Keeping a dog is rewarding, but it also comes with responsibilities. Find out how many dogs you can keep on your property, what to do if you're breeding dogs, training, microchipping, desexing, barking dogs and what to do if a dog is lost of found.
Owning more than one dog
In the City of Mitcham, you can keep up to two dogs on a residential property or up to three dogs on a rural property without a permit.
If you'd like to keep more dogs than this, you'll need a Multiple Dog Permit. When assessing your application, we'll consider:
- The size of your property
- The condition and suitability of fencing
- The care and welfare of the dogs
- Potential impacts on neighbours, including noise
Apply for a permit if you have more than two dogs
If you have more than two dogs over the age of three months on your property, you'll need our permission.
Download a Multiple Dog Permit application form
If you don't tell us, the maximum penalty is $320, with an expiation fee of $80. You may also receive a continuing offence penalty of $50 every 14 days that the offence continues.
Breeding your dog
If you breed dogs or cats for sale, you must register as a breeder with the Dog and Cat Management Board.
Breeder registration helps improve animal welfare and supports responsible breeding practices across South Australia.
Register your breeder details with the Dog and Cat Management Board
Advertising requirements
If you're advertising puppies or kittens for sale in South Australia, you must include your breeder registration number in all advertisements.
This helps buyers identify responsible breeders and supports animal welfare across the state.
Find out about advertising requirements.
For more information about responsible pet ownership, visit the Dog and Cat Management Board website.
Train your dog
Training helps your dog learn household rules, develop good manners and build positive behaviours.
Puppies should begin learning basic manners as soon as they arrive home. Consistent training can help prevent unwanted behaviours and make everyday activities easier and more enjoyable.
Consider joining a local obedience club where qualified trainers can help you develop your dog's skills. Training classes also provide valuable opportunities for socialisation with other dogs and people.
Microchip your dog
Dogs must be microchipped by the time they are 12 weeks old.
Microchipping helps reunite lost pets with their owners and is a legal requirement in South Australia.
Your veterinarian can microchip your dog, or you can visit Chipblitz to learn about discounted microchipping days.
Desex your dog
Dogs born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by the time they turn six months old, or within 28 days of becoming your dog.
Working livestock dogs and dogs owned by registered breeders may be exempt, but they must still be microchipped.
If you're unsure whether an exemption applies, contact the Dog and Cat Management Board.
Manage your dog's barking
Barking is a normal way for dogs to communicate. However, excessive barking can disturb neighbours and may indicate that your dog is bored, anxious or not getting enough exercise or enrichment.
You can help reduce excessive barking by:
- Making sure your dog gets enough daily physical exercise and mental stimulation
- Identifying and reducing triggers, such as people walking past or loud noises
- Using positive reinforcement training to teach a "quiet" cue
- Seeking advice from a qualified dog trainer or veterinarian if barking continues
Understanding and addressing the cause of barking is the most effective way to achieve lasting results.
Watch our webinar to learn why dogs bark and get simple tips to help your dog feel calmer, quieter and more at ease.
Making a noise complaint
If you're affected by a barking dog, we encourage you to speak with the owner first. They may not be aware their dog is causing a disturbance.
If you're not comfortable approaching your neighbour, you can use our Dear Neighbour barking dog letter as a first step.
If the issue continues, you can lodge a formal complaint with us. You'll need to complete a barking dog log sheet for seven days, followed by a further seven days if the issue continues after our initial intervention.
Keep your dog securely confined
Keeping your dog safely confined protects them, other animals and the wider community.
Dogs must be securely contained within your property at all times unless they are on a lead in a public place.
Good confinement includes:
- Secure fencing with no gaps, holes or weak points
- Gates that self-close and latch correctly
- Supervising your dog when outdoors, particularly in unfenced areas
Safe confinement helps prevent wandering, road accidents and incidents involving people or other animals.
Pick up after your dog
Cleaning up after your dog helps keep our streets, parks and reserves clean and enjoyable for everyone. It also helps prevent the spread of disease and protects the environment.
When walking your dog, remember to:
- Carry dog waste bags with you
- Dispose of waste in a rubbish bin
- Use dedicated dog waste bins where available
Failing to pick up after your dog may result in a fine.
It's a simple habit that makes a big difference to our community.
Find free dog poo bag dispensers near you
Lost or found dogs
If your dog goes missing, or you've found a stray dog, acting quickly gives the best chance of a successful reunion.
If you've lost your dog
If your dog is missing:
- Check your property and surrounding streets
- Call us on 1300 133 466 and your local veterinary clinics
- Post details in lost pet community groups and online lost pet databases
- Make sure your dog's registration and microchip details are up to date
If you've found a dog
If you've found a dog:
- Safely contain the dog if it is safe to do so
- Check for a collar, registration disc or identification tag
- Call us on 1300 133 466
A Community Safety Officer can scan the dog for a microchip and help locate the owner.
Can I keep a dog I've found?
No. If you've found a dog, you cannot keep it without following the legal process.
All found dogs must be reported to the City of Mitcham. We are required to make reasonable efforts to reunite the dog with its owner before any rehoming options can be considered.
If you've found a dog, please contact us as soon as possible so we can help return it home safely.