Dogs
Dogs can provide great joy and companionship but comes with responsibility. You have a duty to ensure your dog is well cared for and does not negatively affect your neighbours or the community.
Good dog owners:
- Provide sufficient food and water
- Desex their dog
- Provide suitable shelter from the elements
- Play with their dog daily
- Complete obedience training and socialise their dog
- Exercise their dog daily
There are also some legal requirements such as:
- Registering your dog
- Renewing your registration each year
- Microchipping your dog
- Having an enclosure that prevents dogs from escaping
- Always walking your dog on a lead (unless in a dog off-leash area)
Subsidised desexing
Animal Welfare Cairns provides subsidised pet desexing vouchers for eligible pension and concession card holders.
If you are struggling to afford to desex your dog, contact AWC on 4051 4862 to discuss your options.
![](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0019/471115/rego.jpg)
Dog registration, renewal & change of details
All dogs in Cairns must be registered. You can register your pet online or at our Customer Service Centre. The number of dogs you can keep is based on the size of your property. Body Corporate approval may be required if you are renting.
![](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0011/471287/Lost-pets.jpg)
Lost pets
Missing your furry family friend? These cats and dogs are currently at the pound waiting for their owners.
![](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0015/471111/Attack.jpg)
Dog attacks
Council investigates more than 800 dog attacks each year. If you have been involved in a dog attack, call Council immediately on 1300 69 22 47, any time.
![](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0018/471114/Exercise.jpg)
Exercising & socialising your dog
When exercising your pet, make the right choice to protect your pet, yourself and your community.
![](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0016/471112/Barking.jpg)
Barking complaints
How to make a complaint about nuisance barking.
![](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0017/471113/Dangerous.jpg)
Dangerous & menacing dogs
Dogs that have been involved in serious dog attacks or incidents causing fear can be 'declared' with strict requirements on dog owners.
![](https://www.cairns.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0005/586346/AM-games-pointer.jpg)
Getting to know your dog
Find out about dog body language, track down dangerous items in a home and search for bugs that can make you and your pet sick, in these simple games for kids aged 5 to 11.
Last Updated: 11 December 2023
Latest News > All News
Queensland Budget delivers funding boost to Cairns water security
The Miles Government is strengthening water security for Cairns, using the recent state budget to increase funding toward the Cairns...
Council statement on recent media coverage
Council statement in response to recent media coverage on the appointment of the interim CEO....
Have your say on Cairns’ future aquatic facilities needs
Residents are being invited to provide their views on the future aquatic facility needs of the Cairns region....