Local Laws

⚖️ Are Shock Collars Legal in Australia?

Dog owners often ask whether shock collars (also called e‑collars or zap collars) are legal in Australia. The answer depends on which state or territory you live in, as laws vary across the country.

If you’re planning on buying a shock collar, it’s essential to check your local laws. In states where they’re legal, modern e‑collars are designed to be safe, humane, and effective when used responsibly.

STATE	YES/NO	NAME OF ACT / SPECIAL CONDITIONS & REQUIREMENTS
ACT	NO	Animal Welfare Act
NSW	NO	Section 16 of the Act, Section 13 and Schedule 1 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (General) Regulation 1996 and Schedule 1 make the use of electric dog collars illegal. One exception to this rule is electric collars associated with canine invisible boundaries. These are not illegal provided the canine invisible boundary is used to confine dogs, but only used inside a fence through which dogs cannot pass and that is not less than 1.5 metres high.
NT	YES	Regulation 4 and Schedule 1 of the Animal Welfare Regulations allow for the use of electric shock collars in the course of training a dog (excluding collars operated by a remote control device).
QLD	YES	All Shock Collars are Legal for use in Queensland
SA	NO	Animal Welfare Act
TAS	YES	Animal Welfare Act 1993 (As long as there is no pain to the animal)
VIC	YES	Subject to exemptions under Reg 7E(2) Permitted under prescribed circumstances Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 1997 (Reg 7E(2)). See www.dpi.vic.gov.au/animalwelfare for details.
WA	YES	Animal Welfare (General ) Regulations 200

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

Please check your local state laws before purchasing or using a BARKAHOLICS®, PETRAINER® or ABBIDOT® product. BARKAHOLICS® AUSTRALIA accepts no legal responsibility for the use or misuse of training collars in Australia or in any state or territory where such products may be restricted or prohibited by law.

Purchase at your own risk of prosecution for not following above guidelines.