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By law, there are restrictions on the number of pets you can keep without a permit in Stonnington. If you'd like to keep poultry, or extra cats or dogs, you will need to apply for a permit.
View the number of animals you can keep without a permit based on your property type.
| Animal |
Number of animals you can keep in a house without a permit |
Number of animals you can keep in a unit, townhouse, flat or apartment without a permit |
|
Cats
|
2
|
2
|
|
Cats under 3 months
|
12
|
2
|
|
Dogs
|
2
|
1
|
|
Dogs under 3 months
|
12
|
1
|
|
Domestic birds (budgie, canary or similar)
|
5
|
2
|
|
Domestic mice
|
6
|
3
|
|
Rabbits or guinea pigs
|
10
|
2
|
|
Cold water and tropical fish
|
unlimited
|
unlimited
|
How to apply to keep extra animals
Log in to the platform to apply to keep extra animals. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up. Find out more about our online self-service platform.
If your pet is a dog or cat, you must also register your pet.
Once logged in:
- select ‘All applications and permits’ under Apply for something
- find 'Keeping of Extra Animals' and select 'Start'
- follow the prompts.
Apply to keep extra animals
You can track the progress of your applications anytime through the platform.
Before the permit is approved, one of our Animal Management officers will visit your property to:
- inspect where you plan to keep the animals
- inspect your fencing
- make sure the animals have an appropriate place to sleep.
If approved, we will send your permit via post.
How to apply to keep chickens
To keep chickens, quails or other poultry in Stonnington, you will need to apply for a poultry permit.
Log in to the platform to apply. If you don’t have an account, you can sign up.
Once logged in:
- select ‘All applications and permits’ under Apply for something
- find 'Keeping of Extra Animals' and select 'Start'
- follow the prompts.
Apply for a poultry permit
Before the permit is approved, one of our Animal Management officers will visit your property to:
- inspect the poultry coup
- inspect your property to ensure the animals will be kept in a safe and humane manner
- check that your neighbours are aware and approve of the situation.
If approved, we will send your permit via post. The payment is free and no payment is required.
Keeping bees
You can keep two recreational beehives. To keep more than two hives you must register as a beekeeper with Agriculture Victoria.
For hobby beekeeping information, including tips on getting started, tools and protective equipment, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.
Domestic animal businesses
If you plan to start a business that buys, sells, rears, trains or boards domestic animals, you will need to apply for a domestic animal business permit.
For more information, visit Apply for a domestic animal business permit.
Read our Keeping of Animals Policy(PDF, 958KB) for more information on keeping animals in Stonnington.
Contact us if you have any questions.