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Dogs in the Parklands
Dogs are welcome in the Parklands. People use the Parklands for different reasons. We ask dog walkers to be considerate of others and make sure dogs are under control at all times.
There are regulations for dogs in the Parklands to make sure dogs do not compromise safety in areas where there are horses, cars, cyclists, children or sporting activities. They also help protect the Parklands' animals, plants, ponds and heritage items. The rules are legally enforceable. You can be fined on the spot for breaking them.
Click here to see the Dogs in the Parklands brochure, which outlines your responsibilities as a dog owner and has a map of the Parklands showing on-leash, off-leash and prohibited areas.
Cats must be on a lead at all times when in the Parklands.
The Companion Animals Act
The Companion Animals Act (1998) introduced new standards of care for dogs and cats, as well as regulations aimed at promoting public health and safety. To meet the requirements of the Act and to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for park users, the Trust revised its dog policy and regulations. Following considerable public consultation, these have been updated and are explained in the brochure, Dogs in the Parklands.
Under the Companion Animals Act, a dog that is in a public place must be under effective control by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash. It must also wear a collar with its name and the name and contact details of its owner. The Act prohibits dogs from a range of areas for public health and safety reasons. The Trust, as a local authority under the Act, is able to declare additional areas off-leash, on-leash or prohibited.
Click here to find out more about the Companion Animals Act.
CARG
To provide input into the process and outcomes of the regulation review the Trust convened the Companion Animals Reference Group (CARG). CARG is made up of representatives of the community including professional and private dog walkers, council staff, the RSPCA, WIRES, the Eastern Suburbs Dog Training Club, Parklands staff and Rangers, the Community Consultative Committee and other Park users.
Click here to read the Companion Animals Reference Group Terms of Reference
Federation Valley
Federation Valley remains an off-leash area. However dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of Federation Pavilion, as marked by the stone circle in the lawn.
The Dog Walkers and Professional Pet Minders Association Incorporated (DAPPA) has agreed not to walk dogs in Federation Valley to help minimise the impacts of over-use of the Valley.
Useful Contacts
Dog-training clubs are helpful not only for training puppies but also for re-training older dogs, and socialising dogs. The Eastern Suburbs Dog Training Club meets weekly in Centennial Park and can be contacted on 0412 645 154.
For more information on professional dog walkers click here to visit the DAPPA website.
For help with sick or injured wild life visit the following websites: Wildlife and Information Rescue Service (WIRES) or the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
If you have lost your dog, or would like to adopt one, visit Sydney Dogs Home or call (02) 9587 9611.
Local Councils also provide information on owning a dog, click on a link below:
Woollahra Council
