You are here:

Keeping Extra Pets

A black dog and a white dog who are both bigHow many domestic animals (dogs and cats) can I keep?

The City of Stonnington General Local Law 2008 (No.1) allows for the keeping of a specific number of domestic animals without a permit. These are:

  • Three dogs aged three months and older;
  • 12 puppies under three months of age;
  • Two cats aged three months and older;
  • 12 kittens under three months of age.

All dogs and cats must be registered at the age of three months.

What do I do if I want to keep more than three dogs and/or two cats over three months?

Contact Council's Animal Management Officer on Ph: 03 8290 1333 to obtain permission. The Animal Management Officer will arrange a time to meet with you and discuss the options of keeping more animals, and to inspect your premises for yard size, adequate fencing and appropriate sleeping quarters.

The Animal Management Officer will also speak to your surrounding neighbours to gauge their level of support or interest. You may wish to discuss this matter with your neighbours prior to the inspection.

If the Animal Management Officer authorises the keeping of more than the permitted number of domestic animals, you will receive a Permit through the mail for the extra animals.

What other animals/birds can I keep if I live in the City of Stonnington?

Other than being permitted to keep two dogs and/or two cats at your property, you may also keep the following animals without a permit.

  • Domestic Birds - 10
  • Rabbits - 10
  • Domestic Mice - 6
  • Guinea Pigs - 10

Poultry - Please contact the Council's Animal Management Department on Ph: 03 8290 1333 regarding applications for the keeping of Poultry.

Where can I get advice?

Contact Council's Service Centre on Ph: 03 8290 1333.