Apply for an additional animal permit

When do I need to apply for a permit?

It is best to apply for a permit to keep an additional animal before you purchase or acquire the animal. Ensure you know the details of the animal and include these on the application.

All applications are reviewed and assessed on a case-by-case basis.

What is the cost?

Each permit application is $138.20. This is a non-refundable application fee.

Your responsibility and the law

The Domestic Animals Act 1994 places clear responsibilities on the owners of dogs and cats to ensure they are registered from three months of age and that they are securely confined to the owner’s property.

The Act also places a clear responsibility on the owner of an animal to ensure it does not create a nuisance to people or cause any harm. If you already own the animal, please ensure it is registered.   

How many animals can be kept on a property?

Check the below table to find out which animals you can keep on your property in Manningham. If the number is zero (0) you can not keep that animal. 

All animals kept on residential land must be owned by the owner or occupier of that property.

*All cats and dogs over the age of three months must be microchipped and registered with the Council.

When do I need a permit?

A permit is required for keeping additional animals on residential land.

Residential land includes:

• Land zoned as Low Density.
• Mixed Use.
• Residential Growth.
• General Residential.
• Neighbourhood Residential.

If you do not know the size or zoning of your land, visit the Department of Transport and Planning website or contact us.

Domestic birds

A permit under the Community Local Law is no longer required to keep domestic birds on residential land.  However, all birds must be kept in an appropriate manner that does not cause nuisance or offence and are confined to property.

Animal housing

Animal housing must be adequate and appropriate based on the type and number of animals kept, kept in a clean condition and placed in an area which does not create a nuisance.

Animal containment 

An owner or person in charge of an animal other than a dog or cat must ensure that the land used for keeping an animal or any structure for housing is:

• clean
• does not cause a nuisance to any other person
• is adequately fenced
• is kept free from rubbish or vegetation that could attract or harbour rats or vermin.

All animal food for consumption must be kept or stored in a vermin and fly proof container.

All animal waste must be removed so as not to be offensive or a nuisance to any other person.

Existing permits

Where a pet owner has an existing permit issued under the previous Local Law, this permit will remain in place on the land until the existing permit expires. Existing permits will be reviewed if there are concerns relating to nuisance.

What happens next?

Allow 10 business days for us to review your application and make contact with you.

An invoice will be issued to pay the permit application fee. No permit will be issued unless fee is paid.

When assessing applications, Council will consider:

• feedback from neighbouring properties. 
• the impact the animals will have on amenity.
• the welfare of the animals.
• other Planning Scheme requirements.
• prior history associated with animal keeping.

An inspection of the land will occur to ensure the site is appropriate for the number of animals.

You will be advised if a permit is to be issued.

The permit will contain conditions which you will need to comply with.