How Many Dogs Can You Own In Victoria (VIC)

In Victoria (VIC), most people can own two dogs without a permit, but the exact number varies by local council. If you wish to keep more dogs, you need to apply for a permit from your local council in Victoria (VIC). Check the information below.

According to the Dogs Victoria (VIC) Fact Sheet titled Understanding Permits and Council Requirements (22 Sept 2022), the number of dogs you can own in Victoria (VIC), Australia depends on the local council regulations where you live. There is no single rule across Victoria (VIC) — instead, each of the 79 councils in Victoria, sets its own limits.

Here’s what the document explains about how many dogs you can own in Victoria (VIC), Australia:

• The Domestic Animals Act 1994 (VIC) gives each local council in Victoria, the authority to decide how many dogs residents may keep without a permit.
• In Victoria (VIC), most councils allow you to own two dogs without a permit on standard residential land.
• Some councils in Victoria, permit more dogs on larger properties (for example, up to four dogs if the land is over one acre).
• For example, according to the fact sheet:
  • Merri-bek (Moreland) City Council (VIC) allows one dog in apartments and two dogs in other residences without a permit.
  • Casey City Council (VIC) allows two dogs on properties under one acre, and four dogs on properties over one acre.
  • Murrindindi Shire Council (VIC) allows two dogs on residential land and up to five dogs on rural land without a permit.
• If you want to keep more than the allowed number of dogs in Victoria (VIC), you must apply for an Excess Animal Permit through your local council.
• Councils in Victoria, may deny these permits in suburban or built-up areas due to noise, nuisance, or space issues.