What we're asking ┃ Pets by numbers ┃ Animal management requirements ┃ Download draft ┃ Have your say ┃ Contact us

Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29

Pets are very important to the people of Boroondara and Council supports responsible pet ownership that protects pets, their owners and the wider community. Our draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-29 guides City of Boroondara’s approach to managing cats and dogs in our community.

All councils must have a Domestic Animal Management Plan and it must be reviewed every 4 years. The plan supports the community, pet owners and domestic animal businesses to manage the health, safety, welfare and wellbeing of pets and people too.

What we’re asking the community

We’re asking residents, pet owners, vets, pet shops and other animal management organisations for input that can help inform the 2026-29 plan. Specifically, we want to hear about your experience of pet ownership, management, pet safety, welfare and community wellbeing.

Feedback we receive will also help us determine whether Council needs to provide more education opportunities to the community about domestic animal management.

Share your thoughts with us

Provide your feedback on the draft plan by 5 pm on Monday 18 August 2025:


Boroondara pets by the numbers


Aspects of animal management requirements in Boroondara


  • Effective control

    Effective control means you need to always:

    • have your dog on a lead except in designated off-lead areas
    • be able to recall your dog and place it on a lead, if necessary, when in a designated off-lead area.


    Even in off-lead areas, you must have your dog on a lead:

    • within 30 metres of sports games, picnics or barbecues
    • within 10 metres of a children’s playground area.


    Dogs are not allowed in playground areas.

    Report dogs that you see are not under effective control by calling us on 9278 4444.

  • Dog attacks

    If you know a dog that is aggressive or has attacked a person or animal, please call us on 9278 4444 and tell us what happened.

    While many dog attacks, including serious ones, are not reported to Council doing so allows us to educate the dog owner. In some cases, we may prosecute the owner. It almost never results in the dog being euthanised.

    In 2024, we were able to prosecute 9 owners for serious injury (6 on an animal, 3 on a person) and 2 for non-serious injury caused by dog attacks in 2024.

  • Nuisance dogs and cats – and birds

    Pet dogs, cats and birds are not allowed to cause a nuisance to other properties, under our Amenity Local Law and under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

    ‘Nuisance’ can include noise, smell, damage, harm to wildlife or trespassing.

    If you’re having trouble with your neighbour’s pet, talking to them first can help them realise their pet is upsetting you.

    If you report a nuisance pet to us, we can take a variety of actions that we can assist you with.

    Find out more: Nuisance animals 

Download the draft plan ⇣


Have your say