How old does my dog need to be before I have to register it?
In accordance with the Dog Control Act 2000 it is a requirement for any dog over the age of six months to be registered in the municipality in which it lives.
Registrations are renewed annually and it is up to you to ensure that your dogs registration is current. Renewals are sent by Council as a reminder, however it is your responsibility to renew your dogs registration. If for some reason you do not receive your renewal notice, this is not a valid reason to receive the early payment rate or to have an infringement notice withdrawn.
Registrations expire on the 30th of June each year and should be renewed before the 31st of July each year.
For information on fees and charges please refer to our Fees and Charges page.
Download an application for dog registration.
My dog is registered do I still have to get it microchipped?
Yes. It is now compulsory for you to not only register but also microchip your dog.
Any dog over the age of six months must be mirochipped. Microchipping is different to having your dog registered. When you register your dog the data is kept at the Council in which the dog lives and a lifetime registration tag is issued. The registration is required to be renewed at the commencement of each financial year.
When you get your dog microchipped it is a once-off fee of approximately $30-$60 depending on your local vet. The unique chip number is sent to a national registry which logs all owner and dog details. Being microchipped means in the event that your dog is lost or stolen there will be a much greater chance of you being reunited with your dog. Once you have had your dog microchipped it is important to remember to advise Council of the unique chip number so this can be added to your dog's registration records.
Do I have to register and microchip my cat?
No. You do not have to register or microchip your cat, there are currently no legislative requirements in Tasmania that require owners to register and microchip their cats.
All cat owners however are encouraged to microchip their cat. Microchipping is a safe painless procedure that can cost aproximately $30-$60 depending on your vet. It is way of permanently identifiying your cat and at the same time linking your details to that chip. If your cat is ever lost there is a far greater chance of being reunited.
Do I have to have my cat desexed?
No. There are currently no legislative requirements in Tasmania that require cats to be desexed.
It is recommended however, if you are not breeding your cat that you have it desexed. This can assist in solving some very common problems that are faced not only by cat owners, but also the wider community when dealing with cats that stray onto their property. The Hobart Cats Centre outlines some positive reasons why it is a good idea to have your cat desexed.
Can I transfer my dog's registration?
Registration fees can be transferred from owner to new owner and between Councils within Tasmania.
How many dogs can I have before I require a kennel licence?
If there are more than two dogs on the property a kennel licence is required.
The Hobart City Council will administer kennel licences in line with the requirements of the Dog Control Act 2000. In particular, any property with more than two dogs (or four dogs in the case of working dogs) will be required to submit an application for a kennel licence.
All applications submitted must be accompanied by a copy of the relevant notice placed in the local newspaper, advertising the dog owners intention to apply for a kennel licence and requesting any objections to be made within 14 days. Refer section 51 (2) (a) Dog Control Act 2000.
On application, consideration will be given once Council Officers have inspected the premises to ensure it complies to the relevant requirements of the Dog Control Act 2000. Where a property is to be used for breeding purposes, appropriate advice from Council's planning officers will also need to be sought.
Do I need to walk my dog on a lead?
All dogs must be on a lead when walked on a road related area. This regulation applies to all areas unless specified as being an off lead exercise area.
What happens if my dog is impounded?
If your dog is caught at large by an Animal Management Officer, every effort will be made to return the dog home if it has the prescribed identification. In the event that the correct identification is not available the dog will be impounded at the Hobart Dogs' Home. The Hobart Dogs' Home is located at Risdon Vale and can be contacted on 6243 5177.
For further information please contact the Animal Management Unit on 6238 2182.