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Three to six dog permit

According to the Dog Act 1976 Section 26(3) and the City of Swan’s Consolidated Local Laws, people who wish to keep more than two dogs, but no more than six, may be required to have a three to six dog permit(PDF, 197KB). You may only keep two dogs and their puppies (under three months of age) on a property.

If the property where the dogs are to be kept is located in a residential area, all owners and occupiers of any properties within 50m of the property boundary will be contacted by the City for approval or objection.

If the premises where the dogs are to be kept is located in a rural zone, then all property owners and occupiers of any properties within 100m of the property boundary will be contacted by the City for approval or objection.

If a property owner or occupier objects to a permit being issued, reasons must be documented in writing and sent to the City for assessment. Prior to approval being given for a permit, the City must ensure that the owner's property is adequately fenced so that the dogs cannot escape. You may be required to erect a purpose built dog compound to contain your dogs.

For more information, view the three to six dog information sheet(PDF, 104KB).

Exemptions

The City may exempt a property from obtaining a three to six dog permit if:

  • The property is within the general rural zone under the Local Planning Scheme
  • The property is more than 100 hectares in area
  • The occupiers of the premises comply with the provisions of the Local Laws relating to the keeping of the dogs and any other written law relevant to the keeping of dogs.

Fees

Should a permit application be required, a one off non-refundable application fee applies which is payable when the application is lodged with the City.

Fines and penalties

Heavy fines and penalties can be issued for failing to comply with the Dog Act 1976 and the City of Swan’s Local Laws.

Breeding

The breeding of pedigree dogs has become quite popular in Western Australia. However, before you start, you need to obtain planning approval and obtain a kennel licence from the City.

If you are considering breeding your dogs as a business, you are required to apply for a kennel licence. The City's planning team must be consulted, as only certain suburbs have the zoning which permits such a business. The rationale behind this is to control numbers of dogs, and therefore reduce associated complaints.

For any queries, more information or to apply for a kennel licence(PDF, 29KB), contact the City's planning team on 9267 9267.

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