Dog Adoption Rockingham

Rockingham sits on Cockburn Sound at the southern end of the metro area, and the beach is part of everyday life with a dog here. The calm water of the sound and long stretches of sand suit dogs that love to swim, while newer estates in Baldivis and Port Kennedy give many families a decent backyard. A young, active dog can do well here if someone has time for a walk and a run most days.

Rockingham is a fair drive from the Perth rescues, so plan to visit before you commit. Dogs' Refuge Home is in Shenton Park in inner Perth, SAFE Perth rehomes dogs through foster carers across the metro area, and Swan Animal Haven adopts by appointment. A foster dog is worth a look if you cannot get to a shelter often, because the carer can answer questions by phone and you can meet the dog in a home. Perth rescue adult dogs usually cost around $600, puppies usually cost more, and the fee includes desexing, vaccination and a microchip.

The City of Rockingham handles dog registration and has designated a number of beaches as off-leash dog exercise areas, plus fenced dog parks such as the Rockingham Enclosed Dog Park in Bayview Reserve and the Baldivis Enclosed Dog Park in Barri Barri Reserve. A fenced park is a safe place to test a new dog's recall. In summer, walk early or late, because hot sand and footpaths burn paws.