Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, every Victorian local government must prepare a plan outlining how it will manage dogs and cats within its municipal boundaries.

The Domestic Animal Management Plan aims to promote responsible pet ownership, the welfare of cats and dogs in the community and the protection of the community and environment from nuisance cats and dogs.

The Plan also outlines how Council will enforce legislative requirements and compliance with our local laws.

The Victorian State Government requires all Councils to have a Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP).

The plan focuses on education and awareness raising for pet owners, pet registration, managing nuisance and dangerous dogs, keeping dogs under control in shared public spaces, the management of pets so as not to adversely impact others, microchipping, desexing and encouraging people to pick up after their dogs.

The plan also outlines how council will enforce all legislative requirements and compliance with Local Laws.

As part of our commitment to maintain effective and responsible animal management practices, our new draft DAMP aims to take a balanced approach to promoting responsible pet ownership, and protecting our community, environment and the welfare of cats and dogs.

State Government regulations require Council to prepare a new DAMP every four years.

By undertaking a review of the DAMP, Council can ensure it is meeting current community expectations while also protecting our residents, assets and facilities.

It is important that our community informs the development of the DAMP, through this community engagement process.

This draft Plan has been shaped and informed by Councillors, stakeholder consultation, Safer Communities Officers’ experiences, research, and benchmarking.

The Plan builds on the previous four-year Plan that has successfully guided the delivery of animal management services across Frankston City.

Community feedback can influence actions and initiatives in the new DAMP.

In particular:

• We're seeking feedback on the proposed 24-hour cat confinement so that Council can make a decision whether to proceed with this, base don community sentiment.
• Your priorities for inclusion in our proposed Dogs in Public Policy will inform development of this Policy in 2026.

In addition to using community feedback, The DAMP is also required to be compliant with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and other relevant legislation.

You can read about this project on the Engage Frankston page. We will also promote the engagement opportunity in other ways:

• Media and media releases

• eNews and other Council newsletters

• Social media

• Direct emails to notify key stakeholders

• Signage, posters and postcards

Community members with an interest in this project – for example:

• Animal owners
• People who use our beaches, parks and public spaces
• People who have observed the impact of domestic animals in our community and environment.

Relevant stakeholders, businesses, community groups and associations are invited to make a submission by email to DAMP@frankston.vic.gov.au.

• Community and environmental groups
• Animal shelters and breeders, veterinarians, pet shops etc.

Read about this project on the Engage Frankston page. Use the translate tool to read this page in other languages.

Email DAMP@frankston.vic.gov.au if you have a question about the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan.

Call Council customer service on 1300 322 322 if you require telephone translation services to participate.

Talk to us in person at one of the pop-up events listed on this page.

Engagement results will be reported on this page, with a summary provided in the final DAMP.

'Follow' the page to receive email notifications when the results are published.

Council has designated free roam areas at a number of local parks and reserves to allow space for dogs to run and play without a leash. When using these areas, dog owners must still always carry a leash and dogs must be under effective control.

To find your nearest dog free roam area please visit Frankston City Council's website.

Fees contribute to the cost of services and facilities Council provides for pet owners, such as Safer Communities officers (who undertake patrols and provide education), maintaining dog free roam areas and collection of lost pets and helping to reunite them with their owners.

Fees also contribute to the cost of outsourced services, such as the Lost Dogs’ Home pound services.

Pet registration fees are required to be paid by 10 April each year. Please visit Frankston City Council's website for more information.