Policy

The TAC can pay the reasonable cost of dog kennelling, for no more than two domestic dogs for a client who must stay in alternative temporary accommodation because of injuries sustained in a transport accident and when:

• all current alternatives for housing the dog have been exhausted, for example re-housing of the dog with friends, family or neighbours
• the dog can not stay at the client's home and be cared for by a third party
• the boarding kennel complies with the Department of Primary Industries Code of Practice for the Operation of Boarding Establishments (the Code)
• kennelling will be required on a temporary basis only until alternative arrangements can be made, and
• the boarding kennel is located as close as possible to the client's temporary accommodation.

Dog kennelling is paid under sections 23 and section 60(2)(a) of the Transport Accident Act 1986 and requires prior approval in writing from the TAC.

The TAC will periodically review a client's entitlement to dog kennelling to ensure that the services remain reasonable for the transport accident injury and are payable under the Act.

Definitions

In this policy:

• Kennelling is the taking of custody or possession of a dog for the keeping, accommodation, care or feeding for fee or reward at a property other than the animal's normal place of residence.
• Temporary accommodation includes Supported Accommodation or Interim rental accommodation paid by the TAC while transport accident related home modifications are taking place, but does not include hospital admissions.

Guidelines

What can the TAC pay for in relation to dog kennelling?

The TAC can pay for the reasonable standard basic costs of shared accommodation and care for no more than two domestic dogs at a boarding kennel that complies with the Code.

Who can provide dog kennelling?

Dog kennelling can only be provided by boarding kennels that comply with the Code.

What information does the TAC require to consider paying for dog kennelling?

The TAC requires a written request for dog kennelling from the client or the client's family, treating medical practitioner or health professional or attendant carer outlining:

• what accommodation alternatives for the dog(s) have been previously considered and why they were not successful
• the location of the suggested kennel and its proximity to the client's temporary accommodation
• the fees and services provided by the boarding kennel
• that the suggested boarding kennel complies with the Code
• that the kennelling will be required on a temporary basis only until alternative arrangements can be made.

When will the TAC respond to a request?

The TAC will respond to written requests as set out in the TAC Client Service Charter.

What fees/rates are payable for dog kennelling?

The TAC can pay the reasonable costs of the dog kennelling.

What won't the TAC pay for in relation to dog kennelling?

The TAC will not pay for:

• dog food
• grooming such as clipping, stripping coat, cutting nails and bathing
• pet taxi – Transport
• dog toys & accessories
• collars & leads
• dog training
• additional exercise such as dog walking & playtime for pets
• dog breeding
• dog medication or vaccinations
• veterinary costs for the dog
• day care for dogs
• home kennelling, that is kennelling performed at a person's residence whose primary business is not operating a boarding kennel or veterinary clinic
• fees associated with cancellation or non attendance
• services provided outside the Commonwealth of Australia
• the cost of telephone calls and telephone consultations between providers and clients, and between other providers, including hospitals
• treatment or services provided more than two years prior to the request for funding except where the request for payment is made within three years of the transport accident. Refer to the Time Limit to Apply for the Payment of Medical and Like Expenses policy.