Breeding pets to sell or give away
Thinking about breeding cats or dogs to sell or give away? Here's what you need to know to follow the rules and avoid fines.
Breeding rules
You're considered a breeder if you own three or more fertile female dogs or cats, even if you're not selling any pets.
- There's a Code of Practice that tells you how to breed pets responsibly, especially those that might inherit defects.
Selling and advertising pets
Before you sell
- Make sure you have homes ready for any puppies or kittens. If you keep them longer than 12 weeks old, you might need a special permit.
How to advertise
- Registration number: Anyone advertising a puppy, kitten, cat or dog for sale or to give away in Victoria must have a source number from the Pet Exchange Register.
- Microchip number: It's illegal to advertise without including the pet's microchip identification number. This keeps track of pet sales and ensures their safety.
- For registered businesses: You can use your council-registered premises number and the councils name in your ads instead of the microchip number.
Learn more
Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for tips on advertising requirements and how to include microchip numbers.
More information
Call our Animal Management team on 03 9217 2170 or email animal.management@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.