WA - Entire Female Dog Rules
Western Australia — Entire Female (Breeding Bitch) Dog: Legal & Registration Guide
BreedBuddies Knowledge Base — Australia
Last verified: 9 July 2026
Quick Facts
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Is desexing mandatory? | Passed into law (dogs to be desexed by age 2) but not yet in force. |
Can she stay entire? | Yes, currently — no breeding-specific licence applies yet. |
What has commenced | Pet shops now need council "pet shop approval" and can only source dogs with "dog supply approval" (from 26 May 2025). |
What's delayed | The desexing mandate and "approval to breed" scheme depend on a new centralised registration system (PetsWA); the government ended its contract with the original developer in May 2025, so no new commencement date has been set. |
Summary
No breeding-specific permit or identifier currently applies to breeding females in WA. Register and microchip her as normal with your local council.
The bigger reform — mandatory desexing by 2 years old, unless exempt or granted an "approval to breed" — was expected in the second half of 2025, but the WA Government terminated its contract for the PetsWA centralised registration system that underpins it. Future options are still being reviewed, so this hasn't taken effect and there's no confirmed new timeline.
Registering Your Breeding Female
- Microchip and register her with your local council as normal.
- Include the microchip number in any current advertising.
- Monitor DLGSC for a new timeline on the desexing mandate, approval to breed scheme, and PetsWA registration system.
Litter & Welfare Limits
- No litter cap, minimum breeding age, or caesarean limit currently applies under WA law.
Official Sources
Authority | Link |
|---|---|
Dog Act 1976, as amended (Stop Puppy Farming Act 2021) | |
DLGSC — Stop Puppy Farming |
Disclaimer: General information only, current as at the verification date above — not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your local council and state or territory authority before breeding, advertising, or registering your dog.
Updated on: 09/07/2026
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