On 21 November 2024, new laws came into effect to strengthen puppy and dog welfare across NSW by implementing a range of measures to ban puppy farming.
All dog premises are subject to a mandatory cap of 20 female dogs that are over 6 months of age and not rendered permanently infertile (i.e. desexed).
An exemption can be granted to eligible persons that allows the person to keep more than 20 female adult dogs on a dog premises until 1 December 2035.
Exemption holders who are approved to keep more than 50 female adult dogs on a premises from 1 December 2025, must plan accordingly to ensure this number is reduced to 50 dogs or fewer by 1 December 2026, and to 20 dogs or fewer by 1 December 2035.
The person applying for the exemption must meet certain conditions and continue to meet these conditions over the course of the exemption period.
Please review the online application form, FAQs, application eligibility, and make sure you have all the required documents ready for your submission.
Key information
Applications open: Friday 30 May 2025
Applications close: Sunday 13 July 2025
A separate application form must be submitted for each of the premises you are or propose to use as a dog premises, providing all necessary documentation for each premise.
Each application is subject to an application fee of $550.
