New Registration Rules and Authorisation Scheme for Pet Rehoming and Foster Care
Domestic Animals Amendment (Rehoming Cats and Dogs and Other Matters) Bill 2025
Legislative Assembly
Legislative Council
Assent
Introduced by: Gayle Tierney MLC (ALP); The Hon Ros Spence MP (ALP)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Dogs and cats kept at animal shelters, Council pounds, or in approved foster care are exempt from registration requirements.
Pet rehoming organisations must apply to the Agriculture Secretary for authorisation and must be registered charities with an ABN.
Applicants for pet rehoming authorisation must provide the names of administrators and pay a prescribed fee.
The Agriculture Secretary issues or refuses authorisations for periods of up to three years.
The Agriculture Secretary must consider an organisation's compliance history and any animal-related convictions when deciding on an authorisation.
The Agriculture Secretary must provide written reasons and a chance to make submissions before refusing to renew an authorisation.
Pet rehoming organisations must apply for renewal at least 60 days before their current authorisation expires.