Dog Ownership

Owning a dog is one of life’s great joys, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder encourages responsible dog ownership to ensure the wellbeing of pets and the safety of the community. Each year, Community Ranger Services responds to hundreds of calls about stray or nuisance dogs. Sadly, many of these dogs end up abandoned and must be rehomed or euthanised.

By following the City’s guidelines, you can provide your dog with a safe, healthy, and happy life while also meeting your legal obligations.

Responsibilities as a dog owner

Responsible dog ownership includes:

  • Registering your dog at 3 months of age and having proper collar tags at all times
  • Treating for life-threatening diseases (check with your local vet)
  • Feeding at least once a day, with freshwater available at all times
  • Providing adequate shade during the summer
  • Ensuring any chains used cannot entangle the animal or on any item within reach
  • Giving the animal at least half an hour of exercise daily, using a lead (unless in a gated dog exercise area)
  • Cleaning up any droppings the dog may excrete
  • Not mistreating it or training it to attack any person or animal
  • Having someone look after your dog when you go on holidays, and be responsible for any indiscretions of the animal
  • Assuring properties where dogs are housed has adequate and correct fencing to secure dogs

Any damages or injuries incurred are the responsibility of the owner or person-in-charge of the dog at the time—including veterinarian or doctor's fees—unless it can be proved that the dog was protecting a person, other animal or property.

Registering your dog

Registration is a legal requirement for all dogs over three months old. Before registering, your dog must be microchipped. Failure to register can result in a fine of at least $200.

Your dog must wear a collar displaying your name, address, and a valid registration tag. This simple step helps Rangers return your pet quickly if it escapes.

Online Registration Form  Hard Copy Registration Form  Update Pet Registration Details

Missing dogs

If your dog goes missing, the first step is to contact Community Rangers to check whether it has been impounded and submit a lost pet report form. It’s also a good idea to post on social media, notify local vets and radio stations, and place notices with community organisations. You should also check the City’s Animal Management Facility.

Rangers will attempt to contact you directly if your dog is wearing identification.

Lost Pet Report Form

How many dogs can I have per property?

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder allows residents to keep 2 registered dogs per property. To keep more dogs, a resident will need to apply for an exemption.

This involves obtaining an application form from the Animal Management Facility where you will be advised of the requirements of an exemption, or completing an online form. You will need to obtain the signatures of your nearest neighbours giving approval to keep more than 2 dogs. Once this is done, the Rangers will conduct a property inspection before approval is given.

Permission may be withdrawn if the additional dogs create ongoing problems.

Online Application Form

Impounded Dogs

Stray dogs captured by the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder will be held in the Animal Management Facility for a minimum of:

  • 7 days (if the dog has a tag, microchip or other ID)
  • 96 hours (if the dog has no identification)

After this period, the dog will become the property of the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

To claim a dog from the animal management facility, owners must:

  • Identify the dog during opening hours
  • Complete the necessary paperwork
  • Pay the required fees
  • Register the dog if not already registered
  • Present the receipt of payment to the Community ranger to release the dog

Dog Rehousal Program

The Dog Rehousal program aims to rehouse dogs that have been:

  • Unclaimed by owners after the minimum period (stated above)
  • Signed over to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

If interested in homing a dog from the Animal Management Facility, you must attend the facility in person during viewing hours to inspect the dog. Should there be an animal you are interested in rehoming, you can record your name and contact number as an expression of interest on the Impound Sheet. If the dog becomes available for adoption, you will be contacted and advised when the dog is available for pick up. The following will need to be completed before the dog can be collected:

  • Pay the required rehousing fee.
  • Register the dog with the City.
  • Prepay for microchip at a Veterinary Clinic.

Restricted Dog Breeds

Some breeds are restricted in Western Australia, including American Pit Bull Terriers, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, Japanese Tosas, and Perro de Presa Canarios, as well as pit bull-type mixes.

Owners of these breeds must follow strict controls, such as muzzling and leashing in public, using an approved dangerous dog collar, and confining the animal in a secured area with warning signs displayed.

Nuisance Dog Complaints

Where possible, the City encourages residents to resolve dog-related issues directly with their neighbours. If this is not successful, a Nuisance Dog Complaint Form can be lodged with Community Ranger Services. For barking complaints, a log of barking times must be kept for one week.

Rangers are authorised to investigate complaints, issue infringements, impound dogs, and prosecute owners where necessary.

Barking Dogs - RSPCA

Dog Attacks

Under the Dog Act 1976, an “attack” can include chasing or causing fear—not just biting. Owners are liable for all damages caused by their dogs and may face penalties of up to $20,000 or two years’ imprisonment.

To reduce the risk of attacks, always keep your dog on a leash in public, ensure it is properly socialised from a young age, and consider training classes. All attacks should be reported immediately to Community Ranger Services.

Dog Exercise Areas

The City provides a number of designated dog exercise areas where dogs may run off-leash. These spaces are designed to give dogs freedom while keeping the community safe.

When using these areas, dogs must remain under effective supervision at all times. Aggressive animals should be removed immediately, and owners are required to clean up after their pets. Dogs must also be leashed on arrival and departure.

City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder Dog Exercise Areas:

  • Norkal Park - Vivian Street - Reserve R40625
  • Gribble Creek - Area between Johnston, Kingsmill & Wittenoom Street Boulder - Reserve R32961
  • Gribble Creek - Area between Kalgoorlie Racecourse, Maxwell Street, Speculation Drive and Meldrum Avenue - Reserve R32961
  • Gribble Creek - Vivian Street (Bushland between Boulder Discovery Caravan Park and Goldfields Regional Prison) - Reserve R42303
  • Arboretum - Hawkins Street - Reserve R23840
  • Edwards Park - Piccadilly Street - Reserve R29137
  • Shepherdson Park - Piccadilly Street - Reserve R4557
  • Wallace Park (only between 5am-8am) - Collins Street - Reserve R11126
  • Dwyer Street Dam - Dwyer Street - R8149
  • Bushland between Eastern Bypass Rd, Lane Street and Goldfields Hwy
  • Rasmussen Park (excluding Children's Playground) - Hart Kerspien Drive - Reserve R49596

Animal Cruelty

If you see or know of someone who is being cruel to an animal, you need to contact the RSPCA on 1300 278 358.

An Animal Welfare Officer authorised under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 will act on the information received and investigate reports of sick, injured and neglected animals. If necessary, they will prosecute the offenders.

RSPCA Website

Animal Welfare Act 2002

Quick Links

RSPCA Knowledge Base - Dogs

Parvo Virus - RSPCA WA

Online Dog Registration Form

Dog Registration Form - Hard Copy

Barking Dogs - RSPCA

Online application for more than two dogs

Update pet registration details

Lost pet report form