Providing care and attention to our pets is only part of our responsibility. We also need to know our legal requirements and be considerate of others who share our public places.
Changes to cat management come into effect from 1 October 2025
Council has resolved to make municipal orders requiring all cats to be:
- contained to their property between the hours of 6pm and 8am
- desexed
- prohibited from waterways, riverine environments and certain major parks and gardens, unless under effective control by means of a purpose-built carrier, or harness and leash, and in the presence of their owner at all times. To see a list and maps of these parks and gardens, visit Cat containment.
Exemptions to mandatory desexing apply in some circumstances, such as if you are a registered breeder, member of an applicable organisation External link, or if your cat’s vet provides a valid medical reason they cannot be desexed. More information can be found on Desexing your cat or dog.
We've compiled some useful resources on how to keep your cat content while contained – find out more on Cat containment.
Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP 2026-29)
In April 2025, we consulted the community External link for feedback and ideas to help us develop our next DAMP 2026-29. Following the consultation, a draft plan will be presented the Future Melbourne Committee in mid-2025.
Further community consultation will take place before the final draft is presented to the Future Melbourne Committee for endorsement in September 2025.
Explore
Did you know?
If your neighbour asks you to stop your cat or dog from coming onto their property, you must do so. If your animal strays onto their land without permission more than once, it can be seized and you may be fined or prosecuted.
Here are some tips on considering your pet’s needs and keeping them safe during summer:
- The summer heat brings hot footpaths which can be painful for dogs to walk on. Try to walk in the shade and minimise the amount of time your dog spends on the hot concrete.
- Never leave your pet in the car. It is illegal to leave an animal in a vehicle for more than 10 minutes, or secure them on a metal ute tray or trailer when outside temperatures reach 28 degrees Celsius. Even with windows down
,or parked in shade, pets can be seriously injured and even die if left for a short time. If you notice a distressed dog in a car, please call Victoria Police on 000. Read more information from the RSPCA about dogs in hot cars External link. - Remember that pets can also become heat-stressed at home. Ensure they have access to plenty of fresh, cool water, shelter, food and toys to play with to keep them occupied. Read more tips from the RSPCA about seasonal changes and your pet External link.
- If you are visiting a fire-prone area, please ensure you have a plan for an emergency External link which includes your pets and be sure to plan ahead.
- Ensure your pet is wearing its registration tag and has up-to-date microchip details to help it be returned to you if lost. Also consider getting your metal registration disc engraved with your phone number on it. If you don’t have one, take our responsible pet owner quiz to receive a free metal registration disc.
Many domestic pets can become scared during fireworks displays and thunderstorms. Dogs are particularly at risk.
There are several ways that pet owners can lessen the chance of their dog becoming upset:
- bring dogs indoors if possible
- keep dogs calm by remaining calm yourself.
Make sure your pet is registered or microchipped and fully identifiable if they escape. If your pet has gone missing, please visit Lost and found animals to find out how you can be reunited with your pet.
Visit Fireworks and thunderstorms External link for more tips from the RSPCA.
For more suggestions, read information from the Victorian Government about Pets during fireworks and thunderstorms External link.
The Activities Local Law 2024 requires owners to collect and dispose of their dog’s waste responsibly and to always carry an appropriate container such as a plastic bag or pooper scooper.
Dog waste carries many diseases, so please pick up after your dog and keep our streets, parks and waterways clean.
The management of domestic pets is a statutory service provided by local government under the Domestic Animals Act 1994 External link. Under this Act, we are responsible for:
- protecting the community and environment from nuisance cats and dogs. See cat containment and barking dogs
- ensuring registration and identification of cats and dogs
- identifying and controlling dangerous, menacing and restricted breed dogs. See dog attacks
- registering domestic animal businesses and ensuring compliance with the codes of practice
- developing strategies for the future direction of animal management services.
Your pet can be seized if it is found wandering off your premises without its council identification tag.
More information
