide Council staff when responding to complaints
- Gives pet owners clear expectations
- Does not require you to remove any pets you already have
- Focuses on being a good neighbour and looking after animals properly
You can read the full policy and its guidelines here.
Quick Facts:
- 50% of complaints to Council are about pets and animals
- Common issues include barking, roaming animals, and hygiene
- The number and type of animals allowed depends on your property, living situation and how well the animals are cared for
- The guidelines are used when Council needs to respond to a complaint or take regulatory action
Why was this policy created?
The policy guidelines help balance the needs of pet owners with the needs of the wider community.
The policy provides Council staff with a clear way to respond to complaints as well as provide animal owners with clear guidelines and expectations.
Council will use the guidelines when there’s a complaint and it’s clear the way animals are being kept goes against the purpose of the policy.
What does this mean for me as a current pet owner?
This policy does not require you to remove any existing pets. It's about setting clear guidelines for responsible ownership moving forward. The policy features a transitional phase which states:
"Where the number of animals owned by a person (before the coming into force of this Policy) exceeds the number shown in Attachment 1 (Policy Guidelines), no further or replacement animals should be acquired or bred, with the number to be reduced over time to no more than the maximum allowed at the time that some of the animals die, are given away or sold."
What does this mean for my future plans to own a pet?
The policy guidelines set a standard for how many animals you can have in the Shellharbour area.
Residents can acquire and keep pets in accordance with the policy guidelines.
How will I know what restrictions apply to me?
The policy sets out clear rules for keeping animals at home, including how many you can have. Council may use these rules if animals are causing problems.
Council can also take action at any time if animals are having a negative impact on neighbours or the local area, no matter how many animals there are.
Can I have a different number of pets outside of Policy Guidelines?
Council may consider allowing you to keep more animals than the standard number listed in the policy.
To apply for a variation, you’ll need to show:
- That the animals are being kept responsibly and aren’t causing a nuisance
- That your property is suitable for keeping additional animals
- Written support from neighbouring properties (this is helpful but not mandatory)
Every request is considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account animal welfare, your living situation and the impact on your neighbours and the environment.
If you'd like to request a variation, contact Council’s Compliance team for guidance on next steps.
Why was the policy updated?
We’ve had a large increase in complaints about animals, mostly dogs, causing noise, hygiene or safety issues. The policy helps Council staff respond consistently and gives pet owners clear expectations.
What are the requirements for keeping animals in residential areas?
This policy will help Council ensure that we are being thoughtful of each other and our local environment by thinking about the following before an animal is brought onto a property:
- The size of the property
- Where the animals will be kept and the distance from any structures on site or on adjoining properties
- The type of animals to be kept
- The number of animals to be kept
- Consent from the owner of the property
- The likely impact of the animals on the environment and the amenity of the area