Number of dogs permitted on a property

Number of dogs allowed without a permit

Urban areas

The number of dogs (aged three months and older) you may keep, depends on your property.

Rural areas

No limit applies.

Boarding kennels and dog day care centre

You may keep the number of dogs specified in your resource consent.

Getting permission to keep more dogs

If you want to keep more than the maximum number of dogs, you will need to apply for a permit.

What you need to know

• You must meet legislative requirements at all times
• Council will review dog owner complaint history on an individual basis
• You need to be classified as an approved owner or selected owner to qualify
• You must have written consent from neighbours who live on adjoining properties
• If you are renting you must have written consent from the landlord or property owner
• Your property's fences must be able to contain and retain all dogs on the property
• You must provide adequate kennelling or other housing that is sited as to ensure adequate shade, warmth and dry conditions
• The grounds of the property must be large enough for all dogs to exercise
• Council will decline your application if your dog has been classified as dangerous

Fees

The application fee is $65.

Apply online

Apply online for a permit to keep more than two dogs.

Apply for a permit

Apply in person

1. Download and fill in the form

   Application for permit to keep more than two dogs (PDF)

   On the form, you will need to include:

   • signatures from your neighbours giving their approval
   • a signature from the property owner giving their consent
   
   
2. Hand in the form and pay the fee

   Visit a Council office or Waikato district library to hand in your form and pay the fee.

What happens next

If we approve your application, an animal control officer will contact you to arrange a property inspection. If your property is suitable for more dogs, Council will send you an approval letter and record your permit.

If we decline your application, we will send you a letter explaining why and what changes you need to make to qualify.

Offences that may cancel your permit

Council may cancel your permit if:

• you breach the conditions set out in the Dog Control Act 1996 or Dog Control Bylaws 2022
• you get additional dogs without informing Council

If your permit is cancelled

If you are still classified as an approved or selected owner, fix the issue that caused the offence then reapply for the permit.

If you are now classified as a general owner, you will need to remain offence-free for 2 years to become an approved or selected owner. Once you are an approved or selected owner, you may reapply for the permit.

Who to contact for more help

Talk to our animal control officers. We can answer any questions you have about:

• animal welfare
• permits to keep more dogs
• property inspections

info@waidc.govt.nz

Tip: Put 'animal control' in the subject line of your email.

Related documents

Related legislation