Care Dogs & Co

11/06/2026

01/06/2026

Have your say on Burnie’s Draft Dog Management Policy 🐶 💬

Council are reviewing how dogs are managed across Burnie and want to hear what you think.

The draft policy looks at things like off-leash exercise areas, on-leash spaces and places where dogs may be restricted, with the aim of balancing responsible dog ownership, community safety, and the protection of our shared public spaces and local wildlife.

Whether you're a dog owner, regular walker, or community member, your feedback is important.

📍 View the draft policy and maps
📍 Submit your feedback at burnie.tas.gov.au/DogPolicy
📍 Feedback closes 22 June 2026

Help shape a safe, respectful and dog-friendly Burnie.

01/06/2026

Way to go team! 🧡

31/05/2026

Phillip Chalker, from Traralgon, was shocked to discover there were no specific penalties for assaults on service dogs, so he started a petition for stronger legal protections, which has gained more than 2100 supporters.⁠
⁠
Vision Australia, Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs Australia broadly support efforts to treat attacks on assistance dogs differently to attacks on pets.⁠

More: https://shorturl.at/EB4BO

26/05/2026

Under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), the requirement for an assistance animal to maintain appropriate hygiene standards is established in Section 9(2).

The Legal DefinitionSection 9(2)(c) of the DDA states that for an animal to be legally recognized as an assistance animal, it must be trained to alleviate the effects of a disability "and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour that are appropriate for an animal in a public place"

25/05/2026

🐾 Choosing the right assistance dog is about more than appearance……it’s about the right match for your needs, lifestyle and support goals.

Genetics, breed traits, temperament and trainability all play an important role in creating a safe, successful and life-changing partnership. 🧡

Research matters. The right dog can make all the difference.

22/05/2026

🚫 Is it a requirement or law for assistance dogs to wear a jacket?

The answer is NO.

There is currently no law requiring an assistance dog to wear a vest, jacket, harness, or any specific identification. Assistance dogs can legally work without visible gear.

However, some organisations or independent handlers may choose to use jackets or identifying equipment for a variety of reasons, including:

🐾 Helping the public recognise the dog is working
🐾 Reducing unwanted attention or access challenges
🐾 Making staff interactions smoother in public spaces
🐾 Increasing visibility and safety in busy environments
🐾 Displaying medical alerts or handling instructions
🐾 Personal preference or organisational branding
🐾 Helping educate the public about working dog etiquette

Every assistance dog team is different, and what works for one handler may not work for another.

⚠️ Side Note:

If you see a team wearing an assistance dog jacket, it is NOT a flag or beacon inviting public interaction. Please do not approach, talk to, whistle at, pat, call, or distract the dog, especially while they are working.

A distracted assistance dog can miss important medical or mobility tasks and may place their handler at risk.

The best support you can give an assistance dog team is space, respect, and allowing the dog to focus on their job. 🧡

www.caredogsandco.com.au

20/05/2026

There’s often confusion around the differences between Therapy Dogs, Assistance Dogs, and Emotional Support Dogs, especially here in Australia 🇦🇺🐾

We’ve created this simple guide to help explain the important differences, legal access rights, and the unique roles each dog provides.

Education helps create understanding, respect, and better support for both handlers and working dogs 💛



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12/05/2026

🐾 Understanding the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) 🐾

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 is an important Australian law that helps protect people with disabilities from discrimination and ensures equal access to public places, services, transport, accommodation, and employment.

Under the DDA, qualified Assistance Dogs are legally permitted to accompany their handler into public spaces to support their independence, safety, and daily life.

This legislation plays a vital role in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and understanding within our community 💛

At Care Dogs & Co, we are passionate about advocating for respectful awareness and the important role Assistance Dogs play every single day.

11/05/2026

A huge shout out to the incredible booking staff and onboard team at the Spirit of Tasmania for the amazing support they provide to our assistance dog teams. 🐾💙

Travelling with an assistance dog can often come with added stress and challenges, but the kindness, professionalism, and understanding shown by the Spirit of Tasmania team makes the process smooth, welcoming, and easy for our handlers.

By accommodating our teams so thoughtfully, you’re helping remove one more barrier that many people living with disability face when travelling and that makes a real difference.

Thank you for creating a positive and inclusive experience for our community. We truly appreciate your support and care every step of the journey. 🚢🐕

www.spiritoftasmania.com.au

Spirit of Tasmania