Moving to the Gold Coast With a Dog: What to Know
Moving to the Gold Coast with a dog: the essentials
Welcome to the Gold Coast. Before the boxes are unpacked, register your dog with City of Gold Coast within 14 days of arriving, check their microchip details point to your new address, and keep the registration tag on their collar in public. Council allows two dogs per household before you need a permit. Dogs stay on a lead everywhere except signed off-leash areas, never go within 200 metres of the beach flags, and aren't allowed in national parks. The rest of this guide covers the rules in council's own words, then the stuff nobody tells you: the heat, the ticks, the rental rules and where to find a good vet and groomer.
We're dog groomers in Miami, so this is the guide we'd hand a friend arriving from down south with a dog in the back seat.
Register your dog with City of Gold Coast
Council's Register your dog page puts it plainly: "By law, all dogs must be registered from 12 weeks of age or within 14 days of coming into the city to live. Dogs must be microchipped and wear a dog registration tag at all times in public."
A few details that matter when you're new:
- Reciprocal registration. If your dog is already registered with Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland or Scenic Rim, council's new dog registration page says it offers reciprocal registration up to 31 August, after which you register with City of Gold Coast.
- The registration year runs from 1 September to 31 August, and a new registration is charged pro rata to 31 August.
- Have your dog's microchip number and any proof of desexing ready.
One thing to check before you book the removalist: council lists prohibited breeds that can't be kept on the Gold Coast, including the American Pit Bull Terrier or Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa and Perro de Presa Canario. If your dog has been declared dangerous or menacing by another council, that declaration comes with you and is assessed here.
Microchipping in Queensland
Microchipping is a Queensland Government law. Council's microchipping page says "All cats and dogs are required to be microchipped from 8 weeks of age and over", and if you get a puppy that isn't chipped, you must have one implanted before 12 weeks of age.
The bit movers miss is updating the chip, because a chip with your old phone number is close to useless. Council points owners to Pet Address to find which registry holds your dog's details, and notes the HomesafeID service closed in February 2025, so if your dog was registered there, move their details to one of the national databases. Coming from New South Wales? Council's advice is to contact the NSW Pet Registry to update your details and register the microchip with one of the nationwide databases.
How many dogs can you keep on the Gold Coast?
Council's dog requirements and permits page answers this in one word: "Two. You need an excess animal permit to keep more than two dogs on your property." Council inspects the property before issuing a permit, and you need to tell council if you move or add animals.
Council also expects your dog to be "safely contained to your property". Check the fences at a new place before the dog gets the run of the yard. On its caring for your dog page, council says a suitable fence is a physical barrier and doesn't include electronic containment systems, GPS or radio boundary systems, or shock collars. Parts of the city are designated koala areas with extra rules for dog owners.
Leads, off-leash areas and the 200 metre rule
The headline rule from council's dog exercise areas page: "Dogs must be on leash at all times unless in a signed designated off leash area." Council's map adds that if there are no signs, your dog stays on the lead.
In off-leash areas, your dog must be under the immediate supervision of someone aged 17 or over and controllable by voice command, on a lead entering and leaving, and wearing a collar with its registration tag. Carry your own poo bags. Council treats the dispensers as a courtesy, and an on-the-spot fine can apply if you don't pick up.
Council's dog exercise area map defines a dog prohibited area as somewhere no dogs are allowed at any time, including within:
- all children's playground areas
- 200 metres of all flagged bathing areas
- all swimming enclosures
- food preparation areas including barbecues.
That 200 metre rule catches a lot of new arrivals. Most patrolled beaches are fine on a lead, well away from the flags. Some areas, like Biggera Waters foreshore, Dux Oval and Harry Bond Park, are off-leash only at set times, which council lists on the map. Council ran public consultation on changes to its Animal Control Area Register in February and March 2026, so always check the current map and the signs on the day.
National parks are off limits
The Gold Coast hinterland is stunning, but council notes dogs are prohibited from entering national parks, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service's dogs and pets page confirms dogs and other domestic pets aren't allowed. You can drive through a national park with your dog in the vehicle on gazetted roads, and dogs are welcome on a lead in some conservation parks, state forests and recreation areas. That includes the Burleigh headland.
