New laws came into effect on 1 July 2018 in South Australia

• Mandatory microchipping of cats and dogs (for information on exemptions please see https://dogandcatboard.com.au/dogs/microchipping)
• De-sexing of dogs and cats born after the 1 July 2018
• New rules for breeders who sell dogs and cats
• Introduction of a centralised state-wide database, called Dogs and Cats Online (DACO).

The Dog and Cat Management Board is responsible for overseeing the administration and enforcement of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995.

Further information regarding dog and cat laws and the Board itself may be found at www.dogandcatboard.com.au or call (08) 8124 4962.

Dog and cat registration renewal notices are sent out in July.  Renewal notices will be sent for both dogs and cats however, there is no registration fee for cats.

If you are a pet owner and have selected SMS or email as your preferred method to receive renewal notices, please keep an eye on your phone and emails.

As lifetime discs were issued to pets in July 2018 no new discs will be sent this year.

Please keep your details and your dog’s details up to date online at www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au particularly if you have a new pet, no longer have a dog or have changed address.

Replacement Registration Discs

Replacement dog registration discs can be purchased for $10.00 from DACO at www.dogsandcatsonline.com.au or you can purchase your own metal disc, tag or badge from a retailer of your choice and have it engraved with your dog’s permanent registration number.

All dogs must be registered by the age of three (3) months and all dogs must be registered by 31 August annually.

Dog owners are responsible for registering their dog(s) and keeping their details up to date online at DACO, dogsandcatsonline.com.au.  If you require assistance, please contact Council’s customer service staff either by telephone on 8269 5355 or visit our office at 128 Prospect Road, Prospect.

From 1 September a late payment fee for unregistered dogs will apply (in addition to the applicable dog registration fee). A $170 fine applies for keeping an unregistered dog.

Dog Registration Fees 2023-2024

Standard Dog - $44.00 Non-Concession ($22.00 Concession)

Non-Standard Dog - $88.00 Non-Concession ($44.00 Concession)

Puppy under 6 months of age - $44.00 (Concession and Non-Concession)

First year of registration for rescue dogs (obtained from the Animal Welfare League, RSPCA or any licenced animal rescue centre) – FREE

Veterinary certificates of desexing and evidence of microchipping will also be required in order to claim the discount.

Concessions

Concession card holders may be eligible for a 50% discount.  Evidence of concession cards must be provided to claim concessions. These details will be verified upon entering them into DACO.

All dogs in public places must be held on a leash not more than two metres long.

There are however certain areas within City of Prospect where dogs may be exercised off-leash, including a dedicated fenced dog park at Broadview Oval where dogs can exercise in the safety of an enclosure.  There are also other parks and reserves where dogs can be off-leash between certain times so long as they are under ‘effective control’.

Off-leash areas are available between 5-8am and 5-9pm at the following locations:

• Broadview Oval - 26 Collingrove Avenue, Broadview
• Prospect Gardens/ Narnu Wirra Reserve (west side lawn area) - West Terrace, Nailsworth
• Pash Reserve - 31-33 Derlanger Avenue, Collinswood
• Percy Street Reserve - 65 Percy Street, Prospect
• Memorial Gardens - 1 Menzies Crescent, Prospect
• St Helens Park - 39 Prospect Road, Prospect
• Prospect Estate - 286 Prospect Road, Prospect
• Irish Harp Reserve - 350 Regency Road, Prospect
• Cane Oval/Parndo Yerta - 104-120 Churchill Road, Prospect

Plenty of dog owners don't know what to expect, how to behave, or if their dog could cope in a dog park. The Dog and Cat Management Board have produced this video with 10 tips to help them understand some of the common obstacles.

For information from the RSPCA concerning teaching position methods for all dogs, please refer to their list of force-free trainers https://www.rspcasa.org.au/the-issues/force-free-dog-trainers/

We’ve installed two Doggie Dunnies in popular dog walking areas.

These bins, which are manufactured in Australia, are specifically designed for the disposal of dog waste in compostable bags, providing dog walkers an environmentally friendly method for the disposal of their pet’s waste. The green compostable bags are provided through our parks and reserves. The contents of the bins are sent for composting rather than ending up in landfill, which is better for the environment and saves Council money as it is 85% cheaper to compost materials.

Dog owners can dispose of dog waste in one of the Doggie Dunnies. If you’re at home, dog waste can be placed in your green organics bin, along with your food and garden organics. If you are using a bag in a green bin, make sure its compostable.

Click here to see how the Doggie Dunnies work.

RSPCA South Australia are currently developing an app to help people locate pet-friendly venues and locations in South Australia.

To read more about the app you can head here www.rspcapetstop.com

Council permission is required to keep more than two dogs on a house property or one dog in a flat, townhouse or unit.

Download an application form: Dogs - Keeping More Than Two Application

Barking is a normal part of a dog’s behaviour and they might bark for various reasons including being happy, excited, anxious or bored. The RSPCA have some great information on how to enrich your dog’s life which could assist in alleviating stress, boredom and anxiety at https://dogandcatboard.com.au/dogs/barking

For information from the RSPCA concerning teaching position methods for all dogs, please refer to their list of force-free trainers at https://www.rspcasa.org.au/the-issues/force-free-dog-trainers/

Sometimes, however, a dog’s barking can be a problem for neighbours. For more information on managing your dog's barking, please visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website at https://dogandcatboard.com.au/dogs/barking

Download a complaint form: Dog Barking Complaint