New plan to support responsible pet ownership

THE City of Greater Geelong will commit to a list of actions over the next four years as it works to encourage responsible pet ownership in the region.

Council has adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 to support residents, cats and dogs to better live alongside each other.

The new plan will encourage and enable responsible pet ownership with increased education, promotion and support.

Some of the actions taken by the council will include:

A minimum of two new dog parks

Offer free dog and cat registration for the first year

Deliver a targeted campaign related to doggie etiquette in shared public spaces

Explore the delivery of a pet expo or event

Investigate the addition of a dedicated patrol and safety officer, depending on funding

A responsible pet ownership program in schools

Explore partnerships to help community members with low means or physical ability to build cat enclosures

Track where and how dog attacks are occurring

Deliver a targeted desexing drive to minimise the impact of unwanted litters, semi-owned and feral cats on Geelong Animal Welfare Society.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the Domestic Animal Management Plan aimed to ensure the wellbeing of animals in the region.

“Our pets are cherished family members who provide companionship, teach us responsibility and enrich our lives every day.

“As our population grows, so too will our community of pets, and that’s why we need clear plans to manage for our future pet paw-pulation.

“This plan promotes the benefits of responsible pet ownership, minimises the potential for pets to create a nuisance, protects wildlife, aims to reduce dog attacks and mitigates issues from roaming cats.”

The municipality has one of the largest animal populations in Victoria, with more than 35,000 registered dogs and over 10,400 registered cats.

Community engagement from March and April this year produced 761 submissions, which helped develop the new plan.

Key themes highlight a desire for more dog parks, easier nuisance complaint resolutions and a greater focus on education programs and promotions.

Cr Chris Burson and safety, graffiti and regulation portfolio chair thanked the community for their input.

“The feedback has given us direction on how we can best support members to be responsible pet owners.

“We’ve committed the city to complete a range of actions, initiatives and programs over the next four years and progress will be monitored and evaluated each year for the annual report.”

The plan also highlights the 33.5 per cent increase in service requests from the community since 2021-2022, including a significant spike in 2024-2025.

In 2024-2025 Animal Management officers responded to 7,689 requests, which included barking complaints, collections of animals with ID and both serious and non-serious dog attacks.

For more information and to view the full list of actions in the Domestic Animal Management Plan, head to geelongaustralia.com.au/pets/documents/item/8cb6afded41a3be.aspx