Keeping multiple animals
Do I need a permit?
Our Community Local Law sets limits on the number of animals that can be kept on a property without a permit.
If you wish to keep more animals than the limits shown below, you must obtain an excess animal permit before exceeding those limits.
Each application is assessed on its individual circumstances.
| Type of Animal | Flat or Unit (Maximum Allowed) | Land Other Than Flat or Unit (Maximum Allowed) |
| Dogs (over 3 months old) | 2 | 2 |
| Cats (over 3 months old) | 2 | 2 |
| Chickens | 0 | 5 |
| Domestic Birds (caged and non-poultry) | 2 | 5 |
| Ferrets | 2 | 5 |
| Reptiles | 2 | 5 |
| Rabbits | 2 | 5 |
| Guinea Pigs | 2 | 5 |
| Rats or Mice (combined) | 2 | 5 |
| Poultry (other than chickens) | 0 | 0 |
| Roosters | 0 | 0 |
| Farm Animals | 0 | 0 |
Important
Whether you do not need a permit, or need a permit, it does not remove pet owner's responsibilities to ensure:
- animals do not create unreasonable noise
- animal waste is managed appropriately
- animals are adequately housed and cared for
- the keeping of animals does not adversely impact neighbouring properties.
Permit fees
There are two fees associated with an excess animal permit application:
Application Fee: $72 (non-refundable)
- This fee covers the assessment of your application, including administration, review of supporting information and any property inspections that may be required.
Excess Animal Permit Fee: $70
- This fee is only payable if your application is approved.
- Once issued, the permit remains valid for the lifetime of the approved animals, provided permit conditions continue to be met.
- The permit fee is not an annual renewal fee.
Applying for a permit
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]
- in person at a customer service centre.
How to pay
An invoice will be emailed to you, once your application has been assessed and approved.
An invoice will be emailed to you, once your application has been assessed and approved.
Refer to your renewal notice for biller code and BPAY reference number.
Pay in person at one of our customer service centres between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.
Bank cheque or money order payable to Yarra City Council and send it to:
Compliance Administration
Yarra City Council
PO Box 168
Richmond, Victoria, 3121
How applications are assessed
Once your application is received and processed, an Animal Management Officer will review the application.
Depending on the type of animals, number of animals and characteristics of the property, Council may undertake a site inspection as part of the assessment process.
When assessing an application, Council may consider:
- the number and type of animals proposed
- the size and suitability of the property
- animal welfare considerations
- potential impacts on neighbouring properties
- housing and enclosure arrangements
- any previous animal related compliance issues.
Each application is assessed on its individual merits.
Our Animal Management Officers will work with applicants throughout the assessment process and, where appropriate, provide guidance on any improvements that may assist in meeting any requirements.
Updating your permit
You need to contact us if your circumstances change.
This includes where:
- the number of animals at the property changes
- you wish to keep additional animals
- an approved type of animal has been replaced
- you no longer require the permit because you are within the permitted animal limits.
Frequently asked questions
Once issued, your permit remains valid for the lifetime of the approved animals, provided all permit conditions continue to be met.
No annual renewal is required.