Dogs

• Responsible dog ownership
• Dog registration
• Dog microchipping
• Dog wandering
• Barking and nuisance dogs
• Limitation of the number of dogs 
• Dog exercise areas 

Responsible dog ownership

To ensure compliance with the Dog Act 1976 – and for the wellbeing of the community and your animal – please ensure your dog;

• can be effectively confined to your premises.
• is under the control of a competent person and on a leash not longer than 2m whenever in a public place.
• is only permitted off-leash in designated dog exercise areas. For more information regarding dog exercise areas in the City of Nedlands, use the dog exercise area map below.
• wears a collar with ID tag featuring your contact number and address, along with a current registration tag to allow for easy identification.
• is microchipped. 

Dog registration

All dogs over the age of three months must be registered with a local government. 

To register your dog with the City of Nedlands, please fill out the dog registration form below and return it to the City of Nedlands via post or email. 

Holders of a current Pensioner Concession Card receive a 50% discount.

If you have received a registration renewal notice from us, you can pay via BPAY. Please see your registration renewal letter for BPAY details. 

 * A copy of a current Pensioner Concession Card or a copy of either a Centrelink or Department of Veterans' Affairs Commonwealth Seniors Health Card must be produced to prove eligibility. 

Pensioners are only required to pay 50% of the applicable fee but must provide the City with a copy of the current Pensioner Concession Card . Please note: the discount does not apply to WA Seniors Card holders. Proof of sterilisation is required, which is usually provided by a veterinary surgeon’s certificate or a statutory declaration made by the owner.

Valid registrations can be transferred without charge between all local councils within Western Australia.  

Dog microchipping

In accordance with the Dog Act 1976, it is a legal requirement that all dogs are microchipped. 

A veterinarian, veterinary nurse or a person with relevant qualifications from a registered training provider is able to implant a microchip in your dog.

Proof of microchipping is also required to register your dog. This can be provided with either a copy of the microchip certificate/paperwork or a veterinary surgeon’s certificate.

A person who fails to ensure their dog is microchipped after 1 November 2015 is liable for a fine of up to $5,000.

Microchip registers:

Central Animal Records

Australasian Animal Registry

Pet Address

Dog wandering

Please prevent your dog from wandering the streets alone by ensuring your home is secure enough to prevent a dog escaping. Keep in mind dogs can escape by digging, jumping and running out of open gates and garage doors.

If your dog does escape, it could be seized by a Ranger and impounded. Rangers will try to re-unite you with your lost dog but, if Rangers are unable to contact you, the dog may be impounded.  

The City’s impound facility is Swanbourne Veterinary Clinic, located at 2 Devon Road. The clinic is open seven days a week: 7.30am-7pm, Monday-Friday; 8am-4pm, Saturday; 8am-2pm, Sunday, and 8am-12pm public holidays. The contact number is 9384 2644.

You can collect your dog during opening times. Before your dog is released, please ensure you have proof of ownership. Your dog must be registered and you must have proof it is registered with a local government and microchipped in accordance with the Dog Act 1976. 

Fees can be paid to the Swanbourne Veterinary Clinic at the time of collection. There is an impound fee of $140 and sustenance fee of $40 per day, payable via cash.  

Dog attacks

Dog attacks are taken very seriously by the City. Dog attacks can happen at any time and can range from simple threatening behaviour to serious attacks on a person or animal. The registered owner or person in control of the dog may be held responsible. Rangers will investigate as best as possible and may issue fines. Modified penalties start at $200 and can go up to a maximum of $10,000 under the Dog Act 1976. 

We encourage all involved in the attack, no matter how big or small, to report it to Ranger Services as soon as possible, even if no injuries have been sustained. This gives Rangers an opportunity to educate and minimise further risks to the community. 

At the time, information may be hard to think of when you are involved in what can be quite a frightening experience.

Details you may wish to consider: 

• Dog owner's name and contact details
• Name of the attacking dog
• Taking photos as early as possible 

What should you do if your dog is the attacker? 

• Confine your dog, away from the other dog/person
• Check the other person or dog's condition and take photos 
• Provide your contact details
• Notify the City as early as possible

Cooperate with officers throughout the investigation.

Obtain advice about dog behaviour and possible training best suited to your dog. 

Barking and nuisance dogs 

Barking dogs are a frequent source of grievances between neighbours. 

If you are affected by a barking dog, it's best to contact the dog owner either directly or with a polite letter. If you are unable to approach the owner, please contact Ranger Services. 

The City of Nedlands has provided barking dog information below. The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries has also prepared an information guide on dog barking. 

If you are concerned about the welfare of the dog, please contact RSPCA WA via their website or by calling them on 1300 278 3589 (24 hours a day, seven days a week). 

Limitation on the number of dogs

The City of Nedlands Local Law Relating to Dogs allows you to keep no more than two dogs over the age of three months. 

Households must apply for permission to keep more than two dogs by sending an application to the City, outlining the reasons why they wish to keep more than the required number of dogs.

A fee of $165 applies to the application, which is non-refundable should the application be rejected. 

Dog exercise areas

Dogs are welcome at many different parks in the City of Nedlands. Regular exercise helps dogs relieve boredom and may also reduce unwanted behaviour such as excessive barking. 

The City of Nedlands has plenty of designated dog exercise areas where your dog may roam off-leash. Please keep the following in mind:

• ensure your dog is under supervision and effective control to prevent conflict with other dogs and people
• carry a lead with you at all times
• remove any excrement left by the dog
• dogs are prohibited at children’s playgrounds
• dogs must be on a lead when at playing fields used for organised sporting or other permitted activities.