WhelpkeepBreeding rules, in plain English
A simple, current summary of what each Australian state expects of dog and cat breeders — NSW, VIC, QLD and SA. Pick your state to see what applies, what's a hard requirement vs best practice, and links straight to the official sources.
Standard vs Guideline
A “Standard” is a must — a legal requirement. A “Guideline” is recommended best practice. We label every item so you know which is which.
Records & paperwork vs Care & premises
“Records & paperwork” is the documentation side (vet care, registrations, sale records). “Care & premises” is your setup (housing, cleaning, food, transport).
NSW — Animal Welfare Code of Practice — Breeding Dogs and CatsFee/reward breeders now; exemption holders from 1 Dec 2025; ALL dog breeders from 1 Dec 2029.VIC — Code of Practice for the Operation of Breeding and Rearing Businesses 2014 (rev. 2018)Only DABs (3–10 fertile females, non-club) + commercial. Microbreeders (1–2 females) and recreational/club breeders (≤10 females) are exempt.QLD — Animal Welfare Standards & Guidelines for Breeding Dogs and their Progeny (2018)ALL dog breeders, including accidental litters.SA — Standards & Guidelines for Breeding and Trading Companion Animals 2017Anyone breeding or trading dogs or cats for sale (not giveaways).
Puppy deposits & refundsIs a deposit refundable? Your Australian Consumer Law rights, in plain English.Money, deposits & consumer law
Australia-wide references on deposits, refunds, consumer guarantees and tax.
Run a breeding business? Whelpkeep tracks all of this for you automatically — per state, per litter, per pup.