Be a Responsible Pet Owner

In Townsville, all dogs must be registered and cats require approval. For more information, visit Animal Registration and Legislation.

All dogs and cats are required to be microchipped before 12 weeks of age.

Need to get your pet Microchipped? Contact your local vet clinic to arrange a Microchipping appointment.

Top tip: Once microchipped, keep your microchipping number handy, you will need this when registering your pet! Always remember to update any change of details with your microchipping company.

Did you know that desexing your pet has many benefits? It can improve their health, reduce behavioural problems (such as roaming), prevent unwanted litters, and can even increase their lifespan.

To get your pet desexed contact your local veterinary (VET) clinic.

When out and about dog walkers must ensure their dogs are effectively controlled.

A person who is responsible for a dog has effective control if:

• The person is physically able to control the dog.

• The person is holding the dog using a leash, lead or other restraining device.

• The dog is securely tethered to a fixed object and under constant supervision.

• The dog is kept in an appropriate temporary enclosure that restricts the dog's movement and is under continuous supervision of the person.

• The dog is being confined or tethered in, or on, a vehicle in a way that prevents that dog from moving any part of its body beyond the vehicle.

• The dog is under your continuous supervision and control using voice commands when:

  • In an off-leash area.

  • Being shown at an exhibition or a race.

  • Acting as a working dog, a dog working for a government organisation, or a security patrol dog.

It is also important to ensure that pets are friendly and not aggressive towards people or other animals.

Council understands the importance of exercising and socialising your dog and has provided a number of designated "off-leash" areas across Townsville where responsible dog owners can safely exercise their dogs. For more information, visit Off-Leash Areas - Townsville City Council

For your pet's safety, it's important to have a secure enclosure at home that prevents them from escaping or roaming freely. Remember, owners or the responsible person, should take steps to prevent others from accidentally letting their pet out, for example keeping gates locked or taking other reasonable precautions.

Did you know providing your pet exercise can have many benefits? It can help to keep them happy, reduce behavioural problems, strengthen your bond and keep them fit and healthy.

Owners or the responsible person should make every effort to regularly exercise their pets. When exercising your pet in a public space, remember your requirement to provide effective control and pick up after them.