Dog control
We provide information about dog control to help keep people and communities safe.
The Dog Control Act 1996 seeks to improve public safety by mitigating the risk of harm, injury or nuisance from dogs living in our communities. To this end, the Act allocates responsibilities, sets out obligations and provides for a range of mechanisms, under which:
- dog owners are responsible for their dogs, their dogs' behaviour, and fulfilling the requirements of the Act, and
- councils are responsible for administering, implementing and enforcing the Act, including the maintenance of a dog register.
Dog Control Act 1996 (Legislation website)
Updates
29 July 2026 - The Ministry has published refreshed Dog Control and Enforcement Guidelines as an initial step in the review of the Dog Control Act 1996 and the roles and responsibilities of councils in dog control and enforcement.
See the Dog Control and Enforcement Guidelines.
23 March 2026 – The Government has recently announced its intention to review the Dog Control Act 1996. You can read more about it below.
Government orders review of Dog Control Act (Beehive website)
In this section
Dog Control and Enforcement Guidelines
The Dog Control and Enforcement Guidelines support councils to promote consistent, effective dog control and enforcement practices across New Zealand.
Better dog control
We help improve dog control to keep people and communities safe, while supporting responsible dog ownership and clear rules for councils and dog owners.
Dog control in your area
Find information about your local council and how it manages dog control, including rules, responsibilities, and services in your area.
Disability assist dogs
Learn about disability assist dogs, including their rights, where they can go and how they support people to live more independently.
Microchipping questions and answers
Learn about dog microchipping, why it matters, who needs it, and how it helps identify dogs and reunite them with their owners.
Dog control statistics
This data brings together information from national sources, including registration, injury, and enforcement data, to give an overview of dog control in New Zealand.
Responsible dog ownership
Learn what good dog ownership looks like and how councils help keep communities safe through education, support and enforcement.
Guidelines for authorisation to certify disability assist dogs
Learn how organisations can apply to be authorised to certify disability assist dogs, including the requirements, criteria and process.