Living in Auckland with your dog: What to expect

Auckland and its beautiful wide-open spaces is a fantastic place to bring up a dog. The city has pet-friendly beaches and parks, and several pet-friendly activities to participate with your canine friend. However, like most cities, Auckland has a list of rules and regulations for all pet parents to follow. If you are planning to move to Auckland , this is what you need to know about living in Auckland with a dog.

Doggy rules

The Auckland Council has clear rules and regulations when it comes to owning a dog in the city. These rules are in place to protect dogs and the general public.

Dog registration is mandatory in Auckland. All dogs must be registered with the Auckland Council, and your dog must always have the registration disc or strap attached to the collar. If your dog is a service animal or has been de-sexed, you will be eligible for a discount on the registration fee. Dog owners who are caring and responsible can also apply for a Responsible Dog Owner Licence. This licence is awarded to dog owners to meet a specific set of criteria including dog ownership knowledge, no substantiated claims of dog impoundments, etc.

In Auckland, as in other cities around the world, it is mandatory to pick up after your doggy and dispose of the waste responsibly. If you own two or more dogs, you will have to apply for a licence that allows you to keep multiple dogs on your property.

Care and control of the dog

As a dog parent, you are obliged to care for your dog at all times and ensure that it is under control. It is your responsibility to provide for your dog and make sure he or she is healthy and sufficiently exercised.

As a pet parent in Auckland, it is important to understand the leash laws in the city. Your dog is expected to be on a lead at all times in all council-controlled public places. A dog parent in Auckland is responsible for their dog and must ensure that the dog does not cause nuisance or harm, endanger or cause distress to another person or property.

Microchip your doggy

New Zealand’s dog registration rules deem that all dogs have to be microchipped within two months of registration. Any registered vet in the city can microchip your dog; make sure it is an ISO-compliant 15-digit microchip.

Microchips are vital because they can help reunite lost or stolen dogs with their pet parents. If your dog cannot be microchipped for health reasons, you can provide a letter from your vet stating the reason.

Public areas

Since Auckland has an abundance of wide open spaces, there are plenty of places to take your dog out for walks, exercise and socialisation. However, many public areas prohibit the entry of dogs, even on a leash and it is advisable to make sure before taking your dog to such places.

In general, dogs are prohibited on all council-controlled playgrounds and must be on a lead when your dog is close to a playground in use. If you are taking your dog to a beach, remember to check dog timings before setting forth. Certain beaches prohibit dogs from entering the beach during the day and allow dogs on a lead early in the morning and late in the evening.

Currently, dogs are not allowed on Auckland’s buses and trains, but the rules are set to change shortly. However, dogs in carriers are allowed on most ferry services.

Rentals and housing

Finding a pet-friendly property in Auckland may not always be easy, but the new lenient pet policy for housing in New Zealand means that it will henceforth get easier to rent pet-friendly homes. If you are looking for a home in Auckland that welcomes pets, here are a few pointers:

• Be prepared to pay a pet bond
• Get references from your previous property
• Prepare a doggy resume with a photograph and recommendations from neighbours vouching for your dog’s friendliness
• Make sure you mention your pet in the tenancy agreement

Parks and beaches

Auckland has several fantastic pet-friendly beaches for your doggy to run about and enjoy the water. Beaches such as Mellons Bay, Takapuna beach, and Piha beach are the more popular dog beaches in Auckland. Most beaches in Auckland are off-leash beaches during the winter. In summer, the off-leash hours are limited to before 10am and after 5pm.

Auckland has plenty of parks, but not all of them are dog-friendly. Make sure dogs are allowed entry before taking your pooch to a park. Some of the best off-lead dog parks in Auckland include Meola Reef Dog Park, Big King Reserve, Orakei Basin, Grey Lynn Park, and Auckland Botanical Gardens.

Following all doggy rules in beaches and parks is essential. Make sure your dog is always under control and does not cause distress to other people or animals. Be sure to pick and dispose of your dog’s waste responsibly, and don’t forget to have a great time with your doggie pal.

Moving to Auckland?

Auckland has so much to offer pet parents and is easily one of the best places in the world to live with your canine pal. If you are planning to relocate to Auckland with your dog, get in touch with Petraveller for a detailed pet travel itinerary.