Animals you can keep
There are limits on the number and types of animals you can keep on your property without the need for a permit, depending on the size of your land.
Please note that any animals you keep on your property must not cause a nuisance to anybody due to noise, smell or any other issue.
Animals should also have adequate housing and the property should be adequately fenced.
You should also check your land title for any covenants that apply to keeping animals on your land. Contact Council's Local Laws and Planning departments on (03) 5422 0333 to discuss your plans.
| Type of animal |
Maximum allowance without a Local Law permit |
| Dogs |
2 – allowed on land less than 4000 square metres (1 acre)
4 – allowed on land 4000 square metres (1 acre) and greater
Note that planning controls may apply |
| Cats |
2 – allowed on land less than 4000 square metres (1 acre)
4 – allowed on land 4000 square metres (1 acre) and greater
Note that planning controls may apply
|
| Small animals (Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and rodents) |
6 small animals in total allowed on land less than 4000 square metres (1 acre)
The Local Law does not limit the number of other small animals on land 4000 square metres (1 acre) and greater
Note that planning controls may apply
|
| Roosters and Peacocks
|
0 – Roosters and peacocks are not allowed on land less than 4000 square metres (1 acre) without a permit
The Local Law does not limit the number of roosters on land 4000 square metres (1 acre) and greater
Note that planning controls may apply
|
| Poultry (other than roosters and peacocks)
|
10 poultry in total allowed on land less than 2000 square metres (0.5 acre)
15 poultry in total allowed on land between 2000 square metres (.5 acre) and 4000 square metres (1 acre)
The Local Law does not limit the number of poultry on land greater than 4000 square metres (1 acre)
Note that planning controls may apply
|
| Pigs
|
0 – Pigs (including piglets) are not allowed on land less than 10,000 square metres (2.5 acres) without a permit
The Local Law does not limit the number of pigs on land 10,000 square metres (2.5 acres) and greater
Note that planning controls may apply
|
| Farm animals (Refer to definition)
|
0 – Farm animals are not allowed on land less than 2,000 square metres (.5 acre) without a permit, unless for grazing in accordance with clause 56.(2) of the Community Local Law 2023(PDF, 1MB)
The Local Law does not limit the number of farm animals on land 2,000 square metres (.5 acre) and greater
Note that planning controls may apply
|
Refer to Division 3 - Animals on pages 33 - 36 of the Council's Community Local Law 2023(PDF, 1MB) for further information and conditions in regard to the keeping of animals.
Apply for a permit
A list of permit types and their costs can be found on our Permit Fees page.
Dogs and cats
If you wish to keep more dogs or cats than stated above, you need to apply for an Excess Animals Permit.
*Hard copy forms are in the process of being updated, to reflect the new Community Local Law 2023.
Other animals
If you require a permit to keep any of the other animals listed above, you will need to apply for a General Local Laws Permit (Word(DOCX, 194KB) and PDF(PDF, 171KB)).
About your application/permit
When you apply, Council may inspect your property to ensure it is adequately set up to manage the animals. It must be of an adequate size and fenced appropriately to house the animals, and there must be controls to minimise nuisance noise.
Your permit must be renewed annually.
Commercial operations
If you are keeping or breeding any kind of animal for commercial purposes, you need to apply for an Animal Business Permit. You may also need a planning permit