Entire Female Dog Rules by State
SA - Entire Female Dog Rules
South 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? Yes, for dogs born on or after 1 July 2018, by 6 months of age.
Can she stay entire? Yes, if registered as a breeder through Dogs and Cats Online (DACO), or another exemption applies (born before 2018, working livestock dog, vet exemption).
| **Few readersVIC - Entire Female Dog Rules
Victoria — Entire Female (Breeding Bitch) Dog: Legal & Registration Guide
BreedBuddies Knowledge Base — Australia
Last verified: 9 July 2026
Quick Facts
Question Answer
Is desexing mandatory? Not by state law, but most councils require it for registration under s10A of the Domestic Animals Act.
| Can she stay entire? | Yes, if she qualifies for an exemption: Domestic Animal Business (DAB) registration, applicable-organisation membership (e.g. Dogs VictoFew readersNSW - Entire Female Dog Rules
New South Wales — Entire Female (Breeding Bitch) Dog: Legal & Registration Guide
BreedBuddies Knowledge Base — Australia
Last verified: 9 July 2026
Quick Facts
Question Answer
Is desexing mandatory? No state-wide mandate, but a higher registration fee applies if not desexed by 6 months.
Can she stay entire? Yes, no permit needed just to own her.
| Identifier needed | A Breeder Identification Number (BIN), mandatory once she has a litter (fromFew readersACT - Entire Female Dog Rules
Australian Capital Territory — Entire Female (Breeding Bitch) Dog: Legal & Registration Guide
BreedBuddies Knowledge Base — Australia
Last verified: 9 July 2026
Quick Facts
Question Answer
Is desexing mandatory? Yes, by 6 months of age, unless licensed to remain entire.
Can she stay entire? Yes, with a licence to keep a dog sexually entire from Domestic Animal Services.
| Extra licence for breeding | A separate breeders licence is required toFew readersNT - Entire Female Dog Rules
Northern Territory — Entire Female (Breeding Bitch) Dog: Legal & Registration Guide
BreedBuddies Knowledge Base — Australia
Last verified: 9 July 2026
Quick Facts
Question Answer
Is desexing mandatory? No territory-wide mandate — set by local council by-laws.
Can she stay entire? Yes at territory level; check your specific council's rules.
Breeder licensing No territory-wide scheme — varies by council (e.g., Darwin, Alice Springs).
SFew readersWA - 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 witFew readersTAS - Entire Female Dog Rules
Tasmania — Entire Female (Breeding Bitch) Dog: Legal & Registration Guide
BreedBuddies Knowledge Base — Australia
Last verified: 9 July 2026
Quick Facts
Question Answer
Is desexing mandatory? No.
Can she stay entire? Yes, no breeding-specific licence applies.
Kennel licence trigger Required once 3 or more dogs (or 5+ working dogs) are kept on one property.
Summary
No permit is needed simply to own an entire female in Tasmania.Few readersQLD - Entire Female Dog Rules
Queensland — Entire Female (Breeding Bitch) Dog: Legal & Registration Guide
BreedBuddies Knowledge Base — Australia
Last verified: 9 July 2026
Quick Facts
Question Answer
Is desexing mandatory? No.
Can she stay entire? Yes, no permit needed just to own her.
Identifier needed A Supply Number, required within 28 days of her litter's birth (limited exemptions apply, e.g., working dog breeders).
| Registration body | Queensland DoFew readers