Having a pet
We welcome pets in Kāinga Ora homes. We just ask that you care for them responsibly and follow a few simple rules.
Before you get a pet
Some pets need written consent before you bring them home.
- You need consent for: dogs, cats, and livestock (such as cows, sheep, horses, pigs, goats).
- All other pets are automatically approved (like birds, fish, and small animals).
Getting consent helps us make sure your home is suitable and that council bylaws are followed.
How to get consent
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, cat, or livestock, please talk to your Housing Support Manager or call 0800 801 601. They’ll guide you through the process and help you understand what’s needed.
If you’ve already received written consent for your current dog, cat, or livestock, you don’t need to complete a new consent form.
Watch below to see what’s good to know if you want to have a pet at your home.
You’ll need to meet a few conditions to be a responsible pet owner:
- Keeping pets secure and preventing nuisance or damage.
- Desexing dogs and cats (unless there’s a good reason not to).
- Meeting legal obligations under the Animal Welfare Act and Dog Control Act.
- Following council bylaws and any body corporate or building rules.
Having a pet in your home information sheet [PDF, 678 KB]
In some cases, we may not be able to give permission for a dog, cat or livestock to live at your home. This could happen if:
- The property isn’t suitable for a pet.
- Body corporate rules or council bylaws don’t allow pets.
- The dog is classified by the council as dangerous or menacing under the Dog Control Act.
- You’ve been disqualified from owning a pet, or have a history of not providing proper care.
Just like any pet owner in New Zealand, you're responsible for keeping your pet safe, secure, and well cared for. This means making sure your pet has everything it needs to stay healthy and happy, including:
- Nutritious food and clean water
- Regular exercise
- Vet care and medical treatment
- Microchipping and registration
- Vaccinations and desexing (where appropriate)
- Worming and flea treatments
Taking care of your pet properly helps protect their wellbeing and ensures they’re not a nuisance or risk to others.
Being a great pet owner booklet [PDF, 194 KB]
If you have a dog, you must secure it when Kāinga Ora staff or contractors visit. You can:
- Keep the dog in a locked vehicle with water and ventilation.
- Secure it with a sturdy leash or in a lockable room.
- Take it for a walk on a leash during the visit.
More tips are in our Securing your dog factsheet [PDF, 478 KB]
If you’re worried about a pet’s welfare or suspect mistreatment, contact the SPCA(external link). For issues like roaming dogs, excessive barking, nuisance behaviour, or attacks, get in touch with your local council’s Dog Control unit.
Summer:
- Provide fresh water and shade throughout the day.
- Walk dogs in the cooler morning or evening hours.
- Avoid hot surfaces—if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for paws.
- Use pet-safe sunscreen on light-skinned pets.
- Never leave pets in cars—this can be fatal and may result in a fine.
- Trim coats to help keep pets cool, but don’t shave completely
Winter:
- Bring pets indoors when possible, or provide warm, waterproof shelter.
- Use puzzle feeders to keep pets active and mentally stimulated.
- Check water bowls daily to ensure they haven’t frozen.
- Keep walking routines going—use reflective gear for safety.
- Include pets in your household emergency plans.
- Dogs
- Cats
- Livestock (cows, sheep, horse, pigs, goats) that are kept as pets
- Birds, fish and small animals
Page updated: 30 April 2026