RSPCA Policy C03 Working animals

Adopted on January 21, 2026

3.1	Animals should not be used for work if their physical and mental needs cannot be met and they can’t be provided with a good quality of life.
3.2	Dogs should not be used for guarding premises because of inherent welfare risks and availability of alternatives (e.g. remote cameras, alarms).

Note:

Working animals include but are not limited to animals used to perform tasks to assist people (e.g. guide dogs); therapy animals; security dogs; guard dogs; shepherd animals (e.g. donkeys, alpacas; maremma dogs); dogs who work with livestock; police/military dogs and horses; detection dogs etc.

RSPCA policies reflect the best available evidence to direct and guide RSPCA and others, to promote and achieve good animal welfare outcomes.

Reference to ‘the RSPCA’ or ‘RSPCA’ in this document means RSPCA Australia and each of the RSPCA Australia member Societies.

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