Pets in the Territory

• George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens offers a number of meandering shady paths for your dog to adventure. Dogs are allowed off leash but must be under effective control at all times.
• Casuarina Coastal Reserve. This reserve is a peaceful and quiet stretch of beach to explore with your dog, it extends from Lee Point Rocks to Rapid Creek footbridge with a number of off leash areas.
• Holmes Jungle Nature Park is a dog friendly spot where you can enjoy bush walking, bird watching or a picnic. Dogs must be on lead while in the park.
• Darwin Waterfront. Many of the restaurants allow dogs in the outdoor dining areas. However, pets are not permitted on the beach or in the lagoon.
• Fannie Bay Foreshore. Dogs are allowed along the foreshore walking path from Ross Smith Avenue to the entrance to Lake Alexander. The beach along this path is also dog friendly. Dogs are not permitted anywhere in East Point Reserve.
• Nightcliff Foreshore is a popular place to enjoy a dog walk. The walk from the Nightcliff Jetty to the Rapid Creek footbridge is approximately 2.5km and takes in some beautiful Top End coastline.

• Sanctuary Lakes Park is a popular dog walking spot. Although this is a relatively small lake it’s best not to let you dog swim in the water. Be Crocwise and take note of warning signs.
• Durack Lakes are a group of small water ways designed to provide spaces for the community to enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, walking and picnicking and are a great place to exercise your dog on lead. Always consider warning signs and Be Crocwise.

• Katherine Low Level Nature Reserve is dog friendly and a lovely spot to enjoy a picnic by the water.
• There are walking paths along both south and north sides of the Katherine River where dogs are allowed on lead.

• Ilparpa Claypans is a great place for your dog to enjoy some off leash time. It is particularly popular for larger breeds to stretch their legs and get some exercise.
• There are dog friendly walking paths along both sides of the Todd River, which runs alongside the town.

In the Top End most creeks, rivers, waterholes and even the ocean are prone to crocodiles. Pay attention to crocodile warning signs and keep your dog away from the water’s edge.

Fireworks are legal in the Territory on Territory Day, 1 July and firework displays are used for other celebrations throughout the year. The Territory is also home to some pretty spectacular storms. As many animals have a fear of fireworks and storms, they can become extremely anxious or distressed and may injure themselves trying to escape the noise or become lost if they do escape.

Some steps you can take to help your pet to stay calm and safe include:

• Stay home with your pet if possible.
• Bring your pet inside with you or provide a safe, secure and comfortable area.
• Remove anything your pet could injure themselves on if they become distressed.
• Leave the TV or radio on to help mask any sounds.
• If you anticipate a storm or fireworks make sure your pet is well fed and exercised beforehand.
• Ensure your pet is wearing their ID tags and their microchip details are up to date.
• Investing in a thunder jacket for your dog to wear could also help to calm them during a thunderstorm.

If your pet is particularly affected by storms or fireworks visit your vet for further assistance with managing their anxiety.

The Territory can reach extreme temperatures both throughout the Centre and the Top End. Provide your pet with lots of access to water and shade. Consider offering your dog a shallow paddle pool, a doggy ice block with their favourite treats frozen inside or invest in a dog cooling mat to provide relief on a hot Territory day.

Avoid walking your dog during periods of extreme heat, particularly with regard to the surfaces they are walking on. On hot days footpaths and road surfaces can become hot enough to burn their paw pads.

Cane toads can be poisonous to your pets and in severe cases, may be fatal, with the risk being higher for smaller pets. It is best to keep your pet away from cane toads wherever possible.

The severity of symptoms, which can include excessive salivation or frothing at the mouth, vomiting, and muscle rigidity, spasms or seizures, depends on the amount of toxins absorbed. If your pet shows any of these signs, seek immediate veterinarian advice.

Ticks are blood feeding parasites that can attach themselves to your pets. In the Territory, ticks are more prevalent in the build-up and early wet season.

Prevention includes checking your pet for ticks and regular grooming. It’s important to seek immediate treatment or vet care if you notice ticks on your pets. You may also need to treat your home to prevent reinfection. Untreated ticks can cause irritation, infection, loss of vitality and life threatening anaemia.