FAQs

Shoalhaven City Council provides a Dog Access Guide that outlines where dogs are permitted, including off-leash areas, on-leash areas and locations where dogs are prohibited. Some locations also operate under seasonal access arrangements, so it's important to check current requirements before visiting. 

Useful links: 

• Dog Access Guide 
• Dog off-leash and prohibited areas 
• Council's Pets and Animals webpage 

Dog access arrangements are designed to balance a range of community, environmental and recreational needs.

Factors considered may include:

• Public safety
• Environmental and biodiversity values
• Protection of wildlife habitats
• Recreation and tourism needs
• Accessibility and shared use of public spaces

Council may investigate, trial or review arrangements from time to time, with opportunities for community feedback where appropriate.

This project page is the best place to stay up to date with dog access investigations, trials, projects and community engagement activities across the Shoalhaven. 

We'll share information about: 

• Proposed changes to dog access arrangements 
• Community consultation opportunities 
• New dog-friendly spaces 
• Trial programs and project outcomes 
• Updates to existing dog access areas 

We encourage dog owners and the broader community to check back regularly for updates. 

Further information about existing dog access areas is available HERE.

Responsible dog ownership is about more than caring for your pet. It also includes respecting other users of public spaces, protecting wildlife and helping ensure Shoalhaven remains a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. 

Shoalhaven provides a wide range of dog-friendly spaces, including on-leash and off-leash exercise areas that are enjoyed by both residents and visitors. 

Maintaining this level of access is a shared responsibility. Following local dog access arrangements, keeping dogs under effective control, picking up after your pet and respecting wildlife and other users of public spaces all help ensure these areas remain safe, enjoyable and accessible for everyone. 

Responsible dog ownership not only benefits your dog, it also helps support the ongoing availability of dog-friendly spaces across the Shoalhaven. 

Yes. Dog owners are encouraged to explore the Leave It app and/or seek out similar programs that may be locally available, which provide practical information, videos and training tips to help build positive behaviours and support responsible pet ownership. 

The free resources cover topics such as: 

• Recall training 
• Walking politely on lead 
• Socialisation 
• Understanding dog behaviour 
• Being a respectful visitor in shared public spaces 

Investing time in training can help create safer and more enjoyable experiences for dogs, owners and the wider community. 

Being a responsible dog owner helps keep our beaches, parks and public spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

Council's Pets and Animals webpage contains information about: 

• Effective control of dogs in public places 
• Dog attack prevention 
• Registration and microchipping requirements 
• Barking dogs and neighbourhood responsibilities 
• Animal welfare and pet ownership obligations 

Remember, dogs must always be supervised and under effective control when in public places. 

Shoalhaven welcomes visitors travelling with their dogs. As visitation increases during holiday periods, we encourage pet owners to plan ahead and familiarise themselves with local dog access arrangements before arriving.

When visiting:

• Confirm your accommodation is pet-friendly and understand any property rules. 
• Check the Dog Access Guide before visiting beaches and parks.
• Follow local on-leash and off-leash requirements.
• Keep dogs under effective control at all times.
• Pick up and dispose of dog waste appropriately.
• Respect wildlife, other visitors and shared public spaces.

If you operate holiday accommodation, you can help the community by ensuring that pet owners understand their responsibilities.

A little preparation helps create a positive experience for visitors, residents, pets and wildlife alike.

Shoalhaven's beaches, bushland, waterways and public reserves provide important habitat for native wildlife, including migratory shorebirds and other vulnerable species. 

Keeping your dog under effective control helps protect wildlife and reduces the risk of disturbance, injury or predatory behaviour. Even well-behaved dogs can unintentionally disturb nesting birds, resting wildlife and sensitive habitats. 

You can help by: 

• Following leash requirements and local signage. 
• Staying within designated dog access areas. 
• Avoiding dune vegetation, nesting areas and wildlife habitats. 
• Supervising your dog at all times. 
• Using recall and obedience training to improve control in appropriate areas. 

Responsible dog ownership plays an important role in protecting the natural environment and ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed by everyone. 

When Council is seeking community feedback on a dog access investigation, trial or project, details will be published on this page.

Community members can:

• Review project information
• Participate in surveys and questionnaires
• Make submissions during exhibition periods
• Stay informed about project outcomes

Your feedback helps Council understand community needs and priorities when considering future dog access arrangements.

For information about dog ownership, pet registration, animal management and dog access areas, visit Council's Pets and Animals webpages.

For updates on dog access investigations, trials and projects across the Shoalhaven, bookmark this page and check back regularly.