Restricted Dog Breeds in Western Australia
Updated 2026-05-13 · WA state-by-state reference
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Restricted breeds in Western Australia
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
- Perro de Presa Canario
Restricted under the Dog Act 1976. Owners must comply with strict containment, muzzling, leashing, and ownership-transfer restrictions. New imports of these breeds into WA are banned.
Registration fees and process
Fee: $30–$50 (1 yr) · $75 (3 yr) · $100 (lifetime, desexed only)
Desexing discount: Desexed dogs get the lower registration band; lifetime registration only available for desexed dogs
Register through Your local council under WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. Most WA owners now complete this online.
Microchipping deadline
Puppies in Western Australia must be microchipped by 12 weeks of age or before the dog changes hands — whichever happens first. Vets and most council pounds offer microchipping for $40–$80. Always confirm the chip number is registered to your name and current address on the national chip registry — a chip registered to a previous owner is functionally useless.
Strata and apartment living
Strata schemes in WA can include by-laws prohibiting pets, and these are generally enforceable unless the dog is an assistance animal.
Renting with a dog in Western Australia
WA tenancy law allows landlords to refuse pets without giving a reason. A pet bond up to $260 (single payment, refundable) may be required.
What you'd actually budget for your first year
A new puppy in Western Australia costs more in the first year than most owners expect. Beyond the purchase price, you're looking at registration ($30–$50), microchipping ($40–$80), C5 vaccinations ($180–$300), desexing ($300–$700 depending on size), council registration, and the first 12 months of food and vet visits.
Pet insurance is the single biggest variable. A serious incident — cruciate surgery, GDV (bloat), snake bite, or a swallowed-object obstruction — can run $4,000–$12,000 in Western Australiametropolitan vets. Even high-excess policies pay back their first 6 months of premium with one such claim.
Our 2026 ranking of every major AU insurer, with starting premiums and what's actually covered.
Get a Knose quote →Free, no obligationLocal council resources
Each WA council has its own animal management officer, infringement schedule, and off-leash areas. Find your council on the Your local council under WA Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries portal above — local information will always be more current than state-level summaries.
Western Australia pet-owner notes
WA has the most permissive rental pet rules in Australia from a landlord's perspective — tenant pet ownership rates are below the national average as a result.