Lead the Way: Positive pet ownership in our City

Dogs and cats bring joy, companionship and warmth to thousands of households in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters—with more than 3,000 furry friends calling our community home.

Being a responsible pet owner not only ensures the comfort, happiness and wellbeing of your pet, but also contributes to a safer, healthier and more enjoyable environment for everyone.

Keep your pet registered and identifiable

Annual dog registration is a legislative requirement under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 and, most importantly, helps the Council reunite lost pets with their families.

Registrations must be renewed online through the state-wide database Dogs & Cats Online by 31 August each year.

In addition to registration, microchipping is mandatory for all dogs and cats in South Australia.

Microchips store vital contact information that vets, shelters and Councils can access to return lost pets quickly and safely.

It’s crucial to keep your contact details up to date—especially if you move house or change phone numbers.

 

Desexing: A healthy and responsible choice

All dogs and cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed once they are old enough.

While it’s not legally required for pets born before that date, desexing is strongly recommended.

It can improve your pet’s health and behaviour and it helps prevent unwanted litters.

Some exemptions to the desexing requirement may apply—check with your vet for details.

 

Out and about: safe and fun pet adventures

The City offers 10 designated off-leash areas in local parks and reserves where dogs can enjoy some freedom.

However, whether you’re in an off-leash zone or not, your dog must always be under effective control.

This means using a leash no longer than two metres in public areas and maintaining voice control in off-leash zones.

Always keep your dog within sight and close proximity.

Back at home, make sure your property is secure. Suitable fencing helps prevent your dog from wandering, reducing the risk of injury or distress to your pet and others.

 

A cleaner community for all

Cleaning up after your dog is not only courteous—it’s a requirement under the law.

To help you do this sustainably, the Council has introduced certified compostable dog poo bags in all parks and reserves.

Made from fully compostable corn starch, these eco-friendly bags are a greener alternative to traditional plastic options.

Look for the compostable certification seed symbol to make sure you’re using the right bag.

Compostable dog poo bags can be disposed of in the green kerbside bin.

If you can’t take the bag home, please dispose of it in one of the outdoor bins provided.

 

Lead the way today

By registering, microchipping, desexing, controlling and cleaning up after your pets, you’re leading the way in creating a pet-friendly community.

Together, we can ensure that the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters remains a safe, healthy and welcoming place for all creatures—two-legged and four-legged alike!

Find out more, visit: Dog and Cat Ownership