Caring for a dog at non-residential premises

Non-residential premises can be challenging environments for dogs. Due to various risks, keeping dogs on non-residential premises can negatively affect animal health and welfare, public safety and social harmony. As such, owners must carefully think through their responsibilities before deciding to keep dogs there.

Advisory for Pet Owners of Dogs on Non-Residential Premises

This advisory provides guidance for owners who keep their pet dogs on non-residential premises (places that are not homes) such as commercial properties, industrial sites, and workshops.

Owners have the responsibility to ensure that their pets’ health and welfare needs are met, regardless of where they are housed. As a dog owner, you must provide a safe and comfortable living environment, proper care, and prevent unnecessary suffering at all times.

All pet owners who keep dogs on non-residential premises are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these guidelines and ensure that they provide appropriate standards of care for their pets.

For more information, and to download the advisory for dogs on non-residential premises, please refer to this page.

Providing a safe and comfortable living space

A suitable environment entails:

• Adequate space to move freely, fully stand up, stretch, and lie down.

• Solid, comfortable flooring to prevent injury.

• Separate areas for resting, feeding and toileting.

• Shelter from harsh environmental conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, and the hot sun.

• Protection from hazards such as heavy vehicles, loud machinery, excessive dust, sharp objects, fumes, and chemicals (e.g. by using sound dampening measures).

• Clean and dry living spaces and utensils.

• Secure physical barriers to prevent escapes, incidents and injuries.

Keeping your dog active and happy

Provide opportunities for your dog to express natural behaviours such as sniffing, digging and exploring. Give them daily exercise through walks and positive interactions. If appropriate, provide companionship of other dogs.

Refrain from prolonged leashing and caging of your dog. Instead, use large enclosures to keep your dog safe.

For more information on caring for a dog, please refer to this page.

Your legal responsibility as a dog owner

Dog owners are responsible for the care and well-being of their dog.

Under the Animals & Birds Act (ABA), failure to comply with the duty of care towards animals, including animal cruelty, is punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Dog licensing

All dogs must be microchipped and licensed to their owners.

For more information on pet licensing, please refer to this page.