Dog requirements & permits

Dogs can be highly sociable, companionable pets but they require care and management to live their best lives and not be a nuisance to your neighbourhood or environment.

Council enforces a number of state and local requirements in relation to pet ownership.

As a dog owner you are required to:

Your dog can be identified if it has a name tag and registration tag attached to its collar and is microchipped. This will ensure your dog can be safely reunited if found lost or wandering. Remember to keep your dog's details up to date.

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 dog and be a responsible pet owner.

Permits

You will need to apply for a permit if you wish to keep more than the allowed number of dogs(PDF, 541KB)

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.

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 dogs, you need to provide:

  • your contact details – including your residential address, postal address and phone number
  • dog's microchip number and registration
  • 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 dogs, you need to provide:

  • your contact details – including your residential address, postal address and phone number
  • dog's microchip number and registration
  • 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 dogs, you need to provide:

  • your contact details – including your residential address, postal address and phone number
  • dog's microchip number
  • proof of your dog'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 dogs, you need to provide:

  • your contact details - including your residential address, postal address and phone number
  • dog's microchip number
  • proof of your dog'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 excess 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 dogs

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

If a dog 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

Back to top