Responsible Pet Ownership
As a responsible pet owner, you should:
- ensure your pets are sterilised, microchipped and registered.
- keep your dogs under control and on a leash in public areas, and carry bags suitable for picking up after your dog.
- keep your cat indoors at night to make sure it doesn't harm native wildlife or cause a nuisance to neighbours.
- keep your dog walked and entertained so it does not become a nuisance.
- comply with additional requirements if you own a restricted breed of dog or a dangerous dog.
Useful information for pet owners
Cat Curfew
Following extensive community consultation, Council endorsed the introduction of a cat curfew that will begin 1 July 2026.
The curfew requires cats to be contained between 7pm and 7am. Council recognises this may take time to adjust to, particularly for cats used to roaming at night.
Our focus will be on supporting residents during the transition with information, practical tips and resources. Please visit the Cat Curfew page for more information.
Codes of practice for keeping cats and dogs
Codes of practice reflect the views and values held by Victorians with respect to the care of animals. Codes are made under the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
Codes of Practice are intended to provide the minimum standards of accommodation, management and care appropriate to the physical and behavioural requirements of cats and dogs.
All pet owners must also comply with:
Fireworks and storm anxiety care
Helping your pet during fireworks and storms
Loud noises like fireworks and thunderstorms can be frightening for pets. A little preparation can help them feel safer and calmer.
Before the noise starts
Exercise can help reduce anxiety, especially for dogs. Taking your dog for a long walk beforehand may help them settle more easily.
If your pet will be indoors:
- Turn on the radio or television to help mask outside noise
- Close curtains or blinds and leave lights on to reduce flashing lights
- Stay calm and act as you normally would – pets often take cues from their owners
- Avoid excessive fussing, as this can reinforce anxious behaviour.
Keep pets secure
Make sure dogs and cats are safely confined to your property at all times.
Pets that escape may become injured, lost or stressed. Pets found wandering may be taken to the Lost Dogs Home, and fines may apply. If your pet is identifiable, you will be contacted so they can be returned home.
Identification and microchipping
Microchips help to quickly identify pets and contact owners. Make sure your contact details are up to date with the microchip registry.
Pets should also wear visible identification, such as a council registration tag.
Microchipping
All newly registered cats and dogs must be microchipped. Pets previously registered with another Council must also be microchipped before applying for registration in the City of Maribyrnong.
Microchipping is the simple and painless process of injecting a silicon chip, the size of a grain of rice, under the skin and between the shoulder blades of your pet. Microchipping significantly increases your chances of being reunited with a lost pet. Each microchip contains a 15 digit number that corresponds with the owner's contact details.
Sterilising
Fertile cats and dogs are the cause of most pet nuisance problems. If you have your pet sterilised you can help solve the problem of unwanted pets.
Enquire with your local vet for current costs of sterilisation procedures.
Summer pet safety
To keep them safe during summer months, your pet needs:
- cool, shady areas in your house or backyard
- cool drinking water - try some ice blocks in their water bowl
- pet sunscreen is available for pink noses prone to sunburn
- up to date flea and tick treatments
- walks in the early morning or evening to avoid burning their paws
Pets die in hot cars
During warmer months, leave your pet at home rather than alone in a car.
Cars heat up very quickly, even on mild days. It takes less than 6 minutes for an animal to suffer severe heat exhaustion in a car and die.