Excess animal permits
Excess animal permits help protect the health of pets and prevent inconvenience for neighbours.
Excess animal permits help protect the health of pets and prevent inconvenience for neighbours.
Our General Local Law regulates how many animals you can have before needing an excess animal permit. If you have any more than the amount listed below for each type of animal, then a permit will be required.
| Animal type | Number per house | Number per unit or flat |
|---|---|---|
| Dogs | 2 (over 3 months old) | 1 (over 3 months old) |
| Cats | 2 (over 3 months old) | 1 (over 3 months old) |
| Birds | 15 | 2 |
| Chickens | 5 | 0 |
| Roosters | 0 | 0 |
| Guinea pigs, rabbits, mice | 4 (in total) | 2 (in total) |
| Ferrets | 2 | 2 (in total) |
Frequently asked questions
A one-time, non-refundable application fee of $68 applies when submitting your permit request. If your application is approved, a permit fee of $65.52 will be required.
Once issued, your permit remains valid for the lifetime of your animals. Renewal is only necessary if you increase the number of animals or replace an existing animal.
You will only need to update your permit if:
- Due to circumstance the number of animals left at your premises no longer triggers a permit
- You are increasing the number of animals at your premises.
- You are replacing an animal at your premises.
To update your permit please email us at [email protected] or call 9205 5555 and quote your permit number.
Follow these steps to apply:
- Download and complete an excess animal permit application [ DOCX, 52.57 KB]
- Submit your application to us
- Pay the application fee once you receive the invoice from us.
You can submit your application by:
- email to [email protected]
- mail to Yarra City Council, PO Box 168 Richmond VIC 3121
- in person at a customer service centre.
Once your application is received, a Animal Management Officer will review your application. Depending on the type of animals, number of animals and premises the animals reside at, they may need to undertake an inspection of the property to ensure compliance.
Once you've received your permit, there's nothing else for you to do. The permit is valid for the lifetime of your animals and comes with a one time permit fee. No renewal notices will be sent.
You just need to let us know if your circumstances change.
More information
For more information call 9205 5555 or email [email protected]