Our 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, you will be required to comply with State and Local Laws.
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, 541KB)
To learn more about minimum standards and the limits on the number of animals you can keep, any exemptions that may apply and how to apply for a permit to keep additional animals, go to these pages:
Penalties apply for breaches. To find out more, visit Animal laws, breaches and fines.
All pet owners must comply with the minimum standards for keeping animals.
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.
Under Local Law, if you have more than the allowable number of animals on your property for breeding, you are required to apply for an excess permit to keep more than two (2) dogs or more than two (2) cats.
If you hold a current breeder permit you will not be required to apply for an excess animal permit or update your details on the Queensland Dog Breeder Register. If your circumstances change, such as moving house or you obtain an additional new animal, please inform the City of Gold Coast.
If you breed or intend to breed from your pet, as a hobby or if you have a commercial establishment, you are required to comply with State and Local Laws.
All breeders are required to:
- meet the minimum standards for keeping an animal
- identify each animal with a PID (microchip) before sale or transfer.
- all animals are kept in accordance with State Government welfare requirements.
Dog breeding and animal welfare standards apply under State Government legislation to all dog owners who intend to breed and sell puppies. Those who disregard the regulations may be investigated and penalties apply.
Dog owners who wish to give away, supply, sell or advertise dogs or puppies, including accidental litters, must have a supply number (Breeder Identification Number – BIN). You have up to 28 days after a litter is born to register as a breeder on the Queensland Dog Breeder Register.
Registered dog breeders must include their supply number (BIN) with the dog’s microchip details and displayed when the dog is advertised, sold, or given away.
Primary producers who breed working dogs do not have to register as a breeder, if they are supplying dogs they breed to other primary producers as working dogs. However, if the dogs are being supplied for any other purposes other than working dogs, they will be required to register as a breeder and obtain a supply number.
Please visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries to register for a supply number, check the list of registered breeders or obtain further information about puppy breeding and welfare standards in Queensland.
If you are aware of unlawful breeding, or have identified puppies or kittens being advertised, sold or given away without PID information (microchip) and a supply number (BIN) for dogs please contact us or report a problem.
If you wish to check a BIN number or concerns about a dog supplier, please contact Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23.
For any welfare concerns, please contact RSPCA on 1300 264 625.