Restricted Dog Breeds in South Australia

Updated 2026-05-13 · SA state-by-state reference

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Restricted breeds in South Australia

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Perro de Presa Canario

Regulated under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. Restricted dogs must be desexed, microchipped, registered with council, muzzled and leashed in public, and kept in a secure enclosure.

Registration fees and process

Fee: $25–$95 (council varies — City of Adelaide: $40 desexed standard)

Desexing discount: All SA councils offer reduced fees for desexed dogs (typically 50% off)

Register through Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) — state-wide registration portal. Most SA owners now complete this online.

Microchipping deadline

Puppies in South Australia must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before the dog changes hands — whichever happens first. Vets and most council pounds offer microchipping for $40–$80. Always confirm the chip number is registered to your name and current address on the Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) — a chip registered to a previous owner is functionally useless.

Strata and apartment living

Strata corporations may prohibit pets via by-law in SA, and the prohibition is generally enforceable. Assistance animals are protected exceptions.

Renting with a dog in South Australia

Landlords can refuse pet requests. Pet bonds aren't standard practice but are sometimes negotiated separately.

What you'd actually budget for your first year

A new puppy in South Australia costs more in the first year than most owners expect. Beyond the purchase price, you're looking at registration ($25–$95), microchipping ($40–$80), C5 vaccinations ($180–$300), desexing ($300–$700 depending on size), council registration, and the first 12 months of food and vet visits.

Pet insurance is the single biggest variable. A serious incident — cruciate surgery, GDV (bloat), snake bite, or a swallowed-object obstruction — can run $4,000–$12,000 in South Australiametropolitan vets. Even high-excess policies pay back their first 6 months of premium with one such claim.

Local council resources

Each SA council has its own animal management officer, infringement schedule, and off-leash areas. Find your council on the Dogs and Cats Online (DACO) portal above — local information will always be more current than state-level summaries.

South Australia pet-owner notes

SA was the first state to put registration online (DACO). One portal handles ownership, microchipping, council fees, and breeder registration.

Compare to other states