The Dog House Australia star Tayla Meath dies aged 30 after a 'long and painful' battle with a rare form of cancer: 'She never gave up'

Channel Ten presenter Tayla Meath has died at age 30 after losing her battle with an aggressive form of cancer on September 1. 

The Dog House Australia star was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) – an aggressive cancer that forms in glandular tissue – in 2024 when she was 27. 

A GoFundMe to help raise funds for her medical expenses revealed her health deteriorated in June after the cancer spread to her liver and grew significantly. 

'On Tuesday morning 1st September, Tayla took her last breath surrounded by the people she loved the most,' the final post on the page said.

'Tayla's family would like to thank every single person who has loved her, supported her, encouraged her, and walked beside them through the hardest chapter of their lives. They are now learning how to live with the unimaginable loss of their girl.

'Tayla's journey was long and painful, but she never gave up. She fought every single day. She lived, she loved, she laughed, and she kept pushing forward even when things were incredibly hard.'

The message went on to say Tayla made a strong impression 'on the people around her'.

'She will live on through every person she touched, every friendship she made, every laugh she shared, and every life she made brighter simply by being in it,' it read.

'Tayla got more time with her friends, her family, her husband, and her beloved [dog] Archie. She made memories, she celebrated milestones, and she continued to live her life on her terms.

'Now it's time to give Tayla the celebration of life she deserves. Her service will be beautiful, just as she wanted, and just as she was.

'Thank you to everyone who has followed Tayla's journey, supported her family, shared her story, and contributed towards giving her the farewell she deserves. Your love and generosity have meant more than words can say.'

The GoFundMe account raised more than $36,000 to help Tayla and her family manage her medical and end-of-life expenses. 

In March 2025, some of the funds raised helped Tayla and her partner of 10 years Curtis go on a honeymoon to the Maldives for her first ever trip overseas.  

Tayla's death was announced publicly on Thursday when a spokesperson for The Dog House Australia shared a heartbreaking message on Instagram. 

'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tayla, after a long and incredibly difficult battle with cancer,' the message read. 

'Tayla will be remembered for the extraordinary love, kindness and care she showed our four-legged friends through The Dog House Australia, and for the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her. 

'Our hearts go out to her family, friends and all who loved her during this incredibly difficult time.

'Working with animals wasn't just a job for Tayla. It was her passion and a huge part of who she was. 

'She loved being able to help give dogs the second chance they deserved and to play a small part in finding them their forever homes.'

According to Cancer Council Australia, ACC – which usually affects the head and neck – develops slowly and may not present any symptoms, often being diagnosed as a single tumour.

Tayla suffered from throat issues for years due to the cancer, resulting in the removal of a portion of her vocal cord and voice box.  

She is best known as the beloved star of The Dog House Australia, which is a 'dog dating show' where people are matched with the perfect dog for their family at the Animal Welfare League's Kemps Creek Shelter.

Tayla is survived by her husband Curtis and their dog, a three-year-old labrador named Archie.