By law, there are restrictions on the number of pets you can keep without a permit in Stonnington. If you'd like to keep poultry, or extra cats or dogs, you will need to apply for a permit.
Pet ownership restrictions
View the number of animals you can keep without a permit based on your property type.
| Animal |
Number of animals you can keep in a house without a permit |
Number of animals you can keep in a unit, townhouse, flat or apartment without a permit |
|
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
|
Keeping extra cats or dogs
To keep extra cats or dogs, you will need to apply for an Extra Animal Permit.
Before the permit is approved, one of our Animal Management officers will visit your property to:
- look at where you plan to keep the animals
- check your fencing
- make sure they have an appropriate place to sleep.
If approved, we will send your permit via post.
Apply online
The permit fee is $105.
Keeping chickens
To keep chickens, quails or other poultry in Stonnington, you will need to apply for a Poultry Permit.
Before the permit is approved, one of our Animal Management officers will visit your property to:
- inspect the poultry coup
- inspect your property to ensure the animals will be kept in a safe and humane manner
- check that your neighbours are aware and approve of the situation.
If approved, we will send your permit via post.
Apply online
The permit is free.
Keeping bees
Stonnington residents are able to keep two recreational beehives. To keep more than two hives you must register as a beekeeper with Agriculture Victoria.
For hobby beekeeping information, including tips on getting started, tools and protective equipment, visit Agriculture Victoria.
Domestic animal businesses
If you plan to start a business that buys, sells, rears, trains or boards domestic animals, you will need to apply for a Domestic Animal Business Permit.
To find out more, or to apply, visit Domestic Animal Business Permits.
Read our Keeping of Animals Policy(PDF, 280KB) for more information on keeping animals in Stonnington.
If you have any questions, call our Animal Management team on 03 8290 1333 or email council@stonnington.vic.gov.au