Pets policy

Domestic pets can be a threat to native animals, and can disrupt other people's enjoyment of parks and reserves. The NPWS wants to maintain the natural environment and visitor enjoyment of these parks, while promoting equitable access to parks for people with disabilities.

The NPWS therefore provides park access for trained assistance animals, but access for other pets needs to be restricted.

When and where am I allowed to have pets in parks?

Trained Assistance Animals (TAA) are allowed in any park or reserve provided they are leashed, harnessed or caged (proof of TAA status is required - certification available through local council offices). All other pets are generally not allowed in national parks, nature reserves, karst conservation reserves, state conservation areas or Crown reserves, except when consent is given by the park manager.

In historic sites, regional parks, state game reserves, Aboriginal areas or acquired lands, the manager of the area may authorise a person to bring a pet subject to conditions. In Aboriginal lands, entry and use of pets by the Aboriginal owners may be permitted subject to conditions.In Aboriginal lands, entry and use of pets by the Aboriginal owners may be permitted subject to conditions.

In some parks, pet owners may take their pets through the park in a vehicle where there is no other practical route to private property within or adjacent to the park. The animal must be kept within the vehicle transiting the park and the vehicle must not stop. Check with the local NPWS office to find out which parks this applies to. Working dogs can travel through a park if assisting in droving stock along an authorised route.

Where pets are permitted by the manager of a park or reserve, the person accompanying the pet should make sure that:

• they keep pets at least 10 metres from children's play areas, barbecues or picnic tables
• they pick up their pet's faeces
• they keep greyhounds and American pit bull terriers muzzled at all times.

This page only gives a summary of the policy. For detailed information please download the full policy below. It includes contacts and a list of relevant legislation.

Page last updated: 14 August 2012