Council has endorsed the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029.

At the Council Meeting on Monday 27 October, the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 was officially endorsed.

We know that pets play an important role in the lives of many Maroondah residents, with around 14,300 dogs and 6,1700 cats registered in Maroondah. With this in mind, the new Plan will continue to emphasise a proactive approach to animal management and will provide a sound basis and direction for Council to make future decisions.

Thank you to everyone who provided valuable feedback to inform the draft document earlier this year, and to those who shared their thoughts on the draft document more recently. Your feedback has helped to ensure the Plan recognises the importance of pets while also promoting a proactive approach to animal management.

About the Plan

Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all Councils are required to have a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) in place for a period of four years, with annual reviews.

Council’s newly endorsed Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 consolidates and continues significant work carried out over the past four years, including a review of Council’s previous DAMP.

The new Plan consists of eight focus areas, including responsible pet ownership; animal registration and overpopulation; nuisance dogs and cats; domestic animal businesses; and minimising the risk of dog attacks.

Council will continue to work with the community to ensure the responsible management of dogs and cats is in accordance with Victorian Government legislation and local government sector best practice and benchmarking.

View the consultation report

Community Consultation Report - Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 PDF

If you require the consultation report in a different format, please contact Council.

Further information

Read the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029 on Council's website.

If you have any queries in relation to the consultation, please contact us on 1300 88 22 33 or 9298 4598 or email maroondah@maroondah.vic.gov.au.