The New Zealand Veterinary Association is reminding potential dog owners to ensure they are financially capable of caring for a dog and to prioritise proper socialisation.

This means providing preventative healthcare, such as regular check-ups and vaccinations and ensuring de-sexing is done at a recommended time, New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) Head of Veterinary Services Sally Cory said.

“Having a pet comes with great responsibility and is never a decision to be taken lightly,” she said.

The NZVA Te Pae Kīrehe strongly advocates for responsible, well-considered pet ownership.

The comments follow the release of Auckland Council’s latest Anial Management Annual Report, which outlines a rise in dog-related incidents between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024.

The report found welfare-related complaints increased by 80 per cent; there was a 14 per cent increase in dog attacks on people, a 19 per cent increase in attacks on other animals, a 19 per cent increase in the number of high-risk dogs, and a 19 per cent increase in roaming complaints.

The report stated that animal management staff responded to 37,558 requests during the year, marking a 13 per cent increase. Fewer people registered their dogs, and the number of roaming or uncontrolled dogs increased.

“Dogs require not only a financial investment but an investment in time to ensure that they behave appropriately for their families and wider communities,” Cory said.

Potential dog owners should carefully consider their lifestyle and expectations when choosing a dog, NZVA Companion Animal Veterinarians president Becky Murphy said.

“We must not forget that dogs have natural behaviours, for example, chasing, guarding, and hunting and humans often try to make them fit into moulds that suit our lives.”

She said the side effect is that normal, innate dog behaviours are perceived as behavioural issues.

“Owners need to make sure they do adequate research into dog breeds before selection, and provide their dog with a safe, mentally stimulating, and enriching home environment to ensure they are happy, healthy, and under effective control at all times.”

Under New Zealand law, dog owners must comply with minimum animal care and management standards set out in the New Zealand Animal Welfare (Dogs) Code of Welfare 2010, as well as the requirements of their local city or district council.

NZVA’s Dog Ownership Guidelines

Before getting a dog, consider how much time they will take, what they will cost, how big they will get, and if they fit into your lifestyle and living environment.

Adequate quantities of nutritious food, clean water, and appropriate shelter should be provided for the dog over its lifespan.

Regular health check-ups and appropriate exercise should be provided.

The dog should be registered and microchipped.

Dogs not intended for breeding should be de-sexed.

Should unforeseen circumstances arise, emergency action planning and alternate care arrangements should be made.

Dogs should be well socialised early and walked on a lead, and waste should not be left in public spaces.