Dingo Adoption
For the past 10 years, Sydney Dingo Rescue (SDR) has been fortunate to run a dingo rescue and rehoming program. Over the years we have successfully placed hundreds of dingoes in homes with both families and wildlife parks and zoos.
Why not release the dingoes into the wild? Sadly, it’s illegal in most of Australia (including NSW where we are based) to release dingoes. In New South Wales releasing dingoes carries fines of over half a million dollars. This is largely because of the livestock farming industry, who believe dingoes are a threat to stock like sheep. Many of our dingoes, who have lived their whole lives in captivity, wouldn’t be suitable for release and wouldn’t know how to survive in the wild. However, who wild rescues who could be released, Sydney Dingo Rescue sincerely hopes these unfair laws will change in the future?
Can I adopt a dingo? It takes a very special person to provide a home for a dingo. Research and preparation are crucial BEFORE taking on a dingo. Every year thousands of unwanted dingoes end up in pounds and shelters or euthanized because their owners are unable to meet their unique needs.
Dingoes are incredible rewarding companions, they are intelligent, cheeky, energetic family members. They are extremely loyal animals, forming strong bonds with their owners. However dingoes are also a big commitment, they are high energy, aloof and independent. Dingoes live 15-20 years and due to the strong bonds they form with their families, rehoming is stressful and difficult for dingoes who can struggle to adapt to new environments and strangers. For this reason it’s important to think about and research whether a dingo is a good fit for your lifestyle and family.
Dingoes are for life.
Legality:
It is not possible to keep a high content dingo in QLD, SA or TAS. To keep a high content dingo in NT or VIC you will need a permit prior to adoption. WA and NSW do not require permits for high content dingoes.
Low content dingoes or dingo hybrids can be kept in NT, VIC, NSW and WA without a permit but not in QLD, SA or TAS.
Fencing and enclosures:
The type of fencing you will need will depend on the individual dingo. It's important to consider things like their age, size and whether they are a high or low content dingo. Having a secure fence or enclosure is a critical part of being a dingo carer. Issues with fencing is one of the primary reasons we see dingoes surrendered.
Do I need to have a huge backyard or property to adopt a dingo? No. Every dingo is different, and many of our dingoes have successfully been rehomed to urban areas including terrace houses with courtyards and occasionally some dingoes are even be suitable for appartments (note: we never recommend keeping young dingoes or puppies in appartments due to energy levels).
Types of dingoes and their recommended fencing requirements:
LOW CONTENT
A low content dingo typically has one parent who is a dog or a large amount of dog genetics. Low content dingoes are often called “dingo hybrids” or “dingo crosses”. Low content dingoes typically requires:
- a 1.8m fence OR a dog enclosure/run.
We are always more than happy to assist with dingo proofing fencing. Low content dingoes tend to have better recall (come when called) and are better off lead. High content dingoes cannot typically be allowed off lead outside the backyard.
HIGH CONTENT
A high content dingo typically has two dingo parents or a large amount of dingo genetics. High content dingoes are often known as “pure dingoes”. High content dingoes have much stricter fencing requirements due to their climbing ability. High content dingoes often have a high prey drive and cannot be around livestock, cats or birds. You will need ONE or more of the follow BEFORE an adoption trial for a high content dingo can begin. Please note: we are always more than happy to assist with dingo proofing fencing free of charge.
- A 2m or taller colourbond or paling fence (one easy way to extend the height of fencing is with lattice, we are always happy to help with fence extensions)
- A 1.8m fence (of any sturdy material) with a 45 degree inward facing over-hang of 60cm to prevent climbing (see our website for photos)
- A dog enclosure at least 1.8m high with either a full roof or 45 degree inward facing over-hang of 60cm to prevent climbing. Must be at least 25m square (for instance 5m x 5m or 8m x 3m).
You will not typically need a dog enclosure if you have 2m fencing.
Some manufacturers of pre-made dog enclosures include:
https://www.spotonpetenclosures.com.au/shop/listings/pet-enclosures/
For more information on fencing including photos check out our dingo fencing guide:
A yard check is required for all adoptions and we also have a two-week trial period to ensure every adoption is a good fit.
The Adoption Process:
We try to make the adoption process as straightforward as possible, it's basically a 4 step process.
1. You fill out an adoption questionnaire/application and send some photos of your yard/fencing.
This way we can get to know a bit more about you and your family/pets and this way we can try and suggest some possible matches for rescue dingoes that might be suitable for you to adopt.
2. You meet the dingoes!
Once we have your application we can organise to bring some dingoes to meet you or you can come to our rescue centre to meet some dingoes. We are based in the central tablelands area in NSW, but we travel all over NSW, VIC and the ACT and we're happy to come to you (this also means we can check your yard/fencing is secure*).
3. You start a two week adoption trial
Before confirming any adoption we always offer a 2 week trial period to make sure your new dingo is a good match for you, and you are a good match for them.
4. Your adoption is confirmed and the dingo is transferred into your name
At the end of the two week trial your dingoes microchip is changed into your name, you will need to register them with your local council. All dingoes come to their new homes desexed, microchipped and vaccinated.
To find out more about dingo adoption or receive an adoption information pack email sydneydingorescue@gmail.com. You can also use the contact form here.