Having a pet
We know that pets can be great companions, and where possible, we want you and your whānau to experience the many benefits of pet ownership.
Getting approval to have a pet in your home is an important part of your tenancy agreement. Not telling us about a pet may be a breach of your agreement and can also be a health and safety issue.
Having a pet also means being a responsible owner by following local council bylaws and Kāinga Ora processes.
What to do if you want a pet
It’s important to let us know if you already have, or want to get, a dog, cat or livestock animal.
The information we collect about your pet helps to:
- Make sure you don’t get any fines. If you live in a complex or apartment there may be specific rules for keeping pets (including cats).
- Let our staff and contractors know when they visit you.
- Make sure your tenancy agreement is up to date. Some older agreements don’t allow dogs, so we can update this for you to make sure you’re not breaching your agreement.
If your pet is a dog or a livestock animal, you will need to sign a Pet Information form [DOCX, 76 KB] and agree to be a responsible pet owner.
These factsheets provide important information about keeping animals at your home or you can call us on 0800 801 601 so we can find out more about your pet.
Watch below to see what’s good to know if you want to have a pet at your home.
Are there any conditions to having a pet?
There are laws that apply to everyone in New Zealand who keeps pets. Your local council will have by-laws (including a list of dog breeds that you are not allowed to own), and if you live in a complex or apartment there may be specific rules for keeping pets (including cats).
We’re always happy to help you find out what rules apply for you.
- Dogs
- Cats
- Livestock (cows, sheep, horse, pigs, goats) that are kept as pets
- Birds, fish and small animals
We will check that your home and pet are suitable, and if everything is okay, we may say yes to you having a pet. Then all you need to do is look after them properly, make sure they don’t cause any issues to your neighbours and enjoy their company.
Sometimes we may not be able to allow pets in your home. This may be because your property is unsuitable (e.g. fencing or space issues), or the pet is considered dangerous. If that happens, we will let you know and you can always ask us to review our decision if you think it is unfair.
Like any other pet owner in New Zealand, you are responsible for keeping your pet secure, and for its health and wellbeing. Some of the things you will need to provide for your pet include:
- Food
- Water
- Exercise
- Vet bills
- Microchipping
- Vaccinations
- Desexing
- Registration
- Worming and flea treatments
If you have a dog, we’ll ask you to secure it for any visits from Kāinga Ora team members or contractors. To secure your dog during a visit, you can:
- Keep it in your vehicle and lock the doors. Make sure you wind the window down enough so your dog has fresh air and leave it a bowl of water.
- Keep your dog on a leash and under the control of a responsible person.
- Leash it with something sturdy, that won’t loosen or break. A fence post, dog run or a tree trunk could work, but doorknobs, stakes in the ground or things that can be moved are unsuitable.
- Keep it in a lockable room/garage/shed and secure your dog with a lead to a piece of furniture that will not move. Remember to make sure it has a water bowl, and let your kids know so they do not unlock the door and take the dog off the lead.
- Take your dog for a walk on a leash while our staff are at your home.
Securing your dog factsheet [PDF, 478 KB]
Why do I need to do this?
Our dogs want to protect us and our families. That means some can be very territorial and may not like it when people, staff and contractors visit.
To keep our people safe, they won’t come onto any property or into a home if a dog is not secure. Keeping your dog secure while we visit makes it easier for us to ensure your home stays warm, dry and safe.
Summer - Keep your pets cool
Did you know pets feel the heat even more than we do? Here are six tips to keep your fur babies safe.
- Water and shade - Keep water bowls fresh and filled and make sure there’s plenty of shade for your pets throughout the day – even as the sun moves.
- Cooler walks - Exercise your dog when it’s cooler either in the morning or evening.
- Too hot to trot - If the pavement or sand is too hot for your bare feet, then it’s too hot for your pet.
- Pets get sunburnt too - Pets with lighter skin and hair are most at risk, and you can protect them by rubbing pet-safe sunscreen on their noses, ears and bellies.
- Hot cars can kill - Never leave your pet unattended in your car. You could face a $300 fine. If you find a dog locked in a car in distress, call the Police or your local SPCA immediately.
- Get a hair cut - Trimming your pet’s coat can help keep them cool, but their fur also protects them from sunburn so don’t shave it completely.
Winter - Look after your pets as the chill kicks in
We all like to wrap up warmly and keep cosy as cold and wet weather sets in, and our pets are just like us. You’ll have happy, healthy pets over winter with these top tips:
- Shelter and warmth - If you’re feeling cold, it’s likely your pets are too. Keep them safe from bad weather by bringing them indoors when you can. If your pet lives outdoors, make sure they have access to shelter that is warm, well-insulated, waterproof and windproof.
- Food and water - Animals are less likely to go outside in the cold, so using toys and puzzle feeders at meal times can be great for their mental and physical health. It’s also a good idea to check outdoor water bowls each day to make sure they haven’t frozen over, or to break up any ice if they have.
- Exercise safely - Our pups love their walks, even when it’s cold or rainy. Try to keep heading out each day to keep them healthy and their minds stimulated. Reflective leads and harnesses make pets easier to keep an eye on during dark mornings or evenings.
- Household emergency plans - must account for all members of the whānau, and this includes your animals.
If you have concerns about a pet
If a pet is being mistreated or you are concerned about the welfare of a pet, contact the SPCA(external link).
If a dog is wandering the street, barking loudly all day, creating a nuisance or attacks someone, contact the local council Dog Control unit.
Page updated: 3 October 2024