Responsible Cat Ownership
The Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 sets out the state laws relating to South Australian cat ownership. The Dog and Cat Management Board (DCMB) oversees the administration and enforcement of the Act and sets the strategic direction of dog and cat management for the state, with local councils taking responsibility for the day-to-day administration of dog and cat management laws.
As a responsible cat owner, you need to be aware that in South Australia, all cats born after 1 July 2018 must be desexed by a registered veterinary surgeon.
There are some exceptions however. For more information refer to the Dog and Cat Board website dealing with desexing exemptions.
Cats must also be micro-chipped and registered on Dogs and Cats Online (DACO). This helps us identify you as the pet owner and assists to reunite you with your animal should it become lost.
It is recommended that cats are kept contained, particularly at night-time, for their own safety, and to reduce annoyance to neighbours and impact on our wildlife.
The safest place for your cat is home
For further information on responsible cat ownership, care and confinement, please visit the Dog and Cat Board website.