Night-time cat rules for the City of Darebin.

Yes. Since 1 January 2021 Darebin has run a night-time cat curfew, so your cat has to stay on your property between 7pm and 7am every day. For now it's a dusk-to-dawn rule rather than a full 24-hour containment order. That could change: in community feedback for the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029, about 70% backed a 24-hour curfew, and the plan has council reviewing the current curfew in 2026, including whether to move to 24-hour containment, with a two-year lead time before any new rule starts. A fully enclosed cat run lets your cat enjoy fresh air after dark, and would have you covered if the rules tighten.

Yes. Under Victorian law and Darebin's own rules, every cat over three months of age must be registered with the council. Registration renews each year and falls due on 10 April. Fees are set annually and can change each year. For 2026-27 (valid to 10 April 2027) council lists $44 for a desexed cat and $132 for an undesexed cat, with pensioner rates of $22 and $66, so check the council for the current amount.

Microchipping is required before you can register your cat with Darebin. Desexing is not compulsory yet, though council's 2026-2029 plan proposes making it mandatory for cats, with a council decision slated for 2027. In the meantime desexed cats register a lot cheaper and the council runs a free cat desexing program to help out. If a vet advises against desexing for health reasons, they can provide a written exemption.

You can keep up to two cats at a home without any extra paperwork. To keep three or more you need an animal permit from the council, which they assess case by case. The same two-animal limit applies to dogs before a permit is needed.

You do not need an animal permit to put up a cat enclosure or catio for your own pets. Depending on the size, height and where it sits on your block, a building or planning permit can still be triggered, and parts of inner-north Darebin sit under heritage overlays. It is worth a quick call to the council's building and planning team before you start.

There can be, and they depend on how big and tall the structure is and how close it sits to a boundary. Victoria generally exempts small, low garden structures from a building permit, but the exact limits and any heritage rules are best confirmed with Darebin's building team. We design cat runs to suit your yard and to sit within the usual limits.

A cat found off your property, especially during curfew hours, can be picked up and taken to the council's animal facility. If it is registered and microchipped the council can trace you quickly and get your cat home, otherwise you may need to collect it and pay a release fee. Keeping your cat contained, ideally in a secure cat run, saves the stress and the cost.

Yes, though if you rent you will need your landlord's or agent's approval before you fix anything to the property, and freestanding or portable enclosures are a good option. In an apartment, a balcony or window enclosure can give your cat safe outdoor time while meeting the curfew. Either way, a secure cat space keeps your cat on the property and out of trouble.

A fully enclosed catio keeps your cat safely on your property, which is exactly what containment rules ask for, while still giving them fresh air and the sounds and smells of outside. We build a range of escape-proof enclosures, from a discreet patio catio to a side run or netting over the whole backyard, so there's an option to suit your home. Build a quote to get started.

Yes, we build custom catios right across greater Melbourne, including the City of Darebin. If you're not sure you're in range, get in touch and we'll let you know.

Always confirm the current rules with the council directly via the City of Darebin website (opens in a new tab). The guide above is research we've collated to help you get started, not legal advice, see the note at the foot of this page.