Pet Care and Management

Choosing a pet

Deciding to become a pet owner requires considered thought and planning - all potential pet owners need to be sure they are really ready to take on the responsibility of owning a pet before going ahead and making a choice of breed of pet. More information is available from Council's Service Centres.

Dog management and care

As a responsible dog owner you should:

• exercise your dog daily
• clean up after your dog
• have your dog de-sexed if it is not intended for breeding
• ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date
• ensure the dog is unable to escape from your yard
• ensure your dog is under effective control in public (on lead)
• register your dog with Council  

Cat management and care

As a responsible cat owner you should:

• keep your cat confined between dusk and dawn
• have your cat de-sexed if it is not intended for breeding
• ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date
• provide your cat with a healthy varied diet
• register your cat with Council

Children and pets

Dogs and children have a very special bond. Dogs can provide children with companionship and loyal friendship and in return children can provide their dog with affection and endless opportunities for activity and interaction.

Young children who are bitten by dogs most often know the dog - it's either their own, a friend's or a neighbour's dog. More often than not, these bites occur in and around their own homes.

Dogs and young children should always be supervised. Teach your child the Do's and Don'ts:

• Don't approach a strange dog without permission from the owner
• Do approach a dog slowly with the back of the hand extended
• Do curl your fingers and allow the dog to sniff
• Do stroke the dog gently on the chest, shoulder or under the chin
• Don't approach dogs that are sleeping or eating
• Do stand still like a fence post if approached by a strange dog
• Don't squeal or jump
• Do avoid eye contact with the dog

Codes of Practice

The Victorian Government has introduced two codes of practice for private owners of dogs and cats, to provide guidance for standards of care of your pet.  Further information on the codes can be found at the Department of Primary Industries web site.

Deceased animals

If your animal is deceased or you move house, you should advise Council so that the animal can be taken off our files.

If you find a deceased animal on Council property, you should contact the Depot for pick up on 1300 88 22 33.