What does the adoption fee include?

Every dog adopted is desexed, vaccinated, microchipped, treated for fleas and worms, and has had a standard health check and behaviour assessment. The adoption fee is considerably less than you would pay for these services individually.

The Greyhound fee includes the orange collar and a muzzle to use while settling in. Each collar is individually numbered and linked to specific dogs.  They must be worn in public as proof of assessment.

What do I need to do to adopt?

Before adopting a dog, you must first meet the dog, and spend some time getting to know them. We ask that all members of the household come along to meet the dog, including any existing dog(s) you may have. Staff will give you as much information as we have about that dog, and can answer any questions you have.

Visits to the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania are by appointment. If you have seen a dog you are interested in, click on the link on Facebook or the website to visit the Home and view all dogs for adoption. Be aware that if you are coming to see a particular dog, it is possible that the dog may have been adopted before you visit. 

If you already have a dog, we will ask you to bring that dog in for a supervised “meet and greet” to make sure the two dogs get on.

If you’re renting, we’ll need a letter from your landlord giving you permission to have a dog on the property.

I’d like a particular breed of dog, can I go on a waiting list?

Sorry, but we don’t keep waiting lists for particular kinds of dogs. So if you’re waiting for a small dog, or a particular breed of dog, just keep visiting our website or follow us on Facebook, and you’ll see our dogs as they are advertised for adoption.

Can I return the dog if it doesn’t work out?

Sometimes rescue dogs can take a while to settle in their new home, particularly if they have been with us for some time or are not accustomed to a good home life. We urge you to allow your dog time to settle in.

Please contact us if you would like advice on how to help your dog adjust to home life, or if you are struggling with undesirable behaviour.

We understand that sometimes things don’t work out and circumstances change. We will accept back any of our dogs.

What is your refund policy?

Returning a dog two weeks or less from the adoption date:
We will happily refund you 75% of your adoption fee after a $40 admin fee has been removed.

Returning a dog more than two weeks, but less than four weeks after the adoption date:
We will happily refund you 50% of your adoption fee after a $40 admin fee has been removed.

Regardless of the time frame, we will always accept a dog back. However, no refund will be provided for dogs returned four weeks or more after the adoption date.

Please do not consider selling your dog online. Please return the dog to us so we can ensure their welfare.

Do I need a kennel licence?

If you already have two companion dogs at home, you will need to obtain a kennel licence from your local Council.  This can take upwards of a month to arrange. Details can be obtained from Council websites, as costs vary depending on the municipality you are in.

We are legally unable to adopt a dog to you until you have a licence. For the welfare of the dog, we are unable to put a dog on hold  for you while you wait to obtain a licence.