Keeping and Exercising Dogs

Dog owners are responsible for ensuring their animals do not create a nuisance or endanger other animals or people. Dogs are not permitted to roam: if they leave the property they must either be kept on a lead or remain under supervision in off-leash areas provided by council. All dogs must be registered with council.

Maximum number of dogs

Single dwelling (house) – two dogs.
Multiple dwelling (unit) – one dog. (Applicant must confirm with the body corporate or management whether animals are allowed on the property.)

Should you wish to keep more dogs, you need to apply to council for permission by completing the animal licence application form [PDF 87KB].

Off-leash and prohibited areas

All dogs must be kept on a leash when in public areas, unless in a designated off-leash area [PDF 245KB] where they may be exercised without restraint. Or search council's Outdoor Recreation Kiosk for dog off-leash parks in your area.

Exercising Dogs in the Sunshine Coast Region [PDF 223KB]

The following rules apply when using off-leash areas on the Sunshine Coast:

Dogs must be within close proximity of the owner and be responsive to their commands.
Dogs must not interfere with any other recreational users.
Declared dangerous dogs are prohibited in off-leash areas.
Dog faeces must be removed and disposed of properly.
Dogs are not allowed within children's playground areas or picnic/barbeque areas.

Council has also specified certain areas where all dogs are prohibited due to the sensitivity of the area.

Dogs in outdoor dining areas

A number of laws exist on the Sunshine Coast that prohibit dogs in outdoor dining areas.

Council is required to administer the Queensland Food Act 2006 that prohibits dogs (other than assistance animals as defined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992) in outdoor dining areas that are attached to licensed food premises. This is state legislation and applies to all councils in Queensland.

The food business licensee may be fined $2000 for a breach of this requirement or prosecuted under the Queensland Food Act 2006 (maximum penalty $100 000 or 2 years imprisonment).

Refer to the following for further information:

Dogs in outdoor dining areas [PDF 220KB]
Visit the Queensland Health website for Fact sheet # 8 – Animals in Food Premises

Fencing requirements

Dog owners are responsible for preventing their dogs from roaming and causing a nuisance. Suitable fenced enclosures are required to contain dogs on properties. The enclosure must be suitably constructed to prevent the animal from escaping.

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