Your council has the power via local laws to set a limit on the number of dogs kept in a household and you are required to get a permit when you have more than that limit in your household.

The number is set to ensure that the animals are kept in a healthy environment and that neighbours are not inconvenienced. Dogs and/or cats in excess of the minimum number can be surrendered to the council if you do not to wish to register them. Councils can also make local laws that prohibit or regulate the keeping of dogs or cats in a specified area where threatened native fauna are at risk of attack.

Also note that many owners corporations will have legally binding rules forbidding or restricting the keeping of pets. It would be wise to check the rules of a body the owners corporation before you buy a unit or lot.