Pet ownership restrictions and permits
By law, you can only keep a certain number of pets without a permit.
All dogs and cats must be registered and microchipped at three months old.
All cats must be desexed, unless:
- a vet has said it shouldn't be, or
- it is registered for breeding.
Number of animals that can be kept in Stonnington without a permit
| Animals |
Houses |
Units, townhouses, flats and apartments |
|
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
|
Read more about keeping extra cats, dogs, birds and other animals in our Keeping of Animals Policy(PDF, 280KB).
Keeping extra dogs, cats and chickens
If you want to keep extra animals, make an appointment with an Animal Management Officer.
The officer will talk with you about keeping extra pets and:
- look at where you're keeping them
- check your fencing
- make sure they have an appropriate place to sleep.
If the officer lets you keep your extra pets, they'll send you a permit in the mail.
Apply online for a permit to Keep Extra Animals (Cats & Dogs)
Apply online for a permit to Keep Extra Poultry (Chicken)
There is a fee of $105 to keep extra dogs or cats in Stonnington.
Domestic animal business permit
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, all domestic animal related businesses must be registered with the local government authority.
Businesses that require a permit are those that involve buying, selling, rearing, training or boarding domestic animals.
Visit our domestic animal business permit page to find more information and to apply for the permit.
Contact us
For any questions about pet ownership applications or restrictions, call our Animal Management Unit.