The Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre aims to offer an innovative and heartfelt approach to connecting Aucklanders with their perfect canine companions.
Centre manager Carly Triska said it was about giving dogs a second chance and helping them find their forever homes.
“It’s also a hub for community education, promoting responsible dog ownership and supporting families in their journey of adopting a dog.”
Staff have been busy preparing the facility for its canine guests, with about 15 dogs already on site ahead of the official opening on March 15. The opening will also feature family-friendly entertainment.
Instead of building a new facility, Auckland Council has repurposed the Pukekohe Pound,
originally opened in 2007 as the Franklin Dog Shelter and previously leased to the Waikato District Council.
In a media release, the council said the centre was part of a broader initiative to promote dog adoptions and to help free-up space in Auckland’s three shelters at Manukau, Henderson, and Silverdale, which are at capacity. The shelters will be able to put more focus on the increasing number of roaming and aggressive dogs rescued each year, to ensure the safety of communities from dog-related risks.
Triska said it will also serve as a hub for public education, offering sessions on dog care,
training, and the importance of desexing.
Long-term plans for the centre include school visits, weekend family events, and public
education programmes, fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership across Auckland.
The existing shelters in Manukau, Henderson, and Silverdale are already housing over 250 dogs, most of which were picked up while roaming. The council hopes the Pukekohe facility will alleviate the strain on those facilities by focusing on adoptions and behaviour modification.
Council says the Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre is unique in its commitment to education and rehabilitation. Dedicated spaces for training and socialisation will ensure every dog gets the support it needs to thrive.
Council’s animal management manager Elly Waitoa highlighted the importance of these features.
“These dedicated spaces are crucial for dogs that need extra support. It’s a chance for the public to see the dogs’ personalities and find the perfect match for their family.”
In recent years, public access to existing shelters has been limited due to safety concerns.
The Pukekohe facility’s walk-through design restores an interactive adoption process while maintaining necessary security measures. Prospective owners will have the opportunity to meet and bond with dogs on-site, supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
- The Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre open day will be held on March 15 from 10am to 2pm at 15 Austen Place, Pukekohe.
