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:
- register your dog – all dogs must be registered from 12 weeks of age or after 14 days of coming into the city to live
- microchip your dog – all dogs should be microchipped prior to reaching 12 weeks of age
- apply for a permit to keep more than 2 dogs on your property
- ensure your dog is safely contained to your property(PDF, 266KB) at all times and not a problem to others
- keep your dog's barking under control to not cause a nuisance to neighbours(PDF, 250KB)
- walk your dog on a leash at all times in public unless in a designated off leash area
- carry a supply of dog waste bags and pick up after your dog when exercising
- comply with breeding and welfare requirements if you breed or intend to breed
- ensure your pet does not contact or cause harm to a koala that enters your property and meet koala conservation requirements if you live in a designated koala area.
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.
You will need to apply for a permit if you wish to keep more than the allowed number of dogs(PDF, 166KB)
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.
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