Information for Pet Owners

This page outlines the responsibilities of a pet owner in the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley; including registration requirements, microchipping, and limits on the number of animals allowed on a property.

Animal Registration Period

The registration period for dogs and cats runs from 1 November to 31 October each year. When a dog or cat is registered with the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley a registration tag will be issued to the owner. Each tag identifies whether the registration is for one (1) year, three (3) years, or lifetime.

Fees and Charges

Download a complete list of fees and charges for Shire services and facilities can be accessed via the Fees and Charges page.

Animal Registration

All animals must be registered, microchipped, and cared for in a manner that ensures their welfare and minimises nuisance to the community.

Responsible pet ownership includes:

  • Ensuring your animal is registered, microchipped and, where required, sterilised;
  • Keeping your animal securely confined to your property;
  • Preventing nuisance behaviour or harm to people, other animals, or the environment;
  • Make appropriate care arrangements when you are away; and
  • Ensuring your animal wears a collar with a current registration tag.

Cat and Dog Registration Forms can be accessed HERE 

For all enquiries or to report an issue contact Ranger Services on (08) 9191 0999 or email sdwk@sdwk.wa.gov.au

Cat Ownership in the Shire

Under the Cat Act 2011, all cats aged six (6) months and over must be:

  • Sterilised;
  • Microchipped; and
  • Registered with the Shire

Responsible cat ownership supports your cat’s health and wellbeing, while also protecting local wildlife and community amenity.

The Shire encourages cat owners to:

  • Keep cats confined to the property, particularly at night when most issues occur;
  • Use a collar with a bell or mirror to help reduce hunting behaviour;
  • Ensure vaccinations are up to date; and
  • Make arrangements for a responsible carer when you are away.

Under the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley Health Local Law 2010, a maximum of three (3) cats may be kept on a property.

To register your cat, please access the Animal Registration Form HERE 

More information is available from the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety.

 

Dog Ownership in the Shire

The law requires that Dogs over the age of three (3) months must be registered. Registrations must be in the name of a person aged 18 years or older.

Under the Dog Act 1976 all dogs aged 3 months and over must be:

  • Microchipped;
  • Registered; and
  • Sterilised (where applicable)

To register your dog, please access the Animal Registration Form HERE

Microchipping Requirements

Microchipping is mandatory for all dogs. This includes:

  • All dogs being registered for the first time; and
  • All dogs transferred to a new owner.

When registering your dog, you must provide proof of microchipping by supplying the microchip number.

Further information is available from the Department of Local Government and Communities.

Number of Dogs Permitted on a Property

A maximum of two (2) registered dogs may be kept on a property.

If you wish to keep more than two (2) dogs, you must obtain approval from the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley.

To apply for approval:

  • Notify your neighbours of your intention to keep additional dog/s;
  • Obtain written responses from neighbours (including name, address, and contact details) indicating whether they support or object to the application.
  • Submit a written application to the Shire; and
  • Demonstrate that the property is suitably fenced and capable of securely containing the dogs.

All applications are subject to Shire approval, and neighbour feedback will be considered. Ranger Services will inspect the property to ensure it is appropriately fenced and that there is sufficient space for the additional dogs.

Approval may be withdrawn at any time if the dogs create a nuisance or impact the community.

If approval is granted, it applies only to the approved dogs. If a dog is rehomed or passes away, it cannot be replaced without submitting a new application.

Missing Dogs

If your dog goes missing, do not wait for it to return home. It may have been impounded, injured or taken in by another resident. Please refer to our impounded animals page to see if your dog has been impounded. 

You can:

  • Check the impounded animals page to see if your dog has been collected by Rangers; and
  • Contact the Shire to report your dog as missing.

When reporting a missing dog, please provide a detailed description, including breed, colour, identifying features, sex, and any identification tags. This information will be recorded and shared with Ranger Services.

If your dog is found, please notify the Shire.

You may also consider placing notices on community boards, at veterinary clinics, or on social media.

For assistance, contact Ranger Services on (08) 9191 0999 or email sdwk@sdwk.wa.gov.au

Useful Links

My Responsibilities as a Dog Owner

Dangerous Dogs & Restricted Breeds

Commercial Security Dogs

Cat Act 2011

Dog Act 1976

Shire of Derby/West Kimberley Health Local Law 2010

Shire of Derby/West Kimberley Dogs Local Law 2011