Dogs in Victoria, Australia: rules, tax and travel
In Victoria dogs and cats must be microchipped and registered with the local council from 3 months of age, and cats must be desexed unless exempt. Fees are set by each council.
Registration, fees, cat curfews and leash rules are set by each of Victoria's councils under the state Domestic Animals Act.
The national rules for Australia apply here too. National rules
Breed rules
| Where | Rule | Breeds and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Restricted | Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Tosa, American Pit Bull Terrier, Presa Canario Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Restricted Breed Dogs amendment 2017): restricted breed dogs must be registered, desexed, microchipped, wear a prescribed collar, be muzzled and leashed off the premises, with a prescribed enclosure and warning signs. [1] |
Registration and microchip
Registration with the local council is compulsory from 3 months of age and must be renewed yearly. Yarra City Council fees: not desexed dog $240 standard or $120 concession, reduced rate $80, dogs under 6 months free. An excess animal permit is needed for more than 2 dogs.[2]
typical 240 AUD, 80 to 240 AUD a year
Cats and dogs must be microchipped before they can be registered.[3]
Other rules
Councils declare dogs dangerous under the Domestic Animals Act 1994. A declared dangerous dog must be muzzled and on a lead in public, wear a red and yellow striped collar, be microchipped and registered, have signs at the premises and be kept in an escape-proof enclosure. Yarra fee for a declared dog: $378.[4]
Desexing of dogs is recommended but not required.[3]
Not confirmed yet: Dog tax, Licence or owner test, Liability insurance, Leash and muzzle. We only show what an official or named source states.
Laws change: this is general information, not legal advice. The authority linked on each line has the final word.
Sources
- bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Resident-Information/Animals/Dangerous-Menacing-and-Restricted-Bree (official)
- yarracity.vic.gov.au/services/pets-and-animals/animal-registration (official)
- casey.vic.gov.au/node/29 (official)
- agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/animal-welfare-victoria/dogs/dog-attacks-dang (official)