Dog walkers

Do I need a dog walking permit?

If you are conducting an activity where you are walking four (4) or more dogs at a time, you will need a dog walking permit. Penalties can apply if you walk four (4) or more dogs at a time without a dog walking permit.

Before you take on an activity where you're walking four or more dogs at a time, it's important to be familiar with the requirements of responsible dog ownership. You will be responsible for the dogs in your care, even if they don't belong to you. You must ensure that you are able to follow all of the permit conditions, keep the dogs under effective control and always pick up after all of the dogs.

Effective control means the dogs will:

• return to you on command
• not bother, attack, worry or interfere with other people or animals
• be in your clear and unobstructed view at all times.

With a permit you will be allowed to have the dogs off leash only in designated off leash areas. In these areas you must carry a suitable chain, cord or leash on your person to restrain or tether each dog.

General Conditions

Number of dogs allowed with a permit

a) When the activity has a permit, a maximum of eight (8) dogs may be walked in total per person.

b) Where sub-clause (a) applies, a maximum of eight (8) dogs may be walked off-leash in a designated off leash area.

c) When the activity has a permit, a maximum of twelve (12) dogs may be walked in total, regardless of the number of handlers.

d) Where there is more than one person conducting the activity, there must be a written agreement or roster for which person is responsible for which dogs. This must be provided to Council officers on request.

General Conditions

a) While the activity is being conducted, the person(s) responsible for the dogs must carry a suitable, chain, cord or leash on their person to restrain or tether each dog.

b) While the activity is being conducted, each dog must have a suitable collar or harness and Council issued identification marker (as defined by the Domestic Animals Act 1994).

c) The permit holder and any persons assisting the permit holder must comply with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and the City of Port Phillip Community Amenity Local Law 2023 and any lawful instructions of Council officers.

d) The dog walking permit must be provided to Council officers or members of the public upon request, and must be carried by the business operator while conducting the activity. This can be in print or digital form.

e) The permit holder must have clear processes in place to ensure that dogs in their care are under effective control at all times and dog litter can be collected.

f) ‘Effective control’ is as defined in City of Port Phillip Council Order #5 made under section 26(2) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994.

g) The permit holder must be able to demonstrate to Council officers their methods for keeping the dogs under effective control.

h) The permit holder must maintain records of dogs in their care which includes the times and dates the dogs are in care, the owner name and contact details and the Council tag number.

i) The permit holder must report any incidents that could reasonably be assumed to be a dog rush or dog attack (as defined in the Domestic Animals Act 1994) involving the dogs in their care to the City of Port Phillip within 48 hours of the incident occurring. 

j) Council may cancel the permit if there are ongoing established breaches in the conditions of the permit. 

Applicable Legislation

Contact us

Our Animal Management team is here to help. Get in touch if you have questions or would like a print version of any files.

Send us a message on My Port Phillip.

Email: pets@portphillip.vic.gov.au