Dogs could be running across Shellharbour beaches in the future.
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Shellharbour City Council will consider a request from residents to create a dedicated off-leash area on beaches as part of a new strategy.
There are currently no dog-friendly areas on any beaches in the city for the almost 30,000 four-legged canines.
Residents also suggested new dog-friendly parks be located in Albion Park, Shell Cove and Lake Illawarra so facilities were distributed across the city.
On Tuesday night, councillors voted to put the draft Shellharbour Dog Friendly Spaces Strategy on public exhibition for 28 days.
Mayor Marianne Saliba said there was "no doubt" Shellharbour was a dog-friendly city.
"[I want to remind people] it is really the responsibility of owners to ensure their dogs are properly cared for and they clean up after their dogs so there isn't an issue for other people to deal with," she said.
Council staff will also develop a policy position on whether dogs should be allowed or prohibited at sporting fields.
Cr Kellie Marsh said residents had previously told her they did not want dogs to be allowed on sporting fields so she was pleased their wishes were being considered.
"I fully support this strategy, hope the community gets behind it and put submissions in," she said.
Council's survey from 246 respondents found that 22 per cent take their dogs to current agility parks and 25 per cent of people use parks, reserves and designated off leash spaces. People said the most important features were fencing, drinking water and dog waste bags and bins.
Therefore council will endeavour to put fencing at future dog agility parks but off-leash spaces will remain unfenced and will have signs.
Staff will also consider installing drinking water stations, seating, shade and dog agility equipment when deciding to create new dog friendly spaces. They will also consider separate areas for large and small dogs; time out areas; different spaces such as ball play and agility equipment; car parking and all-abilities access.
The strategy also identified concerns raised by residents such as allowing dogs on sporting fields where children train and play, people not taking responsibility for their dogs' behaviour, not people not picking up dog poo and dog attacks.
