Dogs

A woman walking her dog on a Launceston walking trail.
 
Responsible Dog Ownership Code

Part of being a responsible dog owner starts with knowing what your dogs' needs are and being aware of the legislation that applies to owning a dog and what your responsibilities to the community as a dog owner are.

Responsibility of Individuals and the Community

Owning and enjoying the companionship of a dog carries with it the dual responsibility of care for the dog and respect for the community.

Individuals are responsible for: 

  • Ensuring that their dog is exercised in an appropriate manner; 
  • Ensuring that their dog has adequate food, shelter and water;  
  • Ensuring that their dog is on a lead when in a public place;
  • Ensuring that their dog is under effective control at all times when using off-lead exercise areas;
  • Ensuring that their dog does not cause a nuisance to neighbours or the general public;
  • Ensuring that their dog is not a threat or menace to other members of the community;
  • Remove and dispose of any faeces left by their dog or dogs in any public place or private land;
  • Registering all dogs over the age of six months on an annual basis;
  • Ensuring that the Council is notified on the death, loss or disposal of a dog or change of address; and
  • Complying with all regulations under the Dog Control Act 2000.

Registration

Dogs above the age of six months must be registered in our municipality. This is not only a legislative requirement, but it helps us return lost or stray dogs to their rightful owners. The annual fee which owners must pay will vary depending on factors such as the dog's reproductive status. We also offer a one-off lifelong fee for dogs that are microchipped.

 

Dog registration renewal

In June each year, registered dog owners in the municipality receive a renewal notice in the post or nominated email.

Owners must then follow the instructions and pay the relevant fee by July 1, and will not receive a reminder notice. Penalties may apply if fees are not paid by the due date. 

You can pay your dog's registration renewal by BPay (via your bank's online services), by credit card, or by contacting us. Please ensure you have your renewal notice handy.

 

Lifelong registration is now available

A one-off lifelong registration fee can be paid for the life of your puppy/dog. To be eligible for this rate the dog must be microchipped, and this number must be provided. Fees vary for desexed dogs, entire dogs and pension card holders.

If the dog is to relocate from the Launceston municipality or pass away within three years of paying the lifelong fee, a 50% refund can be applied for.

To change the registration of your existing dog from annual to lifelong, or for further information and eligibility please contact us. 

 

Register your new dog

1.  Complete the registration form: Dog Forms 

2.  Find copies of any applicable, additional documentation:

  • Vet Certificate (if the dog is de-sexed)
  • Microchip details
  • Pension card (both sides) 

3.  Once the paperwork has been reviewed, you will be issued a fee to pay.

4.  Receive your dog's lifetime registration tag and place on your dog's collar. One side of the tag is plain so that you can have your dog's name and contact details engraved if you wish.  Replacement tags are available for a minimal cost if lost or damaged.

 

Update your dog registration details

If you no longer have the registered dog, if you've changed address or if the dog is deceased, please update your dog registration details here so we can update our records and avoid issuing you with fines.   

 

More information

For information on the responsibilities of dog ownership and details of strays, please see Councils Dog Management Policy(PDF, 14MB).

See our Parks section for where to take your dog for exercise. There are many parks that have off-lead areas for your animal to run around and meet some friends.

Keeping more than two dogs

If you own more than two dogs, you must apply to Council for a licence.

Complete the online application form for a licence to keep several dogs or contact the Customer Service Centre. All applications require a 'notice of intention' to apply for a licence to be published in the local newspaper by the dog owner.

Once Council has received your application a Regulations Officer will conduct a licence inspection on your property.

Upon approval and payment of associated fees, the applicant will be granted a kennel licence.

Holders of licence to keep several dogs are required to comply with the requirements of the Dog Control Act 2000 and failure to do so may result in the cancellation of a licence and fines.

Microchipping

The Dog Control Act 2000 states all dogs above the age of six months need to be implanted with a microchip, to ensure all dogs can be identified if lost or stolen. Failure to do so could result in a fine being issued.

If your dog has a microchip implanted, please contact the Council and supply the microchip number, which will then be attached to your dog's details on our Animal Register.

Ensure that you also contact your microchipping company and/or vet clinic when you change address or contact details.  

Please contact our Customer Service Centre and quote your dog's Registration Tag Number. 

Training

There are many training programs for dogs around Launceston which see them disciplined and become even better, well-behaved companions.

Here are a few organisations that run regular dog training:

See our Parks section or Dog Walking Map for where to take your dog for exercise. There are many parks that have off-lead areas for your animal to run around and meet some friends.

Education

Using the nationally recognised program, Delta Dog Safe, our Animal Control Officers visit primary schools around the municipality to teach children how to treat animals and stay safe around them.

The program teaches children to recognise frightened, angry and even happy dogs and how to react if approached by any of these types.

Since the program was introduced in 2004, we've educated almost 13,000 children.

This service is free to all schools, community groups or any other organisation operating within the Launceston municipality. Out of hours presentations can also be made on any dog control matters or issues.

If you would like to be involved, please contact us. 

Dangerous dogs

There are dogs in our community that become a serious threat to people and other animals.

These animals must be dealt with appropriately and safely by our Animal Control Officers.

If you are concerned about a dog, please call our Customer Service Centre in business hours. If your concern arises outside business hours, call the Council after hours number, 6323 3333 or Tasmania Police on 131 444. 

Barking dogs

The Council can help residents if they are concerned with barking, attacking, straying or nuisance dogs.

If safe and practicable to do so, try approaching the owners of a nuisance dog and discussing the issue to try and resolve it amicably. If a resolution isn't reached or the problem persists you should advise the owner of the dog that you will contact the Council's Animal Control Officer.

For more information, please call us. 

 

Stray dogs

We do our very best to reunite lost dogs with their owners. For our Animal Control Officers, this is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

There are some simple things that you can do to help us that are required by law, like making sure your dog is microchipped, registered, wearing a collar with registration tag attached, and ensuring your yard is secure.

  • The Dogs’ Home of Tasmania runs the City of Launceston's pound at 20 Cavalry Rd, Mowbray. Phone 6349 1999
  • Lost dogs can be reclaimed from the Home. 
  • Opening hours: Seven days a week - 10am–4pm. 10am-1pm public holidays.  Closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.
  • The Dogs' Home of Tasmania do not go out and collect stray dogs.

Surrendering a dog

If you wish to surrender a dog, refer to the Dogs' Home of Tasmania website for information.

To make an appointment call the Launceston Dogs’ Home on 6349 1999.

Lost your dog?

If you have lost your dog, call the Council's Customer Service on 6323 3000 or the Launceston Dogs’ Home on 6349 1999.

If your dog has been found and is microchipped and registered, the Council will contact you and arrange to reunite you with your dog. If we can't contact you, your dog will be held by the Launceston Dogs’ Home until you collect it, or a new home is found for it.

Back to top