Domestic animal business permit

If you operate a business in the City of Whittlesea that relates to domestic animals, you need a valid Domestic Animal Business Permit.

These businesses need a permit

The following types of business must be registered with the City of Whittlesea and hold a valid Domestic Animal Business Permit to operate within the municipality.

  • Pet shops that sell cats, dogs, caged birds, reptiles or other domestic pets such as guinea pigs or rabbits.
  • Boarding kennels for cats or dogs (including doggy day care facilities).
  • Breeding and rearing premises for cats or dogs.
  • Dog training businesses.
  • Animal shelters and pounds.

Selling dogs and cats

If you have three or more fertile female cats or dogs, by law you are considered to be breeding domestic animals as a business. You must hold a domestic animal business permit or you may be fined.

Find out more about selling dogs and cats

Permit conditions

The businesses listed must comply with the Domestic Animals Act and the requirements of the relevant State Codes of Practice.

Go to the Animal Welfare Victoria website for more information

You'll also receive at least one inspection each year to ensure ongoing compliance with the regulations. If you fail to fully comply with the conditions in the permit, we may withdraw or cancel your existing permit, or refuse to issue a future permit.

Some exemptions will apply. Please contact the Animal Management team for clarification.

Animal Management

Phone: 03 9217 2170

Email: animal.management@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Permit cost

The cost of registration is $332.25 including GST.

The fee is subject to change each year.

Apply for a permit

Email

Step 1.Get written approval from the Planning team

You need to get written approval from our Planning team confirming that the intended use of the property complies with the planning and zoning arrangements.

Call the Planning team on 03 9217 2170 or email them at info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au to arrange this.

Step 2.Complete and sign application form

Download and complete the Domestic Animal Business permit application form(PDF, 77KB) 

Download and complete the Domestic Animal Business permit application form - accessible(DOC, 130KB)

Organise insurance

You will need to arrange public liability insurance of at least $10 million.

Step 3.Arrange a vet agreement

Contact a local vet service and arrange a vet agreement (required for some business types).

Step 4.Submit your completed application and payment

Email your application to animal.management@whittlesea.vic.gov.au. Please ensure you include:

  • your completed and signed application form
  • a signed copy of the relevant Code of Practice
  • a photocopy of the Planning team's written approval
  • a clear copy of your current public liability policy
  • a current vet agreement from a local vet service
  • the permit fee which is currently $332.25.

We accept credit card only for emailed applications.

Mail

Step 1.Get written approval from the Planning team

You need to get written approval from our Planning team confirming that the intended use of the property complies with the planning and zoning arrangements.

Call the Planning team on 03 9217 2170 or email them at info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au to arrange this.

Step 2.Complete and sign application form

To get an application form, you can:

Collect in person from the Council Offices at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Download an application form

Download and complete the Domestic Animal Business permit application form(PDF, 77KB) 

Download and complete the Domestic Animal Business permit application form - accessible(DOC, 130KB)

Step 3.Organise insurance

You will need to arrange public liability insurance of at least $10 million. 

Step 4.Arrange a vet agreement

Contact a local vet service and arrange a vet agreement (required for some business types).

Step 5.Submit your completed application and payment

Mail your completed application to:

Animal Management

City of Whittlesea
Locked Bag 1
Bundoora MDC VIC 3083

Please ensure you include:

  • your completed and signed application form
  • a signed copy of the relevant Code of Practice
  • a photocopy of the Planning team's written approval
  • a clear copy of your current public liability policy
  • a current vet agreement from a local vet service
  • the permit fee which is currently $332.25.

We accept cheque or credit card for mailed applications.

In person

Step 1.Get written approval from the Planning team

You need to get written approval from our Planning team confirming that the intended use of the property complies with the planning and zoning arrangements.

Call the Planning team on 03 9217 2170 or email them at info@whittlesea.vic.gov.au to arrange this.

Step 2.Complete and sign application form

To get an application form, you can:

Collect in person from the Council Offices at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

Download an application form

Download and complete the Domestic Animal Business permit application form(PDF, 77KB) 

Download and complete the Domestic Animal Business permit application form - accessible(DOC, 130KB)

Step 3.Organise insurance

You will need to arrange public liability insurance of at least $10 million.

Step 4.Arrange a vet agreement

Contact a local vet service and arrange a vet agreement (required for some business types).

Step 5.Submit your completed application and payment

To submit your application in person visit the Council Offices at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. Please bring:

  • your completed and signed application form
  • a signed copy of the relevant Code of Practice
  • a photocopy of the Planning team's written approval
  • a clear copy of your current public liability policy
  • a current vet agreement from a local vet service
  • the permit fee which is currently $332.25.

We accept cheque, cash, credit card or EFTPOS.

Application approval process

We'll mail you a confirmation receipt of your application within seven days of lodgement.

The property will be inspected by an Authorised Officer before we issue the Domestic Animal Business Permit.

This ensures the accuracy of the self-assessment report and checks compliance with relevant regulations.

Renewing your permit

You will be sent your registration renewal for a Domestic Animal Business permit each year.

You can renew your permit in the following ways:

Mail

City of Whittlesea
Locked Bag 1
Bundoora MDC VIC 3083

In person

Council Offices
25 Ferres Boulevard
South Morang

Contact Us

Phone

03 9217 2170

Email

animal.management@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Location

Council Offices
25 Ferres Boulevard
South Morang
3752
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