Commercial dog walkers
If you are a professional dog walker operating within Yarra on Council land or a public space, it is essential to understand and comply with our Community Local Law to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both animals and the community.
Commercial dog walking rules
Under our Community Local Law, when conducting a commercial dog walking activity on Council land or in a public place, you must:
- maintain effective control of all dogs at all times
- exercise no more than four dogs at any one time
- comply with our Council Order [ PDF, 296.32 KB] and signage relating to dogs in parks and public spaces
- clean up and dispose of dog waste appropriately.
Failure to comply with the Community Local Law may result in enforcement action, including infringement notices.
Commercial dog walker offences carry an infringement penalty under the Local Law.
What is a commercial dog walking activity?
A commercial dog walking activity is the act of walking or exercising four or more dogs at a time.
This definition applies regardless of whether you operate as a registered business or volunteer.
Areas where dogs can be exercised
Commercial dog walkers must comply with Council Orders made under the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
The Council Order identifies:
- areas where dogs must remain on leash
- areas where dogs may be exercised off leash
- areas where dogs are prohibited
- any special conditions that apply in particular reserves.
Dog waste obligations
When walking dogs in public places, you must:
- carry a suitable device for collecting dog waste
- immediately collect and dispose of dog waste
- ensure no dog waste remains in public places.