Barking and nuisance
Council's report a problem page says an animal causes a noise nuisance if, in the opinion of an authorised person, the noise unreasonably interferes with a neighbour's peace and comfort, and it lasts "more than a total of 6 minutes in any 60-minute period between the hours of 7am and 10pm on any day, or more than a total of 3 minutes in any 30-minute period between the hours of 10pm and 7am on any day." If a neighbour complains, council's process gives the owner two weeks to fix it. Long walks and a quiet spot help a new arrival settle.
Life with a dog on the Gold Coast
The heat and humidity
Summer here is hot and sticky, and it creeps in early. Walk at sunrise and after the sun drops, carry water, and test footpaths and sand with the back of your hand. If you can't hold it there comfortably, it's too hot for paws. The humidity is hard on skin too. Dogs from cooler cities often get itchy in their first summer, and our guide to Gold Coast climate and itchy dogs explains why. Thinking of shaving a husky or golden retriever to help? Read should you shave a double-coated dog in summer first.
Paralysis ticks and snakes
This is the big adjustment for southern dogs. Paralysis ticks live in bushland, long grass and behind the dunes, and snakes are part of life in the warmer months. Our guide to paralysis ticks and snakes on the Gold Coast covers prevention, daily tick checks and the warning signs that mean straight to the vet.
Find a vet before you need one
Pick a local clinic in your first week and save the nearest emergency hospital in your phone. Our Gold Coast vets guide lists emergency hospitals and local clinics across the city.
Off-leash beaches and parks
Our Gold Coast dog beaches guide covers every off-leash beach and the real rules at the popular ones, and the Gold Coast dog parks guide covers fenced and open off-leash parks by region.
Renting with a dog in Queensland
Queensland's rental rules on pets changed on 1 October 2022, and the Residential Tenancies Authority's renting with pets fact sheet sets out how it works now. You need written approval from the property manager or owner to keep a pet, using the RTA's Form 21. The lessor must respond in writing within 14 days, and if they don't, or their response doesn't meet the rules, the request is treated as approved.
A lessor can only refuse on grounds the law allows, such as the property lacking suitable fencing or space, an unacceptable health or safety risk, a body corporate by-law, or likely damage that couldn't be repaired for less than the rental bond. They must state the specific reason, and the RTA says "no pets allowed" on its own doesn't cut it. Reasonable conditions can be attached, like professional carpet cleaning or fumigation at the end of the tenancy, but the RTA says a condition requiring more rent or an increased bond as security is void. In a unit or townhouse, check the body corporate by-laws too. Working dogs, including assistance and guide dogs, don't need approval. For your own situation, go straight to the RTA's renting with pets page.
Find a groomer who knows Gold Coast coats
Salt, sand and humidity mean coats here need more attention than they did down south. Our dog grooming in Miami uses Australian-made, plant-based Melanie Newman products. If you just need the beach sand gone, book a dog wash. Moving with a puppy? Our Puppy Introduction Groom is a gentle first visit from around 12 weeks, after the second core vaccination.
FAQs
How long do I have to register my dog after moving to the Gold Coast?
Council says all dogs must be registered within 14 days of coming into the city to live. If your dog is registered with Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Redland or Scenic Rim, council offers reciprocal registration up to 31 August.
How many dogs can I have on the Gold Coast?
Two per household. Council requires an excess animal permit to keep more than two dogs on your property, and it inspects the property before approving one.
Can a Queensland landlord refuse my dog?
Only on grounds allowed under Queensland law, and they must give the specific reason in writing within 14 days. If they don't respond in time, the RTA says the request is automatically approved.
Can I take my dog to the beach on the Gold Coast?
On most beaches, yes, on a lead. Dogs can't go within 200 metres of flagged bathing areas, into swimming enclosures or playgrounds, or into signed dog prohibited areas. Off-leash is only allowed in signed off-leash areas.
New to the Coast? Come and say hello
A fresh groom is the best way to start Gold Coast life.
Book a groomRules last checked against City of Gold Coast, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and RTA sources October 2026. We're humans, not council, so we can get things wrong. Check the signs, the venue and council's current rules before you go.
Straight from Google
Five stars from the people holding the leads
Rated 5.0 on Google (opens in a new tab)We took our two toy poodles in for grooming today and couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the moment we walked in, the team was warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do.
They took the time to listen and treated our boys with such care and patience throughout and they came out looking absolutely beautiful! Perfect cuts, soft coats, and so happy & relaxed.
