Dogs are welcome in many parks and reserves across the City of Mitcham, but different rules apply in different locations. Find out where dogs must be on a leash, where dogs are not permitted and where you can visit our dedicated dog park.

Dog leash and control rules

When you're in a public place, including roads, streets and footpaths, your dog must be on a lead no longer than two metres.

In parks and reserves where dogs are permitted off leash, your dog must remain under effective control by voice command and stay within your sight at all times.

If your dog is found wandering at large, penalties may apply.

Find dog control areas

Use the Dog Control Map to find dog-free areas, on-leash areas and locations where dogs can exercise off leash.

Understanding dog control signs

In all other parks and reserves, dogs must remain under effective control by voice command or physical restraint unless signs state otherwise.

Dogs must be on a lead when on roads, streets and footpaths unless signage indicates otherwise.

You may see the following signs at reserve entrances and along pathways:

Dogs On-Leash Area Sign No Dogs Allowed
 Dogs on Leash

Please follow the instructions on all dog control signs. Failure to comply may result in an expiation notice.

If your dog is a nuisance, penalties may apply.

Dog control areas

Dog free areas

Dogs are not permitted in the following locations at any time:

  • the enclosed playground area of Apex Park Reserve
  • the enclosed playground area of Bailey Reserve playground
  • the fenced soccer pitch of Bailey Reserve
  • Barrans Reserve
  • the enclosed playground area of Blackwood Hill Oval
  • Crozier Reserve
  • Denman Reserve
  • Goodale Reserve
  • Kingswood Oval
  • Portland Place
  • the enclosed playground area of Price Memorial Oval
  • the enclosed playground area of Rozelle Reserve

On leash areas

Dogs must be kept on a leash in the following locations:

  • the portion of Apex Park Reserve (north of Watahuna Avenue)
  • Burbank Reserve
  • Donald Reserve
  • Haddington Reserve
  • Hillview Penang Reserve
  • Keith W Pearson Reserve
  • Mitcham Reserve
  • Nunyara Reserve (Thompson Playground)
  • Riverside Drive Reserve
  • Strathcona Reserve
  • Waverley Street Reserve

Additional on leash restrictions

Locations with additional on leash restrictions:

Bailey Reserve

Dogs must be on a leash on a portion of the reserve, excluding the fenced soccer pitch, at all times whenever organised sport or official training is underway.

CC Hood Reserve

Dogs must be on a leash except:

  • 1 April to 31 October, 7am to 9am and 5pm to 8pm daily
  • 1 November to 30 March, 7am to 9am and 6:30pm to 9:30pm daily

Naomi Reserve

Dogs must be on a leash between 10am and 5pm daily.

Price Memorial Oval

Dogs must be on a leash between 11am and 4pm daily and whenever organised sport is taking place.

Dogs near playgrounds and fitness equipment

Dogs must be on a leash within 10 metres of playgrounds and outdoor fitness equipment.

This applies at:

  • Alexander Ross Reserve
  • Archibald Reserve
  • Avenue Road Reserve
  • Balham Reserve
  • Batchelor Reserve
  • Birksgate Reserve
  • Delwood Reserve
  • Donnybrook Reserve
  • Francis Reserve
  • Godden Reserve
  • Hewett Sports Ground
  • Highfield Reserve
  • Jackson Reserve
  • Karinya Reserve
  • Kegworth Reserve
  • Kent Reserve
  • Manson Oval
  • Marion Reserve
  • McElligotts Quarry
  • Meadowbank Reserve
  • Mead Crescent Reserve
  • Monalta Reserve
  • Netherby Reserve
  • Norman Reserve
  • Ossie Goldsworthy Reserve
  • Pasadena Reserve
  • Piazza Reserve
  • Sherwood Reserve
  • Sierra Nevada Reserve
  • Suffolk Reserve
  • Thiselton Reserve
  • Thurles Reserve
  • Waite Reserve
  • Whicker Reserve
  • Woodlake Reserve

Mortlock Park restrictions

At Mortlock Park, Colonel Light Gardens, dogs must be on a leash when they are:

  • Within 20 metres of the BMX track
  • Within 20 metres of playground equipment
  • Within 20 metres of organised sporting or school activities within licensed areas

Dedicated dog park

Dedicated dog parks give dogs a safe place to exercise, socialise and explore off leash. They can also provide valuable physical exercise, mental stimulation and opportunities to practise training in a new environment.

While many dogs enjoy visiting dog parks, they're not suitable for every dog. Consider your dog's age, temperament and comfort around other dogs before visiting

Watch our top ten tips for enjoying dog parks.

CC Hood Reserve dedicated dog parks

Located in Panorama, CC Hood Reserve features two purpose built off-leash dog parks, with separate areas for small and large dogs.

The fully enclosed parks allow dogs to exercise, play and socialise in a secure environment.

The parks include:

  • Shelters
  • Bench seating
  • Water dispensers
  • Rubbish bins
  • Dog poo bag dispensers
  • Dog play equipment, including rails, posts and pipes

You can access the park from:

  • Eliza Place and Springbank Road
  • Fiveash Drive and Grandview Drive

Before visiting, make sure your dog is comfortable around other dogs and remains under effective control.