A Domestic Animal Business Permit is required from Council if you wish to conduct a business such as a:
- pet shop (a shop where a pet animal is offered for sale, sold or bought and sold. Animals include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, mice, reptiles, and caged birds.)
- pet boarding establishment for cats or dogs (includes day cares and overnight boarding facilities.)
- breeding and rearing establishment for cats or dogs
- dog training establishment
- animal shelter.
These businesses must comply with the requirements of the relevant State Government Code of Practice that sets out guidelines on how these businesses must operate.
If your business doesn’t meet any of the above criteria, you don’t require a Domestic Animal Business permit. If you are unsure if your business requires a permit, contact us to talk to an Animal Management Officer on 03 9278 4444.
Annual inspections
Our Animal Management Officers annually inspect all Domestic Animal Businesses to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice.
Visit Agriculture Victoria for further information.
How to apply for a Domestic Animal Business Permit
The Domestic Animal Business Permit must be applied for, and renewed, by 10 April each year.
To apply, please complete the application form. You will receive a response from us within 10 business days.
Step 1: Submit your application
Confirm that you meet the criteria for a domestic animal business above and then Complete the Application for the required permit.
With your application, you'll need to provide:
- Type of Domestic Animal Business being conducted
- Types of animals being kept on premises
- Number of animals being kept on premises
You need to pay a $380 application fee for a Domestic Animal Business Permit. The application fee will not be refunded if your application is unsuccessful.
Step 2: Officer Inspection
An Animal Management Officer will contact you once your application has been processed to schedule an inspection of your business.
During the inspection, the officer will need to confirm if your business meets the criteria set out by the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and Animal Welfare Victoria by sighting and taking photos of the business.
Failure to meet the criteria will mean that no permit will be granted. You’ll be able to schedule follow-up inspections at no extra cost.
Step 3: Application is assessed
We'll let you know if your application has been approved within 10 business days. We'll contact you if we have any questions or if there is information missing from your application.
Purpose of the Permit
Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, it is a requirement that all Domestic Animal Businesses are registered with Council.
The permit approves the enterprise to conduct a business selling, buying, rearing, training or boarding animals. The permit specifies certain conditions which include:
- type of animals permitted
- number of animals permitted
- physical arrangements/cages required
- other conditions considered reasonable in the circumstances.
Failure to maintain full compliance with the conditions of the permit could lead to withdrawal or cancellation of the existing Domestic Animal Business Permit or to non-issuance of a future permit.
More information
If you have any enquiries regarding this application process, contact Local Laws on (03) 9278 4444.