Attachment 1: from CT-GDL-023: Manage Pets (last
updated 19 September 2022)
4. Consider the following requirements for keeping a pet
A customer can keep a pet as long as:
the property is suitable for the type of pet proposed
ACT
Generally local councils require properties to have visitor access to the main
entrance of a property from the public footpath without coming into contact with a
dog.
Where fencing is inadequate for a specific pet the customer must provide an
alternative means of controlling their pet. For example, if they wish to keep a dog
but there is no fencing at the property, they may instead agree to keep the pet in a
kennel with an attached run or to keep the pet appropriately tied up.
Local council bylaws may also specify rules about minimum size of a yard for
INFORMATION
keeping pets. If the property does not meet the size requirements, the property is
not suitable for keeping the pet. These requirements often apply to the keeping of
livestock in urban areas.
the property is not subject to body corporate or lease rules that restrict pet
ownership
Where a body corporate does not have rules about pets, the customer’s pet can be
approved. However, if a pet disturbs the quiet enjoyment of other residents
(becomes a nuisance) then the body corporate committee can require the pet to be
removed.
having the pet at the property does not contravene local council bylaws
the dog is not classified as dangerous or menacing
Refer to the Dog Control Act 1996 -
Schedule 4 for a list of dogs classified as
dangerous and menacing. Other dogs can be classified as dangerous or menacing
by the local council based on their behavioural history.
the customer is not disqualified from owning a pet
Dog owners can be disqualified from owning pets under the Dog Control Act 1996
and/or Animal Welfare Act 1999. Disqualified pet owners cannot have a pet.
An owner can be classified as probationary and needs to take specific training set
RELEASED UNDER THE OFFICIAL
by the council in order to obtain a dog registration.
the pet is not one of the following prohibited animals:
o A pest as classified by the Ministry of Conservation
© Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities. This document has been developed by Kāinga Ora. Reproduction, adaptation or utilisation either
in part or in whole without the prior written consent of Kāinga Ora is prohibited.
Guideline for manage pets
CT-GDL-023 / Version 2
19 September 2022
Page 5 of 9
o A protected species under the Wildlife Act 1953
o An exotic, zoo or feral animal
o An animal kept for illegal purposes, for example, breeding and homing of
fighting dogs
there is no history of pet nuisances
o There has been no history of complaints about the specific pet being a
persistent and serious nuisance to neighbours or other people in the
community.
ACT
o Nuisance can include, but is not limited to barking, howling or other noise
nuisance, fouling on property causing a health risk, attracting vermin or
causing noxious odour, pet not kept under control, roaming, causing serious
damage to another person’s property, including a dog killing or injuring
another person’s pet.
o When staff and contractors visit the property by appointment the pet is
secured and is not a serious health and safety risk.
o The pet has not previously caused persistent and serious damage to the
property.
INFORMATION
the pet has not attacked a staff member, contractor, sub-contractor or other
person.
An attack includes biting, aggressively rushing or jumping at a staff member,
contractor, sub-contractor or other person.
OFFICIAL
THE
UNDER
RELEASED
Guideline for manage pets
CT-GDL-023 / Version 2
19 September 2022
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