Tasmania's dog welfare laws are in place help support positive outcomes for dogs across the state.
The welfare and management of dogs in Tasmania is governed by:
Guidance material is also available to help dog owners, breeders, businesses and the community understand their responsibilities.
Animal Welfare Guideline - Dogs (291Kb)
New dog welfare Regulations now in place
The Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations 2026 commenced on 19 August 2026 and provide clearer, modern standards for dog welfare and responsible dog ownership in Tasmania.
These changes help ensure dogs are provided with appropriate care, suitable living conditions and opportunities to live healthy lives.
The new Regulations include updated requirements for:
breeding and breeding animal welfare
housing and shelter
exercise and social needs
transport and handling
veterinary care and health management
responsible ownership and care of dogs.
Most responsible dog owners are already meeting many of these standards. The new Regulations provide greater clarity and consistency, while supporting improved welfare outcomes for dogs throughout their lives.
The new Regulations are part of the Tasmanian Government's broader commitment to improving animal welfare, supporting responsible dog ownership, and maintaining community confidence in animal welfare standards.
View the Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations 2026.
An easy read summary of the new Regulations and what they practically mean for Tasmanian dog owners is also available:
Easy Read Summary - Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations 2026 (DOCX 97Kb)
How the new Regulations were developedIn late 2024, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) undertook a public consultation on potential reforms to dog welfare laws and regulations.
Almost 300 submissions were received from dog owners, breeders, veterinarians, animal welfare organisations, industry groups, councils and other community members. This feedback helped inform the development of the new Regulations.
Key documents from the consultation process are available below:
Consultation Report on Improving Dog Welfare Outcomes in Tasmania (PDF 886Kb)
Tasmanian Dog Welfare Review 2024-2025 Submissions (PDF 20Mb)
Position Paper on Dog Welfare Legislation in Tasmania (October 2025) (PDF 521Kb)
What's next?
The introduction of the Animal Welfare (Dogs) Regulations 2026 is an important step in strengthening dog welfare in Tasmania.
Work is continuing on proposed amendments to the Dog Control Act 2000. These reforms will complement the new welfare regulations and support a more contemporary framework for dog welfare and management across the state.
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