Many of us consider dogs to be better companions than people, so it makes sense why we’d want to surround ourselves with as many canine friends as possible. But in Australia, there’s a limit to the number of pets we can keep in our units or homes, and rules vary between regions.
Do You Need Pet Insurance in Australia?
One important question you should ask yourself before adopting a pet is whether you need pet insurance in Australia. While you don’t have to purchase pet insurance to adopt a dog, you should buy it anyway. Otherwise, you may not be able to afford treatment when they’re sick.
Always remember that owning a dog is a big responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. They need adequate care and space to thrive. Buying pet insurance is an essential part of that care.
However, that doesn’t mean you have to pay a premium for health coverage. To cut down on your pet expenses, try comparing pet insurance costs on iSelect. Whether you have a puppy or a senior dog, you’ll be able to find cost-effective options that suit your dog’s needs and budget.
What Pet Restrictions Are Found in Australia?
General Tenant Rights
The Conversation, an independent news website, discussed the changes to Australia’s tenant pet policy since the pandemic. The Australian government found that thousands of Australians were forced to give up their pets because the owner couldn’t find an apartment that took pets.
Australia has a notoriously high pet ownership rate at 60%, which means that the majority of the rental market had a hard time finding a place to call their own without giving up their pets.
Now, most Australian regions allow their residents to keep a pet at their rental property with few restrictions. If the pet is loud or messy, the landlord does have the right to evict a tenant in some cases. In Western Australia and Tasmania, tenants have to pay for fumigation when they leave.
General Dog Amount Restrictions
Besides general tenant restrictions, each region will limit the number of dogs tenants and homeowners can have on the property based on its size (in meter squared or m2).
For example, here is a dog ownership restriction chart for Moreton Bay in Queensland:
| Property Size | How Many Dogs Can I Have? | |
| As of Right | Additional* | |
| Multi-unit complex | 1 | Maximum of 1 |
| Properties of 300m2 or less | 1 | Maximum of 1 |
| Properties of 301m2 or greater, up to 599m2 | 1 | Maximum of 2 |
| Properties of 600m2 or greater, up to 3000m2 | 2 | Maximum of 3 |
| Properties of 3001m2 or greater, up to 10,000m2 | 2 | Maximum of 4 |
| Properties of 3001m2 or greater, up to 10,000m2 | 4 | Maximum of 6 |
*additional with animal keeping approval
Most regions will keep to this general rule unless stated otherwise. Properties that are built on or near a wildlife habitat will have more restrictions, like a lower maximum amount.
Regional Dog Amount Restrictions
Although the pandemic has seen wide-sweeping change for pet owners in Australia, owners still have to give their dogs plenty of exercise, love, and adequate nutrition, or they risk eviction. The way each region handles eviction will vary based on severity, which is shown through proof.
Other than eviction rules, each region has its own ownership amount laws, which are as follows:
- Queensland: Up to 2 (for most circumstances). Up to 14 (with a permit).
- New South Wales: No legal restriction (but this may change soon).
- Tasmania: Up to 2 (for most circumstances). Up to 6 (with a permit).
- Victoria: Up to 2 (for most circumstances). 3 or “more” (with a permit).
- South Australia: Up to 2 (city). Up to 3 (rural). 3 or “more” (with a permit).
- Western Australia: Up to 2 (in most circumstances). 3 to 6 (with a permit).
- Northern Territory: Up to 2 (in most circumstances). 3 or “more” (with a permit).
Keep in mind that some regions will have more restrictions than others. For example, if you want to have three or more dogs on your property, you need government approval if they are over the age of 12 weeks, a guard dog, a restricted dog breed, or are being kept temporarily.