Becomming a breeder | Fur and Family First

Becoming a Breeder

Thinking About Becoming a Breeder?

There are many factors to consider before deciding to breed dogs. Two of the most important are:

Animal welfare
Compliance with legislation and guidelines in your state or territory

Breeding dogs carries legal, ethical, and long-term responsibilities. We strongly encourage prospective breeders to research and understand all relevant requirements before making a decision.

Animal Welfare & Legal Responsibilities

Breeders must comply with animal welfare legislation and codes of practice applicable to their location. These outline minimum standards for care, housing, health, and management of dogs.

Below are links to official government and animal welfare resources to help you understand your obligations.

State and Territory Breeding Guidelines

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW Breeding Dogs and Cats Code of Practice (PDF)

NSW Animal Welfare Code – Welfare of Dogs

Queensland (QLD)

Queensland Dog Breeder Register – Factsheets

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

ACT Animal Welfare (Breeding) Determination

Victoria (VIC)

Victorian Government – Breeding and Rearing Businesses

Western Australia (WA)

WA Dog Act (Consolidated Legislation)

Tasmania (TAS)

Tasmanian Animal Welfare Guidelines – Breeding Dogs

National Animal Welfare Information

Animal Welfare Legislation (Australia) – Animal Health Australia
RSPCA Australia – Companion Animal Policies

These resources provide guidance on animal welfare expectations, ethical breeding principles, and best-practice care.

Local Council Requirements

In addition to state or territory laws, local council regulations may also apply.

Before breeding, you should check with your local council to determine whether:

A Development Application (DA) is required
Council approval includes assessments relating to:
Noise management
Waste management
Environmental or wildlife considerations (e.g. koala or habitat protections)

Council requirements vary by location and must be complied with where applicable.

Important Reminder

Breeding dogs is a significant responsibility. Understanding legal requirements, animal welfare standards, and local regulations is essential to ensure ethical and compliant breeding practices.

Fur and Family First encourages education, transparency, and responsible decision-making for anyone considering breeding.