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Animal permits
City of Gold Coast local laws limit the number of animals that can be kept depending on the size of a property. This provides for a safe and happy environment for both pets and neighbours.
You may apply to keep more animals. If you apply, City officers will assess your property. This to ensure that it's suitable and that any extra animals do not impact on your neighbours.
Keeping more than the allowable number of animals
Select from the drop-down list below to find the number of each type of animal that may be kept and the permits required to keep more than this number.
| Type of animal |
Property size (metres2) |
Number allowed |
| Dogs (must be microchipped and registered with the City) |
All |
Two (2) |
| Cats (must be microchipped) |
All |
Two (2) |
If you’d like more information on how to register your dog, visit our Dogs page.
If you wish to keep more than the allowed number of cats and dogs, you will need to apply for a permit. To obtain a permit for more than the allowed number of cats and dogs, all animals must be desexed.
Find an application form for a Keeping of animals (excess animals) permit below.
| Type of bird |
Property size (metres2) |
Number allowed |
| Budgerigars, canaries and other birds of a similar size |
Less than 300 |
Four (4) |
| Budgerigars, canaries and other birds of a similar size |
301 - 2000 |
20 |
| Budgerigars, canaries and other birds of a similar size |
More than 2001 |
30 |
| Cockatiels and similar-sized birds |
Less than 300 |
Two (2) |
| Cockatiels and similar-sized birds |
301 - 2000 |
10 |
| Cockatiels and similar-sized birds |
More than 2001 |
30 |
| Cockatoos, galahs and other birds of similar size |
Less than 300 |
One (1) |
| Cockatoos, galahs and other birds of similar size |
301 - 2000 |
Two (2) |
| Cockatoos, galahs and other birds of similar size |
More than 2001 |
Four (4) |
| Pigeons |
Less than 300 |
Two (2) |
| Pigeons |
301 - 2000 |
20* |
| Pigeons |
More than 2001 |
30* |
| Type of poultry |
Property size (metres2) |
Number allowed |
| Geese, ducks, turkeys and other poultry (except roosters) |
Less than 800 |
Not allowed |
| Geese, ducks, turkeys and other poultry (except roosters) |
801 - 2000 |
Six (6) |
| Geese, ducks, turkeys and other poultry (except roosters) |
More than 2001 |
10 |
| Domestic hens |
Less than 600 |
Not allowed |
| Domestic hens |
More than 601 |
One (1) per 100m2 |
| Roosters, peacocks, ostriches, emus |
Less than 4000 |
Not allowed |
| Roosters, peacocks, ostriches, emus |
More than 4001 |
One (1) per 4000m2 |
*Note: a member of the Pigeon Racing Association may have more than 20 pigeons on land greater than 800 metres2. If you wish to keep more than the allowed number of birds or poultry, you will need to apply for a permit.
Find an application form for a Keeping of animals (excess animals) permit below.
| Type of animal |
Property size (metres2) |
Number allowed |
| Horses and cattle |
Less than 4000 |
Not allowed |
| Horses and cattle |
More than 4001 |
One (1) per 4000m2 |
| Sheep, pigs and goats |
Less than 4000 |
Not allowed |
| Sheep, pigs and goats |
More than 4001 |
One (1) per 4000m2 |
If you wish to keep more than the allowed number of livestock, you will need to apply for a permit.
Find an application form for a Keeping of animals (excess animals) permit below.
If you intend to breed, you are required to obtain a breeder permit from City of Gold Coast. You must also comply with the Breeder Code of Practice.
The following residents require a breeder permit:
- those who breed from their pet
- those who breed as hobby breeders, and
- those who hav commercial breeding establishments.
Find the current application fee for this permit on the application form.
Find an application form for an Animal breeder permit below.
A summary of the local law limits to the number of pets that can be kept on your property is available on our Excess Animal Permit fact sheet.
Find an application form for a Keeping of animals (excess animals) permit below.
Use our online report a problem form to let us know about property owners who are keeping more than the allowable number of animals.
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