Cat requirements & permits

Cats are a popular pet choice and can be wonderful companions. They are highly adaptable and flexible, fitting into domestic life easily.

You do not need to register your cat, however there are some obligations you have to meet to keep your cat safe and happy and ensure it isn't a nuisance to your neighbours or the wider community.

As a cat owner you are required to:

  • microchip your cat and keep your details up to date – all cats should be microchipped prior to reaching 12 weeks of age
  • ensure your cat is safely contained to your property at all times and not causing a problem for others
  • apply for a permit to keep more than 2 cats on your property.

Fines are in place for those who disregard the regulations. Find out more on our Laws, breaches and fines page.

Visit our page to learn more on how to care for your cat and be a responsible pet owner.

Permit for additional cats

If you wish to keep more than the allowed number of 2 cats, you need to apply for a permit.

Permits are lifetime permits while your animals are on your property. If circumstances change, such as moving house, please inform the City of Gold Coast.

Permit fees must be paid at the time of permit lodgement – these fees are non-refundable. Fees can be found on the application form.

Once your application has been received, Council officers will assess your property to determine if additional animals are suitable and do not impact on your neighbours.

A permit holder must comply with the minimum standards or may be liable for an on-the-spot fine or be required to remove the animals from the property.

Apply by using one of the options below.

Online

Step 1.Gather your documents

To apply for a permit to keep excess cats, you need to provide:

  • your contact details – including your residential address, postal address and phone number
  • cat's microchip number
  • Pension Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Card (if applicable).

Step 2.Complete and submit our online form

APPLY ONLINE

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

To apply for a permit to keep excess cats, you need to provide:

  • your contact details – including your residential address, postal address and phone number
  • cat's microchip number
  • Pension Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Card (if applicable).

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the Permit to keep excess animals form(PDF, 90KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email to: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

A request for payment will be issued via email to process your application.

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

To apply for a permit to keep excess cats, you need to provide:

  • your contact details – including your residential address, postal address and phone number
  • cat's microchip number
  • proof of your cat's desexing
  • Pension Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Card (if applicable).

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Permit to keep excess animals form(PDF, 90KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Our customer service centres are open Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

Payment for this permit can be made by MasterCard, Visa, debit card or cheque. EFTPOS is available at our customer service centres.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

To apply for a permit to keep excess cats, you need to provide:

  • your contact details - including your residential address, postal address and phone number
  • cat's microchip number
  • proof of your cat's desexing
  • Pension Concession Card or Department of Veterans Affairs Card (if applicable).

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download, print and complete the Permit to keep excess animals form(PDF, 90KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post to:

City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042
GCMC QLD 9726

Include a cheque or money order made payable to City of Gold Coast for the permit fee amount.

Amend excess animals permit

Use the Amend excess animals permit form to apply to let us know of the following changes:

  • approval holder contact details (e.g. address, email, nominate a new contact person)
  • business name and/or contact details
  • dog/cat/livestock details, including removing/adding animals to your permit.

Reporting problem cats

For Animal Management enquiries, contact us on 07 5667 5990.

If a cat is causing problems in your area, you can contact us or visit the Report a problem – Animals page.

Learn more about

Local laws

Related information

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