The City of Adelaide is currently updating its Dog and Cat Management Plan to cover the period 2026–2030. This is a requirement under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, which states that all councils in South Australia must prepare a plan to guide how dogs and cats are managed in their area.

This plan helps ensure a balanced approach to pet ownership that supports community safety, protects public spaces and wildlife and responds to the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners. We are keen to understand community feedback to ensure the plan is practical, fair, and reflective of local values.

Why is Council updating the Dog and Cat Management Plan?

Under Section 26A of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995, all councils are required to develop a Dog and Cat Management Plan every five years. The Draft Dog and Cat Management Plan 2026–2030 has been developed to reflect community needs, emerging issues and current best practices in animal management.

What does the Dog and Cat Management Plan do?

The Plan sets out Council’s approach to managing dogs and cats in the City of Adelaide. It covers issues like dog and cat registration, community safety and nuisance management, and aims to balance the needs of pet owners, the broader community and the environment.

This Plan does not review or propose changes to on-leash and off-leash areas

Will there be any major changes?

At this stage, no major changes are proposed. However, existing legislation, regulations and approaches are being reviewed using available data and community feedback. Any proposed changes will be outlined in the draft Plan and will be open for community input..

Do the same dog and cat rules apply to all housing types, including apartments?

Yes. The same requirements apply to all residents, regardless of whether they live in a house, townhouse or apartment.

When will the new Plan take effect?

The final Plan is expected to come into effect in July 2026.