The City's local laws limit the number of animals that can be kept on your property, depending on its size. If you breed or intend to breed your cat or dog, local law requires you to obtain a breeder permit from the City of Gold Coast.
Number of animals allowed
Keeping an appropriate number of animals provides a safe and happy environment for both your pets and your neighbours.
Download the Excess animal permit fact sheet(PDF, 608KB)
To learn about the limits on the number of different breeds of animal you can keep, any exemptions that may apply and how to apply for a permit to keep additional animals, go to these pages:
Breeding cats and dogs
Pet owners are encouraged to consider their responsibilities and reduce the oversupply of kittens and puppies impacting euthanasia rates in our city.
If you breed or intend to breed your cat or dog, local law requires you to obtain a breeder permit from the City of Gold Coast. You must also comply with the minimum standards in the Breeders Code of Practice(PDF, 564KB).
Download and view our Breeding cats and dogs fact sheet(PDF, 98KB)
The following residents require a breeder permit:
- those who breed from their pet
- those who breed as hobby breeders
- those who have commercial breeding establishments.
Other legal requirements you need to be aware of include:
- you must display your breeder permit number when advertising, selling or giving away puppies or kittens
- you may require development approval on your location and activity
- permit holder must comply with all the minimum standards or may be liable for an on-the-spot fine or be required to remove the animals from the property.
Permit fees must be paid at the time of permit lodgement – these fees are non-refundable.
Once your application has been received, City officers will assess your property to determine if additional animals are suitable and do not impact on your neighbours.
Apply for a permit using one of the options below.
Amend animal breeder or excess animals permit
Use the Amend animal breeder / 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
- notification that a dog or cat has been desexed.