It’s obvious they genuinely care about the dogs, not just the end result. The attention to detail and level of professionalism really stood out. We’ve already rebooked, will definitely be coming back regularly and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality groomer.
Thanks so much guys!
Lots of love from Lenny & Boo 🐕 🐕
OBSESSED
Got my senior queen Lady (husky x GSD) groomed here when her regular groomers couldn’t fit her in (they would often cancel as well due to her size and hair type). Pets Juicy did an incredible job - Lady came back happy, smelling fresh and well de-shedded. Really happy with the service and kindness of the staff here, this will be the new go-to spot for our dogs. Thank you for being so accommodating to bigger dogs, which are often seen as a chore by many places. I can see based on reviews you have many larger regulars. Thank you team!
Excellent service and care
HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR COCKER SPANIEL OWNERS 🤍
Had such a good experience at Pets Juicy. My dog Monty had the worst mats in his ears and I was honestly so stressed about it. The team were so patient and gentle with him, especially because he’s a bit silly and crazy They really took their time and made sure he was comfortable, and did an amazing job. I honestly wish I took before photos of how matted his ears were because the difference is crazy. So grateful for how kind they were with him. Definitely recommend!
Great job on my mini groodle Coco
Such an amazing place and team. The environment was very calming and relaxing for our dog. It was his first ever professional groom and wow, he looked fantastic. From booking to confirmation to reminder to collection was absolutely brilliant. Our dog didn’t want to leave at the end of his groom leaving with a big smile on his face and one very happy one at that. We have found our forever groomers for our large dog!!
Thanks Pets Juicy
Best haircut in 16 years for my spoodle
I’ve brought my two pups to Pet’s Juicy a few times now, and every visit has been such a positive experience. The team is incredibly gentle, caring, and clearly loves what they do! My dogs are always excited when we arrive! Their grooms are beautifully done, and they come home smelling amazing and happy every time. I feel completely at ease leaving them in such capable, loving, kind hands. Highly recommend!
Always amazing & professional a great team
Sami looked and felt absolutely fabulous after her long haired deshedding service. The team did an awesome job with my golden girl who hates her nails being trimmed. Our vet couldn’t manage trimming Sami’s nails without sedation but the team ensured she had a proper and perfect dogicure. Being a water lover, Sami had some matting which the team were able to also tidy. 10/10
Awesome open space, needed for our local area
This was our first time at Pets Juicy and we were very impressed with our visit. It’s a very friendly space and I liked how my pup was able to hang out with the day care dogs while he waited for his cut. Also the staff was very accommodating, booking was easy and prices were very reasonable. We will definitely be back!
Awesome groom - our Labradoodle looks so handsome!
Our big beautiful GSD loves this place. Hes very anxious at groomers but the whole vibe is just chill, welcoming and loving. He immediately relaxed and blended in well.
I struggle to take him in public to dog parks as he gets very unhappy, but id happily leave him here as long as needed. Well managed and run.
Love this place .
The best dog groomers on the Gold Coast .
Our 15yold Moodle has lots of bumps and lumps. Had been avoiding groomers due to fear of distress. Had been recommended Pets Juicy and couldn’t be happier. Easy to book, lovely reception on arrival and felt very comfortable. And in picking up our dog, he was happy calm and looked wonderful.
Great experience and a lovely groom for my cavoodle- I didn’t recognise him!
My little Archie seemed to instinctively love this place.
A chilled welcoming venue, very nice staff, and they did a really great job on grooming, I passed by at one point while he was being groomed & saw for myself the care and attention that was taken.
Would definitely recommend.
Pet Juicy have been amazing for our little Luna. Highly recommend their services.
The team at Pets Juicy were amazing! They did such a good job helping with our Border Collie’s matted coat and took really great care of him the whole time. He came home looking so much better and seemed super happy and comfortable. Couldn’t recommend them enough :)
Very friendly service, 100% recommended. You can really tell they love and care for animals
I took my dog for his very first grooming today and I honestly couldn’t have chosen a better salon! The staff were so lovely, everything was done really quickly, and my pup looks absolutely adorable. They did such a great job 👏🏼 highly recommend!
Love coming here. The team genuinely love what they do and always take the best care of my Baxter.
