Published on Friday, 4 July 2025 at 2:59:01 PM

The Shire of Dardanup is reminding residents that responsible pet ownership plays a vital role in keeping pets safe — and out of the pound.

With several pets currently being housed at the Bunbury Animal Management Facility Rangers say many of these situations could have been prevented through basic pet owner responsibilities such as registration, containment, microchipping, and proper control in public spaces.

Owning a dog is a rewarding experience, but it also comes with obligations to ensure your pet is not a nuisance to others and doesn’t end up lost or impounded.

How you can be a responsible pet owner in the Shire of Dardanup:

🐾 Register your pet
All dogs over the age of three months and cats aged from six months must be registered with the Shire. This ensures Rangers can quickly contact you and return your pet if they are found.

🐾 Microchip your pet
This helps our Rangers contact you when your pet is found. Make sure your update your information if it changes (i.e. contact number and address).

🐾 Sterilise your pet
This helps reduce the number of unwanted animals in the community and can improve your pet’s health and behaviour.

🐾 Secure your property
Make sure your fencing is secure to prevent your pet from wandering. Pets found roaming can be impounded, even if they’re friendly.

🐾 Keep your dog on a leash
Dogs must be on a lead in public areas unless in a designated off-leash zone. This keeps both your pet and others safe.

🐾 Prevent nuisance behaviours
Excessive barking or aggression can cause distress to neighbours. Early training and socialisation can help avoid these issues.

🐾 Clean up after your dog
Always carry waste bags when walking your dog and dispose of droppings in the bin.

The Shire’s Rangers regularly collect dogs found wandering in Eaton, Millbridge, Dardanup, and surrounding areas. Without registration or microchip details, reuniting them with their owners can take longer – or may not be possible.

Residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to check that their dog’s registration and microchip information is up to date.

For more information about your responsibilities as a dog owner in the Shire of Dardanup, visit:

How to be a responsible pet owner

Photos of some adorable cats and dogs currently housed at the pound looking for new homes - get in touch with us today on (08) 9724 0000 on how you can open your home to one of these pets.
Photos by Work Experience Student Krystal Ritchie.

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