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Owning a pet

Find out how to register your pet, renew their registration or apply for a permit for multiple pets.

You will also find helpful tips on breeding and desexing, keeping your pet safe at home and dog training classes.

Learn about caring for birds, poultry and wildlife, microchipping and guidelines for selling or giving away pets.

Confine your pet

Learn about the rules and regulations around confining your cats and dogs and find out how pet confinement protects your pet, the community and the environment.

Microchip your pets

Microchip your pets so we or animal shelters can identify them if they get lost. You must microchip your pets before registering them with us for the first time.

Excess animals and livestock permit

Apply for an excess animal and livestock permit if you want to keep multiple animals at your home. You'll need a permit for more than two cats, more than two dogs, more than 30 pigeons or any livestock.

Keeping birds and poultry

If you wish to keep poultry (including chickens, turkey and geese) on your property, and you are not an exempt commercial business, you must comply with the following rules as set out in our Local laws.

Domestic animal business permit

Businesses that board, train, sell or breed animals must be registered with the City of Whittlesea and hold a valid Domestic Animal Business Permit to operate within the municipality.

Breeding pets to sell or give away

If you're thinking about breeding dogs or cats to sell or give away, you'll need to understand government rules. Make sure you follow the regulations to avoid fines and ensure ethical practices.

Support for pets of family violence victims

If you’re a victim of family violence, find out how you can access temporary accommodation for your pets at the wat djerring Animal Welfare Facility to keep them safe.

Desexing your pet

Help us keep the domestic animal population under control by desexing your pet. Learn more about pet desexing including mandatory cat desexing, the benefits of desexing and when the best time is to desex.

Dog training and obedience classes

Find local puppy schools and obedience training locations to enjoy having a well-behaved pet. Learn how to get a dog obedience certificate for reduced pet registration fees.