Had my dog groomed today and they did amazing job, they were gentle and made my dog comfortable before starting. Will definitely be coming back, and i recommend going as they prices are affordable and staff are so friendly.
Absolutely highly recommend.
My pup Ava looks great and the service and price was great.
Barry
Robina
Everyone at Pets Juicy is amazing. They gave our gorgeous 3 month old labradoodle Barry, his very first grooming session and we were so impressed by their patience and care. Thank you! Barry will be back.
Highly recommend absolutely amazing service thank you Teddie looks insane look forward to his next pamper 💙
Phenominal service, they took care of my queenie she looked absolutely gorgeous ❤️❤️💜💜 thank you so much for helping us out we appreciate you and we are beyond grateful ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Amazing place! Staff were super friendly and caring with my dog! My dog looks happy and amazing! 100% would recommend
2nd time we send our swiss shepherd for deadheading and the results are fantastic. The team is super helpful and friendly and the location is convenient. Highly recommended.
Friendly local dog groomer, used for first time and happy with the cut and service all around. Will be back again next time
Bath time at pet Juicy is marvellous for us. We have two cavoodles and to have the care and service from Pet Juicy works a treat. It's clean, friendly and homely.
Fabulous team at Pets Juicy. Obviously love their work and customers!!!
Did a great job on our old boy he looks so handsome now.
Amazing service!! So happy with how the dogs looked I accidentally stuffed up my booking and they were so kind to still accommodate me can’t recommend enough 🙏🏻
Honestly, couldn’t be happier! The team are so lovely, kind and accommodating. They went above and beyond for our pups. Highly recommend!
A great local dog groomer that is well priced, fast and takes great care of the dogs! Our groodle always looks just as we like him when we collect him!
Shane and the team were very kind to our beautiful Zara. First time we’ve used Pets Juicy for a groom and they were great! A very happy puppy!
I so happy and appreciative of the great job your team has done to make my miniature Poodle and Cobberdog looks so gorgeous.
Thanks heaps
Claudia
Highly recommend the Pets juicy team to look after your furry babies. I was so hesitant and nervous as I’d never had my dogs previously looked after but moving interstate and trying to take our family to theme parks left me no choice but to bite the bullet and try. I’m so glad I came across these guys. They put my mind at ease. My dogs were happy to go each day (they went for 3 days). I was updated on the first day with texts and photos to put my nerves at ease. Thank you for such a pleasant experience. Can’t recommend these guys enough. Thank you.
Teddy loves pets juicy!!!
We absolutely love this place! Odin and Scooby always come home happy, relaxed, and looking amazing after their grooming sessions. The team truly cares for the dogs as if they were their own, and I feel so comfortable leaving them here for daycare knowing they’re in safe hands. Grooming is always done perfectly—clean, tidy, and they smell incredible! Most importantly, both dogs actually get excited when we arrive, which says it all. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional and loving groomer/daycare.
Great service and great results!
I would highly recommend Pets Juicy . I popped in this morning to see if they could possibly trim my 14 year old Boxers nail's.
I was in Awe... usually Ruby is a shaking mess and stressed in new situations.
Shane took Ruby through to the grooming room and tender to those nails while I waited.
What I witnessed was a serene/happy atmosphere in the doggy daycare area and Ruby was relaxed on the grooming table while her nails were attended to.
Extremely affordable, Kind and Professional experience.
Beautiful results, affordable for all.
My 1 year old labradoodle Bryson had his first full groom this morning and couldn't feel more comfortable and pleased with this service. Very impressed with how patient and helpful Shane was. Bryson wasn't the easiest puppy to groom but with the guidance and advice given, I have no doubt it will get essier and he will be less nervous each time. Have definitely found our new grooming service! Very happy, thank you so much! 🙂
Great service and love the free bandana
Extremely happy after collecting our Husky Sasha from his first visit. We really appreciate the extra time and care taken to de-fluff our adored fur ball and especially impressed we were not charged extra for the additional time taken. Have already started recommending you and looking forward to seeing you again next month! Thanks again from Sasha and the Spencer Family 🩷🩷🩷
Thank u Dudley looks awesome after his groom
It was our puppy’s very first grooming session and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The staff was so gentle and patient, and made sure our little one felt safe and comfortable. He came out looking absolutely adorable — clean, fluffy, and happy! Thank you for taking such great care of him. We’ll definitely be back! 🐾💕
They did a really great job with my dog's groom
Had such a lovely experience!
