Introduction

Council is reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) and invited community to provide feedback on the Draft DAMP. This consultation has now closed. Thank you to all who provided their feedback.

The DAMP outlines how we manage dogs and cats in Moonee Valley. It promotes animal welfare and responsible pet ownership and aims to create a community where people and pets live together harmoniously and respectfully.

The DAMP highlights four key areas of focus that will shape Council’s work over the next four years.

  1. Animal Registrations
  2. Community Safety
  3. Community Tensions
  4. Environment and Animal Welfare

Community consultation

From 1 September - 28 September 2025, Council invited community to have their say on Council's draft DAMP 2026-2029 by completing an online survey or recording verbal feedback via this webpage. Community members were also welcome to contact us via the details on this page.

In particular, Council sought feedback about:

  • Overall level of support for the draft DAMP
  • Priorities for the next four years in relation to animal management
  • Any gaps in the draft DAMP

Information received will inform a refreshed plan, which will guide decision making in relation to dog and cats within Moonee Valley.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to have their say. This consultation has now closed while we consider feedback received.

Fun facts about pets in Moonee Valley

We love our furry friends! Did you know that we have just over 3,500 cat registrations and nearly 10,000 dog registrations in Moonee Valley? That is the equivalent of a quarter of all households having a registered pet.

  • Registration leaderboard

    Essendon leads the way with around 1,500 registered dogs.

    Moonee Ponds sits at the top with nearly 650 registered cats.


  • Our favourite dog breed

    We love our pups! Here are the top registered dog breeds in Moonee Valley:

    1. Cavoodles
    2. Jack Russels
    3. Labradors

  • Most popular cat breed

    The Domestic Short Hair, our much-loved all-rounder, proving every kitty is special no matter their lineage.