Alpine resorts residents may be able to apply for a dog permit subject to eligibility criteria.
Animals in Victoria’s alpine resorts
To protect the native flora and fauna of the alpine resorts, ARV manages permits for all dogs within the alpine resorts, in accordance with the Alpine Resorts (Management) Act 1997 and the and Alpine Resorts (Management) Regulations 2020.
Cats are not permitted in any Victorian alpine resort and are strictly prohibited due to their capacity to prey on wildlife.
Dog permit requirements in Victoria’s alpine resorts
Each resort manages dog permits operate slightly differently and so the following information will help you make an application for your dog to live with you in the alpine resort.
Dog permits are only supplied for residents of alpine resorts, unfortunately we cannot provide dog permits for visitors during short-term stays.
Assistance animals
We welcome assistance animals to the alpine resorts, as these animals provide greater support and access to those with disability or special requirements to access the alpine setting.
An assistance animal means an accredited animal specially trained to assist a person with a disability and has met the State standards for public access rights, as determined under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992(Cth) andEqual Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Assistance animals do not require a permit but handlers are required to carry documentation of the animal’s accreditation at all times.
Find out how to apply for a dog permit and each resort’s process:
Falls Creek Resort imposes strict controls on dogs to protect sensitive alpine ecosystems, native wildlife, and public safety.
Pets are generally not permitted in the resort; however, under specific circumstances, eligible residents, workers, or business operators may apply for a paid dog permit issued by ARV at Falls Creek.
Cats and horses remain strictly prohibited.
Eligibility
Dog permits are only available to:
permanent residents
stakeholders or licensed operators
seasonal employees
assistance dog handlers
Individuals outside these categories are not eligible for a dog permit. To verify eligibility, applicants must provide supporting documents depending on permit type. These may include:
electoral roll registration, Falls Creek address on a driver’s licence, lease or ownership documents, vehicle registration, employer statements (for permanent residents)
lease or ownership evidence, utilities invoices, or a valid business licence (for stakeholders)
proof of genuine seasonal employment and proof that Falls Creek is the primary residence during the season (for seasonal employees)
assistance dog handlers must supply identification from an accredited training provider, a medical practitioner’s letter, or a government-issued assistance animal pass.
Permit requirements and fees
Permit
Fee
All dog permits
$250
Accredited assistance dogs
no fee
All applications require head lessee consent for accommodation complexes.
Conditions of holding a permit
Permit holders must:
ensure dogs are micro chipped, restrained from causing disturbance, and must be housed indoors overnight
prevent any damage to property or harm/disturbance to wildlife
dispose of waste responsibly
dogs are forbidden in specific areas including ski fields, mountain bike trails, Mt McKay, alpine bogs, Pretty Valley Road, and the Dam Wall. Offlead access is limited to designated areas depending on season, for example Aqueduct Trail during specified times.
Due to the fragile alpine environment, Mt Hotham has a limited number of dog permits offered. All permits are currently allocated, however, new applicants may be waitlisted.
Eligibility
Dog permits are only available to:
year‑round residents
property owners
business owners within the resort
permits are issued annually.
Permit requirements
Renewal and new applications:
existing permit holders will receive an email each year explaining how to reapply for the following year
a permit is guaranteed for existing holders if:
they still meet eligibility under the Mt Hotham Dogs in Resort Policy, and
they submit their application for the subsequent year by the specified deadline.
there is no guarantee that permits will be available.
Note: in order to preserve the sensitive alpine environment, short-term dog permits are not available.
Conditions of holding a permit
All dog permit holders must abide by the conditions in the Mt Hotham Dogs in Resort policy.
All dogs must remain on a lead at all times.
All faeces must be collected and placed into a bag.
The soiled bag must either be placed into a garbage bag then into the garbage hutch or placed in the designated dog waste bins as outlined on the dog walking area map below.
All dogs are only able to be walked within the designated dog walking areas as outlined on the dog walking map.
Mt Buller requires a dog permit for any dog brought into or kept within the Mt Buller Alpine Resort.
Eligibility
Dog permits are only available to:
property owners
year round or full-time ski season residents, including renters with a minimum 13 week rental contract. Evidence of property ownership or rental arrangements is required. Body corporate consent may also be necessary for multi dwelling buildings.
Permit requirements
Applicants must provide:
payment of the annual fee
proof of current council registration, including confirmation of desexing and breed (restricted breeds are not approved)
a current photo of the dog
dog permits run annually from 1 June to 31 May and must be renewed with updated evidence each year. Short stay or one off permits are not issued.
Conditions of holding a permit
Permit holders must ensure:
dogs are on a leash at all times outdoors
registration tags and a waste removal device ('pooch pouch') are attached to the leash
dogs are not taken on public transport
owners clean up and properly dispose of waste
dogs are kept under control to avoid disturbance, property damage, or harm to wildlife
dogs may only be walked in designated areas and are prohibited in the Village Exclusion Zone, ski areas, and other restricted locations.
Exemptions
Only certified Guide Dogs, Ski Patrol or Police rescue dogs, and certified therapy dogs (under specific conditions) are exempt. Dog criteria, conditions, and walking zones apply year-round.
Process for applying for a dog permit:
You will need to provide the following information to complete your application:
Dogs are not allowed in the Mt Stirling Alpine Resort under any circumstances.
This restriction helps protect public safety, maintain hygiene, minimise risks to native wildlife — including the critically endangered mountain pygmy‑possum — and support year‑round predator control programs.
Assistance animals are permitted in accordance with Commonwealth and Victorian legislation.
Domestic animals are not permitted within the resort.
Dog permits are not issued.
Dogs may only transit through the resort while confined to a vehicle.
Assistance animals are permitted in accordance with Victorian legislation. >
Domestic animals are not permitted within the resort, including dogs and cats.
No dog permit system operates.
Assistance animals are permitted in accordance with Commonwealth and Victorian legislation.
