New rules for dog walkers

If you walk a pack of five or more dogs in the Auckland region, you can now get your free
Auckland Council certificate of approval ahead of the rules changing on January 1, 2026.

Anyone walking a large group of dogs will need this, whether as a dog walking business, trainer, or for any other reason.

Community feedback received earlier this year as part of Auckland’s Dog Policy and Bylaw
review helped shape the new requirements, which were confirmed in June this year.

Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the council’s Regulatory and Safety Committee,
emphasised the critical role consultation plays in shaping Auckland’s policies and bylaws like this one.

“Listening to our communities, dog walkers and dog owners earlier this year has helped us to find a balance, so these new requirements work for as many groups as possible.

“We understand that people love their dogs – and dog walkers, trainers and others offer an
important service for many of us.

“At the same time, our public spaces need to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. The new
requirements also respect this,” she said.

In June, the council’s governing body agreed on a rule that no more than 12 dogs can be walked together in Auckland. It also decided to introduce the new approval system for anyone walking 5-12 dogs from January 1, 2026, to allow dog walking businesses and others time to prepare.

“This process means anyone walking 5-12 dogs commits to conditions, such as being able to handle dogs safely in public, assess their temperament and respect that some people can feel uneasy around dogs,” Bartley said.

Other conditions about identification, equipment, competence, conduct and compliance with regulations will also come in from this date.