Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania facing uncertain financial future

It’s been operating for 73 years, but now the Dogs Home of Tasmania is in a precarious financial position. Find out why.

Cassie Van Donselaar and her fiance Tom Hammersley with their pet greyhound Holly.

As rises in the cost of living bite, and older and sicker dogs are being surrendered, the Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania is facing an uncertain financial future.

CEO Mark Wild said more dogs were being surrendered because their owners cannot afford the cost of veterinary care, along with changed rental circumstances and, “sadly, homelessness”.

“Many Tasmanians would not know that we operate at a loss every financial year,” Mr Wild said.

“This is unsustainable and in the longer term there’s a very real concern we might no longer be able to provide the wealth of services we currently do.

“Closure of the Dogs’ Homes would be disastrous for the welfare of the state’s lost and abandoned dogs.

“There’s no one to step in and take over if we close.”

Mark Wild, Dogs' Homes of Tasmania CEO. Image: Dogs Home of Tasmania.

While surrender figures were only slightly up on last year, Mr Wild said the types of dogs coming through and the reasons for surrendering had changed.

“We’re seeing more older dogs and sick dogs, and also more bonded pairs of dogs being surrendered together.

“It’s utterly devastating to have to give up your beloved pet because you can’t provide for them.

“We’ve seen dogs who have been with their owner for 10, 12, 14 years. You can’t even fathom the pain.”

Ruby who was up for adoption at the Dogs Home of Tasmania in May. Picture: Linda Higginson

Mr Wild said it also was more expensive than ever for the Dogs’ Homes to “keep our doors open”.

“We’re seeing a lot of sick and older dogs and that is putting pressure on us because they need surgery, they need teeth removed, they need arthritis care.

“These require more of our resources to care for them – not just surgery but recovery and healing time, and often time in foster care.

“Our shelters aren’t full – but that’s because we work so hard to get the dogs adopted as quickly as possible.

“We are trying to only have a dog stay with us for five to seven days on average, because we know the shelter environment is not ideal for them. It can be really stressful for dogs. So, we try to get them in a new, loving home as quickly as possible and we use all the resources we have to ensure the shelters don’t become full.”

The Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania has homes in Hobart, Launceston, Burnie and Devonport helping around 1500 lost dogs return home, and 2000 abandoned or unwanted dogs find new families.

Mr Wild said the organisation was hoping to raise at least $150,000 with its Christmas Appeal.

“Times are tough for Tasmanians, and any bit of support means the world to us,” he said.

“For 73 years, our incredible dog-loving community has been our backbone, helping us weather storms, and we’re hopeful they’ll stand by us for many more years to come.”

Originally published as Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania facing uncertain financial future