Before you rush to the pet shop to buy your new best friend, it’s a good idea to know what local laws you’ll need to abide by.

Most states in Australia have laws concerning the ownership of cats and dogs, and they can vary from state to state.

But registration of domestic cats and dogs with your local council is essential. Some councils may also require your pet to be microchipped, sterilised or desexed. You registration costs may be reduced for desexed and microchipped pets – ask your local council for more information.

Many councils will limit the number of dogs or cats over the age of three months you can have in your home, and will require your pets to have collars and name tags.

Another thing to keep in mind is your pet’s behaviour, especially in public. Dogs must be kept on a leash while in public, except at designated off-lead parks, and all dog droppings need to be picked up and disposed of.

It’s important that you know how to control your dog. If your dog is a nuisance barker, you may be issued a fine. If your dog attacks a person or another animal you will be issued a heavy fine. In serious attacks the council may remove your dog from your care.  

Some areas, particularly in rural and regional areas require cats to be kept indoors at night, to keep them from harming local wildlife.