Being a responsible dog owner helps keep your dog safe, protects other people and animals, and contributes to a safe and enjoyable community.
From keeping your dog under control in public to meeting registration requirements, there are important responsibilities to understand. Find information below about dog ownership requirements, permits, impounded dogs and what to do if you can no longer care for your pet.
Dog ownership requirements
Under the Dog Act 1976, a dog may be declared dangerous if it attacks, shows a tendency to attack, or repeatedly rushes at, threatens or chases people or animals.
If your dog is declared dangerous, additional requirements and restrictions will apply to you as its owner. Modified penalties for offences relating to dangerous dogs are also doubled.
It is important to understand and comply with any requirements that apply to your dog.
Special requirements apply when owning a dog that is considered a dangerous dog (restricted breed). View the restricted breeds information sheet for details about restricted breeds and special requirements.
If you wish to keep more than two dogs at your property, you may need to apply for a three to six dog permit. These permits apply to people wishing to keep more than two dogs, up to a maximum of six.
Read the excess dog permit information sheet for eligibility criteria and requirements.
Apply for an excess dog permit
If you intend to operate a kennel or require a kennel licence, contact the City's Planning team to discuss your requirements.
Lost, impounded or surrendering a dog
If your dog is missing and you think it may have been impounded, contact the City's animal management facility as soon as possible.
City of Swan Animal Management Facility
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Phone: (08) 9267 9494
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Email: info@SwanAMF.com.au
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Address: 12 Midas Road, Malaga
Opening hours
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Monday to Friday: 9am to 3pm
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Saturday: 9am to 12pm, or by appointment
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Closed Sundays and public holidays
If your dog has been impounded, fees must be paid in full before it can be released. If your dog is unregistered, you must also register it before release.
A dog found wandering may also result in an infringement notice being issued.
If a dog is not claimed within the maximum period of seven days, it becomes the property of the City and may be disposed of in accordance with the applicable requirements.
All fees must be paid in full before impounded dogs are released from the City’s animal management facility. If your dog is unregistered, it must also be registered before it can be released.
Fees are available to view on the pound details page.
If you can no longer care for your dog, you can contact the City to discuss surrendering your pet.
The fee to surrender a dog is $165.
Before proceeding, read the animal surrender form and contact the City for information about the surrender process and requirements.