Travelling with Fido through Tasmania is certainly do-able, and you’ll find a number of caravan parks and bed and breakfasts that are happy to accommodate your four legged loved one. This isn’t Europe though, and we have a long way to go before we start to resemble anything as welcoming as Paris on International Walk your Cat Day (we don’t think that really is a thing, so step away from Google)!
We would be happy to help you with your pet friendly Tasmanian holiday and can design and book your itinerary, with a little help from you to tell us what you want to see and where you want to go. There are, however some things that you’ll need to know before you travel. Hopefully we’ve captured the majority of the big points on this page, although it’s important to note that only the bio security requirements apply to assistance dogs, who are able to travel with their owner unrestricted throughout the state.
Firstly, Tasmania there are bio security considerations you’ll need to factor in when bringing a dog into Tasmania, and these apply whether you arrive on the Spirit of Tasmania, or by plane. You will need to provide proof that your dog has been treated for hydatid disease within the last 14 days and failure to do this will result in a fine from our customs authority. See more information here: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/Importing_dogs.pdf
Many pets are welcomed in caravan parks and other boutique operations across Tasmania but it is important to recognize that agriculture and livestock are also huge industries for our state. Keep your pet on a lead unless you know it is safe and legal to let them run. Public areas, such as beaches, often have signposted on and off lead times at major beach entry points. If you find a beach is posted as no dogs, or lead only, it’s usually because of local bird life that nest just above the high tide mark, so please don’t ignore these signs. Likewise, accommodation providers will also outline clear rules for when you’re travelling with pets, such as not leaving Lassie unattended while you pop out for tea at the local pub. For the long term benefit of all who travel with their pets, please do adhere to these few rules that make it possible.
Animals are also prohibited in National Parks across the state in order to protect the health and wellbeing of the native wildlife, however they are often welcome in conservation areas and nature reserves, as long as they are well controlled and adhering to signposted rules, such as on and off lead areas. More information for permitted areas can be found here: https://www.parks.tas.gov.au/index.aspx?base=494
Lastly, dogs are not allowed in any area that serves food and beverage, which includes local farmers markets and food truck zones. Several markets will provide areas for you to leave your pet, with some, such as Salamanca Market in Hobart providing RSPCA hosted puppy parking, which is staffed by volunteers and made possible by donation.