Pet Ownership
Alice Springs Town Council’s Rangers provide information and assistance on responsible pet ownership, animal registration, livestock ownership and stray pet collection. Council Rangers also host the hugely popular Pets on Parade event each year in May. Click here for details.
Pet registration
Council’s Rangers encourage residents to be responsible pet owners by being aware of responsibilities in relation to your pet, other people’s pets, neighbours and the general public.
Rangers strongly recommend owners de-sex their pets to avoid indiscriminate breeding that can result in unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals. Owners are also encouraged to microchip their pets to ensure the best method of identification for returning lost animals.
Please notify Council of any change to contact details or address so pet registration details are up to date on the Rangers’ database.
How to register pets
All dogs and cats over the age of 6 months must be registered with Alice Springs Town Council.
Registration fees will vary, depending on whether your pet is micro-chipped and/or de-sexed. Please click below for detailed information.
Registration forms must be completed in-person at Alice Springs Town Council, 93 Todd Street. Please direct enquiries to Council Rangers on 8950 0500.
Under Council’s Animal Management By-Laws, if there are three or more dogs or cats in one household, a kennel licence must be obtained.
Lost pets
Domestic animals found wandering at large are taken to the Alice Springs Animal Shelter. While every effort is made by Council Rangers to locate owners, this process can be expedited by ensuring your pet is registered with Council, micro-chipped and your contact details are current.
Members of the public who find lost animals may leave them at the Animal Shelter. If outside business hours, drop-off pens are available at the front gate.
Alice Springs Animal Shelter – (08) 8953 4430
Lot 5803, (south end) Len Kittle Drive, next to Blatherskite Park
- Monday to Friday, 11am – 6pm
- Saturday, 9am – 12noon
- Sunday & Public holidays – closed
If your pet is not at the Animal Shelter and still missing, Council Rangers may be contacted on 8950 0500. This number is active 24⁄7 (please follow the prompts, if calling after business hours).
Infringements
Infringement notices for wandering pets collected by Rangers may be issued. If your pet is impounded, a fee is required to be paid prior to release of your pet. Additional fines may be incurred if the animal is unregistered. If your pet is found to be unregistered, you will be required to pay for registration, infringement, plus impounding fee, prior to release of your pet. Maintenance fees may also be charged by the Animal Shelter.
Unclaimed animals become the property of the Alice Springs Town Council and may be disposed of, after a 48 hour period. Please ensure your pet is registered with Council.
Permits to keep other animals
The keeping of livestock in residential areas is not permitted under Northern Territory Government legislation. For further information, contact the NTG Department of Primary Industry and Resources on (08) 8951 8111 or visit the NTG website here.
To keep any other animals or exotic pets within the Alice Springs township, permission must first be sought from Council. Enquiries can be directed to Council’s Rangers on (08) 8950 0500.
To keep native animal species, please enquire to NTG Parks and Wildlife on (08) 8951 8250.
Dog attacks
All dog attacks are investigated by Council’s Rangers – please report to (08) 8950 0500.
Animal Management By-laws
For information on Council’s Animal Management By-laws, click below.