How many dogs can I own?
Owning multiple dogs comes with responsibilities. If you fail to comply with the laws associated with owning multiple dogs you could face a fine.
How many dogs am I allowed to keep?
You may keep two dogs per household. Approval is required for the keeping of:
- three or more dogs over the age of 12 weeks (other than a working dog) on any premises
- one or more dogs on a non-residential premises
- a guard dog on any premises
- a dog kept on residential premises temporarily; but for longer than one month
- dogs of a restricted breed.
Dogs must be registered, microchipped and desexed prior to an application being made.
Breeding and show dogs are excluded from the desexing requirement however, relevant documentation is required to be supplied with your application for these types of approvals.
General requirements
The keeper must ensure that keeping the dogs does not result in:
- waste water from enclosures flowing into adjoining properties or creating a nuisance
- a build-up of animal faeces or food scraps
- breeding or harbouring of flies or vermin
- unclean enclosures
- disturbance, inconvenience or annoyance to a person/s enjoyment at their place of residence.
Enclosure requirements
Enclosures for dogs must:
- allow for public access to the front door and/or utilities
- be appropriate to the breed of the dog enclosed
- be constructed of strong and firm building and fencing materials
- prevent the animal escaping over, under or through the barrier
- have gates kept closed and latched - Council recommends gates that are childproof and/or lockable.
Application Process
To apply, complete the relevant application form below or phone 07 4932 9000 or 1300 22 55 77.
Step 1: Application Submission
The relevant application form is to be fully completed and lodged with Council along with the relevant fee and mandatory information.
If you are not the owner of the premises where the dogs are to be kept, you will require the owner’s consent.
If mandatory information is not provided, your application will not be processed.
Step 2: Application Assessment
Council will assess your application against the relevant requirements.
If Council requires further information to decide the application, you will be notified in writing outlining the required information and when it must be received by Council. If the information is not received within the required timeframe, you will be required to make a new application.
An inspection of your premises and dog enclosure will be undertaken to ensure all requirements of the Local Laws are met. Your dogs and enclosure will be photographed.
Step 3: Decision
You will be notified of the decision in writing. If approved, an annual renewal is required.