Night curfew rules across the City of Greater Geelong.

Yes. Greater Geelong has had a night-time cat curfew in place since 2009, and your cat must be confined to your property from sunset to sunrise, either inside your home or in a secure enclosure. A fully enclosed cat run is an easy way to meet this, because it lets your cat enjoy the outdoors while staying safely on your property. Keeping a cat contained day and night is the safest option, but the curfew is the rule you have to meet.

Yes. All cats must be registered with the council once they reach 3 months old, and registration is renewed every year by 10 April. You'll need to show the cat is desexed and microchipped when you register. The council has also run a free first-year registration offer for cats that have never been registered before, so it's worth checking the current details on their website.

Yes to both. Every cat must be microchipped, and all cats must be desexed before they can be registered for the first time. If your cat genuinely can't be desexed for health reasons, the council asks for a vet certificate as evidence. These sit on top of the state rules under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, so confirm the current requirements with the council.

At a standard home, or in a flat, unit or townhouse, you can keep up to 2 cats without a permit, and larger blocks allow more. To keep more than the permitted number you need a multiple animal permit under the council's Neighbourhood Amenity Local Law. The exact limit depends on your property size, so check the current thresholds and how to apply on the council's website.

A cat run on its own doesn't need an animal permit. Whether you need a building permit comes down to the size and height of the structure. As a general Victorian guide, a small enclosure under about 10 square metres and no more than 3 metres high usually doesn't need one, but it's best to check with the council before you build, especially on a smaller block or where a heritage or environmental overlay applies.

Yes. The same setback and height rules that apply to sheds and outbuildings apply to a cat enclosure. A structure close to a boundary, over a certain height, or forward of your front building line can trigger a building or planning permit. We design our enclosures to sit within the usual limits, but always confirm the setbacks and any overlay conditions with the council for your address.

A cat found off your property, especially during curfew hours, can be picked up and impounded, and you may face a fine plus impound and daily holding fees to get it back. The council also runs a free cat trapping service for residents dealing with roaming cats. Keeping your cat contained on your property, ideally in a secure enclosure, avoids the stress and the cost for everyone.

Usually yes. If you rent, get the owner's or agent's written permission first, and a freestanding or removable design often works best so nothing is permanent. In an apartment or unit, a balcony or window enclosure can keep your cat safe and meet the curfew, though you should check your body corporate or owners corporation rules. We build freestanding, removable and fixed enclosures to suit renters and strata properties.

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 Greater Geelong. 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 Greater Geelong 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.