Pet awareness programs

Council’s animal education team organise several educational programs in the community.

Early childhood and school programs

Each year in Australia, hundreds of children receive dog bite injuries and require medical attention. Children under five are most at risk. With pet ownership on the rise, council has designed interactive programs for children to promote responsible pet ownership and dog bite prevention.

Children can enjoy learning about pets with our mascots Sunny the dog and Sasha the cat through our programs.

Smart Paws Kindy - FREE and fun program designed for children 3 to 5 years old, presented at early childhood centres and community kindergartens.

Smart Paws Junior - FREE, fun and educational program aligned with the Australian curriculum, designed for children from Prep to Year 6 and presented at primary schools.

Learning Lesson Plan include:

• Early childhood
• Early Stage 1 (Prep)
• Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2)
• Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4)
• Stage 3 (Year 5 and 6)

For more information contact our Education Officer by emailing [email protected] or complete the Pet Awareness online booking form.

Community education events

Council’s education team go out into the community to help pet owners and non-pet owners co-existence harmoniously.

Dog Safety Week is a chance for all pet owners, non-pet owners, families and children to learn more about creating a safe and harmonious co-existence between people, pets and places. Dog Safety Week is held each year in July. More information about Dog Safety Week this July coming soon.

Puppy pre schools and community groups

Council’s education team attends puppy pre-schools and local community groups to provide information relating to the laws associated with owning a dog and cat on the Sunshine Coast. Our goal is to minimise early complaints or confusion about the keeping of pets in our community.

If you are interested in council attending your puppy pre-school or local community group please contact [email protected] for more information.

Pop up booths

'Pop up' information stalls delivering messages on animal management occur throughout the year. Our education team will be on hand to answer any local law related enquiries and you can pick up some freebies for your four-legged companion.