Selwyn is a great place for dogs and their owners. Half of all the households in the district have at least one dog, with more than 10,000 dogs in total.

We have a few rules for the safety of both the dogs and the community. Some of these are set down in the Dog Control Legislation and some in the Animal Welfare Act. Others are contained in our Bylaw. And some are just plain commonsense.

Here are the main ones:

• All dogs over 3 months must be registered as of 1 July each year. All dogs, other than working dogs*, must have a microchip ID implanted beneath their skin if their first registration was on or after 1 July 2006 anywhere in New Zealand. This is not required for dogs who were first registered before then, except those classified as dangerous or menacing, or those that have been impounded.
  • The council provides a monthly microchipping service which is free for dogs who are legally required to be microchipped and costs $20 for all other dogs. 

* A working dog is any dog kept solely or principally for the purposes of herding or driving stock.

• Dogs must be on a lead in townships, and confined by leash or chain while on open trays of vehicles.
• Owners must remove faeces left by their dog(s) inside townships, or where signposted.
• Dog owners must have their dogs under proper control at all times.
  • If a dog is found not under control or at large, the Animal Control Officer may seize the dog and either return it to its owner or impound it.
• Owners must provide a dog-free accessway to their front door for visitors, couriers and emergency services (even harmless dogs may appear intimidating to some people).
• The owner of any dog shall ensure that the dog receives proper care and attention and is supplied with proper and sufficient food, water and shelter.
• The owner of any dog shall ensure that the dog receives adequate exercise.

Information

Aggressive Dogs - Aggression Prevention
There are various reasons why a dog may be or appear to be aggressive.

Barking Dogs
My neighbour's dog is barking, what can I do? How can I stop my dog from causing a nuisance? Find out what can be done when a dog is barking.

Biting Dogs
Some dogs are just mouthy but a dog that bites is a concern to us. Please contact us if you have any concerns.

My Dog Has Died
Let us know.

Dog Attack
Animal Control responds to over 30 dog attacks per year. Find out the procedure to report a dog attack.

Dog Registration
Download a registration form and find out when your dog needs to be registered. What to do if your dog has passed away, changed your address or you have sold your dog.

Dog Licence
How many dogs can I have? Find out the rules that cover the number of dogs on a property.

Legislation
The Act, Bylaw etc. that govern how we look after our dogs.

Lost or Found Dog
What do you do if you find a dog or lose yours?

Microchipping
Find out when the council’s next microchipping clinic is and whether your dog needs to be done.

Notice Board
A regular update of microchipping clinics and tips.

Shifting?
What do you need to do?

Where can my dog go (or not go)?
Find out where you are allowed to take your dog.

Please phone Animal Control on our 24 hour line if you can't find the information you are looking for on our website. 

Email us on animalcontrol@selwyn.govt.nz