Cleaning up after your dog
The Activities Local Law 2019 requires owners to collect and dispose of their dog’s waste responsibly and to always carry an appropriate container such as a plastic bag or pooper scooper.
Dog waste carries many diseases, so please pick up after your dog and keep our streets, parks and waterways clean.
Leash requirements
All of the City of Melbourne is by default, an on-leash area.
A dog may be exercised off a chain, cord or leash in a Designated Reserve and during the permitted off-leash hours (if applicable) provided the owner
- carries a chain, cord or leash not exceeding 3 metres in length, sufficient to bring the dog under effective control if the dog behaves in a manner which threatens any person or animal
- remains in effective voice or hand control of the dog and within constant sight of the dog so as to be able to promptly place the dog on a chain, cord or leash not exceeding 3 metres in length if that becomes necessary
- does not allow the dog to worry, threaten or attack any person or animal. Dogs must be put on a leash when within five metres of a shared path (for use by both pedestrians and bike riders).
The owner must put their dog on a leash if the dog is within 20 metres of::
- a children’s play equipment area or outdoor fitness equipment area
- a permanent barbecue or picnic area
- a sports field or recreation facility during organised sporting activity (including training)
- the principal location of an organised public event or meeting
- a river, creek or waterbody.
Dog off-leash and dog prohibited areas
There are many designated off-leash areas to exercise dogs in the City of Melbourne. Some parks have designated off-leash areas for dogs available at all times, while others parks provide for off leash access and use for specific times of the day.
There are also designated areas within Royal Park, JJ Holland Park and Fawkner Park where dogs are prohibited at all times.
Click on park names below to view a map and the areas with designations.
Effective voice or hand control
When a dog is being exercised off-leash, you must carry a chain, cord or leash to be able to bring a dog under control. Dogs must be under effective voice or hand control, which means you are able to promptly place the dog on a chain, cord or leash not exceeding three metres in length if that becomes necessary.
Dogs must not be allowed to worry or threaten a person or animal. Dogs must be within constant sight when in off-leash areas.