Responsible Dog Ownership

Many people enjoy having a dog for companionship, security and having fun, but everyone who owns a dog must be aware of their responsibilities.

Being a responsible dog owner is about understanding your pet’s needs and your responsibilities to the community. Your dog’s health, your children’s safety, your neighbours’ and your community’s well-being are largely dependent on you.

Is dog ownership for me?

The average lifespan of a dog is 15 years. This means dog owners need to be prepared to make a long-term commitment. To be a responsible dog owner, you must first ask yourself whether a dog is suitable for you.

Factors to consider include:

Do you have time for a dog? This includes:

• Supervision
• Training
• Exercise
• Attention.

If you have other pets, will they be compatible?

Can you afford a dog?

Vets advise that the average cost of owning a dog in its first year of life is about $1500.

If you are renting - check with your landlord first to make sure you are allowed to have a dog.

If you have children, you will need to spend extra time to ensure your children understand how to treat a dog. Young children should always be supervised around a dog of any age or size.

Local dog training contacts

Queanbeyan Dog Training Club  - 0414 252 765
RSPCA-ACT 1300 477 722
ACT Companion Dog Club Inc 6295 7764
Tuggeranong Dog Training 6293 4122
Belconnen Dog Obedience 6241 7999
Bark Busters 1800 067 710
Dogtech 6258 1377
Delta Society

Local puppy preschool contacts

RSPCA-ACT 1300 477 722
Queanbeyan Vet Hospital 6299 2509
West Queanbeyan Vet Hospital 6297 5542

Rules when in a public place

Make sure your dog is always on lead, unless in a designated off-lead area.

• Make sure your dog always wears a collar with an ID tag.
• Make sure you pick-up & remove your dog’s faeces from any public place.

Failure to do any of the above may result in being issued with a fine.

De-sexing

Breeding dogs is best left to registered breeders of purebred dogs.

Restricted breeds

Legislation in NSW has deemed certain breeds of dogs to be “Restricted”. In NSW it is illegal to buy, sell, re-home or breed restricted dogs. If you currently own one of these dogs you must conform to strict new laws in regards to keeping a restricted breeds. 

Restricted breeds include:

• Pit bull terrier or American pit bull
• Dogo Argentino or Argentinean Mastiff
• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Any cross-breed of the above breeds

8 ways to care for your pet

Pets can be great friends, companions and protectors. But dogs and cats depend on you to be a responsible owner.

1. Clean drinking water
2. Healthy food
3. De-sexing
4. Plenty of exercise, socialisation & training
5. Vaccination, worming & Vet care
6. Proper grooming
7. Micro-chipping
8. Registration with your local council