My Golden Retriever can be a bit nervous, but the team at Pets Juicy looked after her so well. Such lovely, caring people.
She looks amazing and their services are very well priced.
Bonus is that they post super cute photos of your dog on Instagram ♡
We'll be back, thank you!
Amazing service and an easy and user friendly website
Amazing service! After being told by multiple groomers across the GC they weren’t taking on anymore large breed clients, I came across Pets Juicy who were more than happy to help. Both dogs groomed the next day and was better priced than I expected! Will definitely be using them from now on.
They took amazing care of my little pup will
Definitely be back !!
We take our two miniature groodles here for their grooming regularly & they do such a good job!!
We’ve had previous experiences at a large salon where our 3yr old would become anxious & distressed, but not here - both our doggies love going to Pets Juicy Miami. Definitely 5 ⭐️ from us!
Gorgeous people with my puppy she came home happy and looking and smelling great.
This was my first time here and I’m so happy with how they groomed my dog, he looks amazing and it’s perfect for his active lifestyle. I love how much everyone there cares for the dogs! It made me feel comfortable leaving him and knowing he will be well looked after. Will 100% be back!
They are amazing and very kind with my furry little baby!!! I strongly recommend!!!
I took my 16 month old Border Collie (Ziggy) to Pets Juicy in Miami today for a warm bath and deshed. The staff are so friendly. You can tell that they really care about the dogs they look after. Ziggy looks amazing after his grooming session. Stella job guys!
They have amazing staff and my dog came out smelling so clean with a fresh hair cut for spring.
My beautiful 15 year old, blind Shihtzu Stella has been here 3 times now and honestly the BEST grooming service we’ve ever experienced. Kind, caring, great grooming- very happy Shihtzu mum and most importantly an extremely happy pup. ❤️
Alfred loved his experience at Pets Juicy. We can't thank them enough for looking after our little guy.
Awesome!!! My little lady is always so happy to go for her beauty treatments. The guys always do such a fantastic job. It used to be such a stressful process but not since coming to Pets Juicy she is relaxed and happy.
Pets Juicy did a great job of grooming our Groodle. Will return for sure.
Recommend to anyone in the area
Hi guys! After a missed booking (my bad) you guys managed to fit us in anyway. Franny was loved and cared for and looks great! So happy and many thanks. We will be regulars going forward. 10/10.
Took my shih tzu cross maltese Lou Lou here for a groom, she smelt lovely. They did a great job and were very nice.
Julius absolutely loves going to Pets Juicy! They always do such an amazing job grooming him. He comes home looking and smelling incredible every time. Would definitely recommend!
Fantastic service, our wee girl was quite matted but she’s come back home feeling and looking wonderful. Highly recommend.
A fantastic new doggy grooming company and doggy day care in the heart of Miami GC. Who doesn’t love local, especially when that local loves and cares for our fur babies!?
Stumbled across these groomers online
No wait time. Excellent job and surprisingly well priced. Very happy and will be returning
Took my Border Collie for wash and deshed, my boy is looking as handsome as ever. They did an excellent job and the team was very friendly and great to deal with.
I’m really impressed, honestly have done a really good job in grooming my dog exactly what I wanted. Very nice people and worth it.
Our regular pet groomer and always a great experience with Pets juicy. Grooming of our labradoodle is always done professionally and with love and care.
This place is awesome…super kind and friendly staff and a beautiful haircut and wash given to little Crème. 100% recommend this to everyone 🙌🏼
I went to Pets Juicy yesterday and the staff there where amazingly attentive, they took such care and time with our little puppy. I couldn't be happier
We were very impressed with Milly’s first groom since moving to the area. The staff listened to what we wanted and did a fab job. We’ll be back!
More from Best of Gold Coast
Can Dogs Go on Gold Coast Buses, Trains or the G:link?
No, your dog can't ride a Gold Coast bus, train or G:link tram, even in a carrier.
Can You Take Your Dog to Hinze Dam? Advancetown and Mount Nathan Guide
Yes, you can take your dog to Hinze Dam, but only on a lead and only in part...
Canungra With Your Dog: Parks, Stays and What's Off Limits
Canungra is the little hinterland village on the way up to O'Reilly's and the Green Mountains, and it's...
