Multiple animal permits

The number of pets you can keep within a residential area is limited. If you would like to own more than the limit, you'll need to apply for a multiple pet permit.

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The City of Port Phillip Community Amenity Local Law 2023, Section 56 states how many pets can live on a property without a permit. The number is different for different types of dwelling. You must have a multiple pet permit if you have more pets than the numbers specified in the Procedures and Protocols Manual or table below.

Penalties can apply for having more animals than specified, without a permit.

Applying for a multiple animal permit

All dogs and cats listed on the application must be registered prior to submitting an application.

There is a $70 administrative fee when you submit your application. Paying the fee does not guarantee permit approval. The application fee will not be refunded if the permit is refused. The permit application will not be reviewed unless the permit application fee is paid. A card payment fee applies.

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Animal limits and dwelling types

Type of pet	Houses - maximum limits	Units, townhouses and flats - limits
Birds	5	2
Dogs	3	2
Cats	2	2
Poultry	5	0
Rabbits	5	2
Guinea pigs	5	2
Ferrets	5	2
Reptiles	5	2
Livestock (including pet horses, cows, sheep and goats)	0	0

Poultry

You may keep hens. Roosters must not be kept or harboured due to the noise nuisance.
Poultry or animal housing or a similar structure must be located on the property so that the amenity of the area or other premises is not affected by nuisance, noise or odour experienced because of proximity of the poultry or animal housing.
An owner or occupier must not construct or use any poultry or animal housing on any property unless it has adequate roofing, drainage, is rodent proof and has a floor paved with impervious material.
All poultry and animal housing must be maintained so that it does not cause a nuisance or offensive conditions or harbour vermin.

The permit approval process

Once the application is lodged and paid for, an officer will assess the application to ensure the animals are in good care and do not impact your neighbours. The officer will contact you to book a time for a brief inspection of the animal housing. The permit cannot be approved without an inspection. We may also send survey letters to your neighbours.