Pet ownership restrictions and permits

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

To apply to keep extra animals at your residence, please email petregistration@stonnington.vic.gov.au with your additional pet's details.

How to apply to keep chickens

Applications for poultry permits are currently closed.

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.