Dog Kennels and Catteries

Dog Kennels

The maximum number of adult dogs that may be kept on any property in the City of Albany is 6 (on properties with an area of 4 hectares or greater). If you wish to keep more than 6 dogs you will need to apply for a kennel licence.

Where can Kennels be established?

The City does not have a 'kennel zone' where animal establishments are a permitted use under its Planning Scheme, so applications for a kennel licence will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Applications will be considered on premises zoned Rural Small Holding, General Agriculture, or Priority Agriculture.

How to Apply for a Kennel Licence

To apply for a kennel licence you will need to fill in an application form, and provide the following:

1. A site plan of the premises showing the location of the kennels and yards and all other buildings and structures and fences.
2. Plans and specifications of the kennel establishment.
3. Copy of notice of proposed use to appear in newspaper.
4. Copy of notice of proposed use to be given to adjoining premises.
5. Evidence that a person will reside:
   - either at the premises or 
   - sufficiently close to the premises so as to control the dogs and so as to ensure their health and welfare.
6. If the person in item (5) is not the applicant, written evidence that the person is a person in charge of the dogs.

There are a number of conditions relating to the construction and maintenance of kennels that the applicant must meet when applying for a licence.

These conditions are listed on the application form. Click on the link below to download a form.

Application for Approved Kennel Establishment form.

Determination of Application

When considering the approval of a new application, the City must take into account a number of factors, including (but not limited to):

1. Any written submissions received regarding the proposed kennel establishment.
2. Any economic or social benefits which may be derived by any person in the district if the application for a licence is approved.
3. The effect which the kennel establishment may have on the environment or amenity of the neighbourhood.
4. The extent to which the kennel establishment may create a nuisance for the owners and occupiers of adjoining premises.
5. Whether or not the compliance with appropriate conditions of a licence will mitigate any adverse effects of the approved kennel establishment identified.

The City can not approve an application if:

1. The applicant or another person who will be in charge of the dogs will not reside on the premises.
2. Sufficiently close to the premises so as to control the dogs and ensure their health and welfare.
3. The applicant is not a fit and proper person (as defined in clause 4.1 of the City of Albany Dog Local Law 2017).

Fees and Licence Periods

The following fees apply:

• Annual registration fee: $90
• Annual bulk dog registration (for dogs kept permanently on premises): $200

Licences are valid for a period of 12 months, from 1 July to 30 June annually. If a new licence is approved at other times of the year, the annual registration fee will be pro-rated.

The City will notify licenced kennel operators when their licence is due for renewal and provide an Application for Renewal of Licenced Kennel Establishment form.

Inspections and Cancellation

Licenced premises may be inspected by City authorised officers at any time (notice will be provided) to check if kennels operators are complying with the required conditions.

If a kennel establishment fails to meet the requirements of the conditions, the kennel licence may be cancelled by the City.

Catteries & Cat Breeders

If you wish to breed cats, you must be an approved cat breeder. You can apply to the City of Albany to grant an approval, or for renewal, to breed cats. The applicant must be over 18 years of age, have the facilities to breed cats in a safe and ethical way, and be a current member of one of the following organisations and associations:

• The Cat Owners Association of Western Australia (COAWA);
• The Feline Control Council of Western Australia (FCCWA);
• The Australian National Cats (ANCATS).

A cattery may be considered for approval, subject to:

1. Each cat being permanently confined in an effective cage system on the property.
2. Under the terms and conditions that may be imposed by Council.

You can apply to the City of Albany for registration and certification of premises as a cattery. An annual fee applies.

Please contact the City of Albany Planning Services on [email protected] for more information.