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This staged approach has enabled the changes to be fully implemented into new systems that will make it easier to detect and prevent puppy farming across the state.

Under the legislation, pet shops will be required to apply for a pet shop approval from their local government if they want to continue selling puppies or dogs.

Approved pet shops will only be able to sell dogs that have come from a refuge or dog management facility that has obtained a dog supply approval.

The new requirements take effect on 26 May 2025. This transition period will allow local governments, pet shops, refuges and dog management facilities to prepare for the changes and submit applications if they wish to register for the new system. 

Approval of pet shops

From 28 November 2024, local governments:

• can receive email applications from existing and prospective pet shops for approval to sell stray, abandoned, seized or surrendered dogs that are sourced from approved refuge organisations or dog management facilities 
• will assess applications for a pet shop approval against the criteria described in the legislation, supported by guidance material
• must record information about the pet shop application and the application decision in an electronic database managed by DLGSC
• can grant an approval to a pet shop for one year (unless cancelled earlier)
• must issue the following documents after approval of pet shop approval:
  • a certificate in the approved form, for public display at the premises 
  • a pet shop number.

• does not have a pet shop approval, or
• does not source dogs from an approved dog supplier.

Supply of dogs to approved pet shops

• will accept email applications from refuge organisations or dog management facilities that wish to supply stray, abandoned, seized or surrendered dogs to approved pet shops
• will assess each application for a dog supply approval against the criteria described in the legislation
• must record information about the dog supply application and the application decision in an electronic database managed by DLGSC
• can grant a dog supply approval, which remains in force unless cancelled
• must issue the following documents after approval of a dog supply approval:
  • a certificate in the approved form
  • dog supply number.

Other measures to help stop puppy farming will take effect later in 2025. 

These include dog breeding provisions, mandatory sterilisation of dogs unless an exemption is in place, and the introduction of PetsWA, the new centralised registration system for dogs and cats.

More information about the new laws for prospective pet shops, dog suppliers and the public is available on the Stop Puppy Farming webpage. You can also contact puppyfarming@dlgsc.wa.gov.au if you have further queries about these changes.