Dogs & Cats are now required to be registered within the Gladstone Region.
The Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 requires that all dogs and cats throughout the Gladstone Region must be registered. The Act also requires that all cats and dogs must be microchipped when purchased or given away.
Animal registration combined with micro chipping is the best way to Rescue and Reunite lost animals with their owners.
Reasons for Registration
- An animal wearing a registration tag can be put in contact with its owner as quickly as possible;
- Registration with the Gladstone Regional Council is compulsory for all pets over the age of three (3) months;
- Registered wearing a collar and tag are easily identified and distinguished from the stray population;
- It is an offence to keep an unregistered dog or cat in the Council's area; and
- Discounted fees apply for desexed & microchipped animals. Aged pensioners are also entitled to a reduced fee.
- Registering your pet is cheaper than paying impounding fees.
Pet Registration for Gladstone Regional Council
Pound Location and Opening Times
The pound is located at the Brendonna Vet Surgery, 1473 Dawson Highway, Burua and is open from:
- Monday to Friday - 8am to 5pm
- Saturday - 8am to 11am
- Sunday - 4pm to 5pm
- Closed on all Public Holidays
If you believe your pet has been impounded, please contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 as soon as possible to discuss the procedure for release of your animal.
Unregistered Animals that are impounded are held for a maximum period of three (3) days.
Registered Animals that are impounded are held for a maximum period of five (5) days.
Animals that are not released within these timeframes may be disposed of by Council.
There are no public facilities for after hours animal drop offs located at Brendonna. All animals being surrendered for impoundment to Brendonna must be presented to the Vet Office for processing during business hours. If you wish to surrender an animal for impoundment outside of business hours please contact Council's 24hr Call Centre for further advice on (07) 4970 0700.
Wandering Animals
A lot of complaints are received from persons about wandering animals impacting on their lifestyle. Dogs are required to be kept in a sufficient fence or enclosure and restrained on a lead at all times when taken for a walk on Council footpaths or land. A dog found wandering at large may be rescued and only released after payment of release fees as set by Council as above, are paid in full .
As well as animals found wandering on Council property, property owners can impound dogs found wandering on their own properties. Stray animals must be restrained by the finder of the animal and then contact made with Council to arrange the return of the animal to its owner OR collection for impoundment.
Cats must also be controlled so as not to cause a nuisance on other people's property. Traps will be provided subject to strict guidelines upon request to Council's Regulatory Services Section. Every effort will be made not to issue traps to neighbours known to be vindictive. Detention by Council Officers will only occur upon complaint and there will be no established street patrol.
Minimum Standards for Keeping Animals
The following are the minimum standards to be complied with by a person who keeps an animal under the provisions of the local law – The keeper of the animal must ensure that:
- Waste water from enclosures are drained in a nuisance free manner or as directed by an authorised person;
- Excreta, food scraps and other material that is, or is likely to become, offensive is collected at least once each day and, if not immediately disposed of, is kept in a fly proof container of a kind approved by the local government;
- Any enclosure in which the animal is kept is in a clean and sanitary condition; and
- Any enclosure in which the animal is kept is properly maintained and in an aesthetically acceptable condition;
- All reasonable steps are taken to prevent the animal from making a noise or disturbance that causes a nuisance or disturbance to the occupiers of other land or premises;
- Any reasonable directions given by an authorised person to ensure that the keeping of the animal does not result in nuisance to occupiers of other land or premises must be compllied with; and
- Any enclosure built for the purpose of housing an animal, is constructed so as to prevent the animal from going within 10 metres of any dwelling other than a dwelling upon the allotment on which the enclosure is constructed.
Looking after your dog
Owning a dog is a major responsibility, but one that can give your family years of fun and companionship. To ensure your dog lives a healthy life it must be well looked after. Some useful tips are below.
- Give your dog regular meals and plenty of exercise.
- Make sure your dog is contained in a suitable enclosure or area at all times.
- Wash your dog's bowl out every time you fill it (at least daily).
- Brush your dog's hair regularly to remove tangles and prevent matting.
- Bath your dog fortnightly or when necessary using a pure mild soap.
- Ensure your dog has a cool resting place.
- Exercise your dog daily.
- Take your dog to the vet if it's sick or injured.
- Train your dog - an untrained dog can be a general nuisance.
- Vaccinate your dog and make sure it receives an annual booster as Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvovirus are killers.
- Consult your vet about heartworm and other health issues.
- Check your dog for ticks every day - they can be fatal. Remove ticks with tweezers. If in doubt see your vet.
- Ensure your dog is properly looked after when you are on holidays.
- Dog faeces are offensive and dangerous to human health so clean up after your dog.
- If yourdog comes into season it may cause chaos in your area. Ask your vet for advice.
- Talk to your vet about desexing issues.
- Introduce your dog to your neighbours. There are less problems from dogs that are aware of their neighbours.
Basic Points from the Local Laws are:
- If you own a pet you should not let it annoy others by wandering, making noise, etc.
- An enclosure must be sufficient to keep your dog & cat in at all times.
- Desexing of pets is encouraged to reduce the breeding stock and prevent unwanted kittens or puppies being dumped.
- All dogs and cats are to be registered and wear a collar and tag.
Visit our Community Services Directory and search for Animals in the Special Interest Groups for information about Animal Welfare Groups, Clubs and Organisations.
Information Factsheets - Animal Management
Enquiries, Complaints, Lost Animals, Dog Attacks
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm - Phone (07) 4970 0700
After hours or public holidays - Phone (07) 4979 1134
Fax: (07) 4975 8500
Email: email
Address: PO Box 29, Gladstone DC Qld 4680
In Person: Civic Centre, 101 Goondoon Street, Gladstone
