Council’s annual Animal Inspection Program beginning from 1 February

Published on 15 January 2026

Gladstone Regional Council is continuing its successful Animal Inspection Program, which helps keep our community safe and supports responsible pet ownership across the region.

Each year, Council officers visit neighbourhoods to check that dogs are registered and microchipped in line with the Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008 and Council’s Local Law No. 2 (Animal Management) 2011.

These checks make it easier to reunite lost pets with their families and ensure Council has an accurate understanding of the number of animals in our community.

The inspection program take place between 1 February until 31 July.

Council would like to acknowledge the many dog owners who consistently do the right thing by registering and microchipping their pets. Their efforts play a big role in keeping our region safe and pet‑friendly.

During the program, officers may identify dogs that are not currently registered. In these cases, owners will receive a notice and will have 14 days to register their pet, with no fine applied during this period.

If registration is not completed within the 14‑day timeframe, the fine for keeping an unregistered animal is $333. If the animal remains unregistered after this, the fine increases to $834.

Continued failure to register will result in the animal being seized by Council at the owner’s expense.

Please note that paying a fine does not include the cost of registration, which must still be completed by the date listed on the notice.

While most owners meet their responsibilities each year, this program helps ensure that all pets in our region are registered, identifiable and cared for in line with the law.

Visit www.gladstone.qld.gov.au/registration for more information on animal registration or call Council on (07) 4970 0700.

Gladstone Regional Council's fees and charges for 2025/26 (Local Laws) can be accessed here.