Most households in Tasmania can keep up to two dogs on their property.

If you want to keep more than two dogs, you may need a kennel licence. A kennel licence helps ensure dogs are kept in suitable conditions, supports animal welfare, and helps City of Clarence identify dog owners if a dog becomes lost or is found wandering.

There are significant penalties if you keep more than two dogs without the required approval.

You may need a kennel licence if:

  • You keep more than two dogs over the age of six months on your property.
  • You operate a breeding, boarding or other commercial dog-related business.
  • You have received planning approval for a commercial dog-related activity.

Working dogs

If your dogs are genuinely used for working with livestock or other approved operations, you can keep up to four working dogs without requiring a kennel licence. You may be asked to provide evidence that your dogs are working dogs when registering them.

Caring for a dog

If you are caring for additional dogs for a short period and cannot meet the usual requirements, please contact us to discuss your circumstances. In some situations, a temporary arrangement or exemption may be available.

Enquire about a licence

The application process

Step 1: Before you apply

Most kennel licence applications are only considered where:

  • The property is located on non-residential zoned land.
  • The property is at least one hectare in size.

Because kennel licence applications involve non-refundable fees and advertising costs, we first conduct an assessment before starting an application.

Step 2: Speak to a Ranger

Before lodging an application, please complete the enquiry form.

This is an important step because a Ranger can help you understand whether your proposal is likely to meet the requirements before you spend money on the application process (fees are non-refundable).

At this enquiry stage we let you know if:

  • A kennel licence is required.
  • Your property is suitable.
  • There are any issues that may affect your application.
Enquire about a licence

At this stage we consider:

  • The zoning of the property and surrounding land.
  • The proximity of nearby homes.
  • Potential impacts on neighbours and local amenity.
  • Environmental health considerations.
  • Animal welfare requirements.
  • Compliance with City of Clarence Dog Management Policy
  • Relevant animal welfare standards and guidelines.

Step 3: Apply for a kennel licence

If the results of your enquiry indicate that a kennel licence may be suitable, we will be in contact with you to proceed with a formal application using the information already provided.

This involves:

  • Payment of invoice for application and local media advertising costs.
  • An inspection of your property.
  • Neighbour consultation.

When consultation has been completed and any feedback reviewed, we will make a decision on the application and provide you with the outcome. 

A kennel licence may not be approved if:

Step 4: Renewing the licence

Kennel licence must be renewed annually.  You will receive notification when it is time to renew your licence.   

All dogs must remain registered with the City of Clarence, and your property will be inspected each year to ensure it continues to meet approval requirements. 

If you licence is not renewed or is cancelled, you will no longer be permitted to keep more than two dogs on your property. 

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