Dogs play an important role in our community providing companionship and security. But when dogs are not cared for they can have a negative impact on residents, neighbourhoods and our environment. It is therefore up to each dog owner to be responsible and look after their four-legged friend.
This means:
Providing sufficient food and water
Desexing yourdog
Providing suitable shelter from the elements
Playing with your dog daily
Completing obedience training and socialising your dog
Exercising your dog daily
There are also some legal requirements such as:
Registering your dog
Renewing the registration each year
Microchip your dog
Only have two dogs per property, or apply for a permit to have more
Have an enclosure that prevents dogs from escaping
Dogs are generally welcome in Cairns, however there are some notable exceptions, such as cemeteries, sporting grounds, inside the stinger nets, popular swimming holes, the Cairns Lagoon and CBD. More
Unfortunately there is a significant number of unwanted cats and dogs in the region due to unwanted litters. In Cairns you may have one litter per pet every three year without a permit. Additional litters require you to have a breeder's permit. More
Dog attacks are 100% preventable. You can play your part by being a responsible dog owner. More
Keeping of cats
You must have a permit if you wish to keep more than two cats on your allotment or premises. Permit application forms are available from Council offices or in Related Documents at right.
Be a responsible cat owner and keep your cat securely in your home at night so that it cannot get into fights with other cats, get runover, or hunt wildlife. Also remember to desex and microchip your pet at an early age.
