Skip navigation
In this section
Services

Dogs

Dogs index | Dog registration | Exercise areas | Fines | Guide to responsible dog ownership | Lost or missing dogs | Complaints | Dog control laws

Lost or missing dogs

Straying or wandering dogs can be impounded and a fee is charged to the dog owner when the dog is released. This covers:

Dog paw
  • seizure of the dog
  • giving notice to the owner
  • poundage fees
  • euthanising the dog

Dogs must be on a lead in all public places unless it has been designated as a dog exercise area. Refer to Auckland City Council's Dog policy for information on dog control.

What to do if your dog is lost or missing

If your dog is lost or missing contact Animal Control Services Ltd and provide them with a good description of your dog (and your dog's microchip number, if applicable) and the area in which it strayed.

Animal Control Services Ltd:

Contact Animal Control Services Ltd on 360-0750 (24 hours).

Note: If your dog is wearing its registration disc or has a microchip inserted, and is found straying, it can easily be identified and returned to you.

Seizing unregistered dogs

If fees remain unpaid after the registration period ending 31 July each year, a dog may impounded or an infringement issued to the owner.

Dog control officers have the right to enter private property, even if the property is fully fenced, to impound an unregistered dog. Dog control officers can enter a dwelling if they have a warrant from the Court and if they are accompanied by Police officers.

Registration fees must be paid before the dog is released. If fees are not paid within seven days of the impoundment, the dog may be adopted or euthanized.

If your dog has been seized, contact Animal Control Services Ltd.

Impounding fees

Note: Impounding fees may be paid in cash or by credit card only, cheques will not be accepted.

If your dog has been found and cannot be identified, it will be impounded and you will be required to pay an impounding fee as follows:

Dog Status Fee
First Impounding		 Fee
Second Impounding		 Fee
Third Impounding 
Registered dog $33 $59 $111
Unregistered dog $59 $111 $189

In addition to the impounding fee you are required to pay a $18.00 sustenance fee for every day or part day your dog is impounded. (These cover costs such as food, as well as the costs involved with exercising dogs, cleaning kennels, etc)

If your dog is unregistered, you will need to pay the relevant registration fee and the impoundment fee before it will be released.

Lost and found listings

A dog that appears to be stray may in fact be missing or stolen from its home. If a dog has been hanging around your area and you suspect it is a stray, you can also contact one of these organisations who may assist in reuniting the animal with its owner.

Adopting an unclaimed dog

If a dog is not claimed by its owner, it can be assessed for adoption. Shelter staff test the dog's temperament and a vet checks the dog's health.

  • shelter staff interview potential new owners, check their ownership history and visit their property
  • new owners must register the dog, ensure that de-sexing is paid for and commit to paying for vaccinations for the dog where the adoptee covers the cost
  • the dog is transported to a vet for desexing and vaccinations (if any) and the dog is picked up by its new owners from the vet.

Contact Animal Control Services if you are interested in adopting a dog.

Other organisations that arrange dog adoptions are:

Reviewed May 2008
Copyright © 2007 Auckland City Council. All rights reserved.