ACSL Group
Animal Control Services Educational Work
Here you can find out about:
- The Dog Owner Licence Scheme
- School Visits
- Community Events
- Check out out Educational Resources
Dog Owner Licence Scheme
A dog owner licence is awarded to dog owners who demonstrate responsible dog ownership. To qualify for a dog owner licence, dog owners need to study the Responsible Dog Ownership Manual and sit a short test on responsible dog ownership. Dog owners who hold a dog owner licence can register their dogs at a reduced rate each year.
To register
a dog at the reduced dog owner licence rate you must
present your dog owner licence when registering your dog (or write the licence
number on the form if posting).
The reduced rate only applies for dogs that you own in your name.
Check our Responsible Dog Ownership Manual and Test Preparation .
Once you have your licence you do not have to renew it each year. Your current licence will apply even if you get a new dog.
If you have obtained a licence from Waitakere, North Shore, Papakura or Franklin, and have proof of your licence, you can claim the reduced rate in Auckland City of either class A (desexed with licence) or class C (not desexed with licence).
Disqualification of a licence may occur after a recommendation for disqualification is made to the Auckland City Council. Recommendations will occur where a dog is a control problem, the owner fails to comply with the Dog Control Act or Bylaws, or where the owner tries to register someone else's dog for the reduced fee.
Responsible Dog Ownership Manual...
Dogs have an important place in our communities. They are loyal, uncritical companions, are great security for people who live alone and are especially significant for older people. Their presence contributes to the texture and flavour of our lives.
Dogs need regular care and attention to be happy, healthy and well adjusted and socially acceptable. Although they are domesticated, their essential nature differs from ours and, without adequate training and control, dogs can become either aggressive or a nuisance.
This manual provides valuable information about caring for your dog and controlling its behaviour so that our community is a safer place to live in.
This manual also contains answers to questions contained in the dog owner licence test. It is essential reading before sitting the test and you can check how well prepared you are first by answering the Self-Test .
Please contact us and ask for a Responsible Dog Ownership Manual to be posted out to you.
These are free in Auckland City and Papakura District.
Test Preparation...
Prior to booking the test, read through the contents of your Responsible Dog Ownership Manual and prepare yourself first by answering the Self-Test questions. The manual contains all the information you need to know in order to sit the dog owner licence test.
Contact our head office to find out when the next test will be held. Please note that the majority of testing dates will be just before registration is due (i.e. April / May / June). A number of limited sessions are held throughout the year depending on availability and interest.
Sit the test. The test takes only 90mins of your time. It consists of a written section and a multiple choice section. The pass mark is 75%. While the tests are being marked, you'll watch an educational video about responsible dog ownership. Following that you'll spend some one-on-one time going through your test results with one of our Animal Control Officers.
The following questions are likely to be some of the questions asked inthe dog owner licence test:
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what is suitable food for your dog?
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what should you do if your dog is known to be dangerous?
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how often should you groom your dog?
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when does the registration year begin?
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approximately how often does a bitch come into season?
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how would you recognise an aggressive dog?
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puppies must be registered at what age?
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in relation to your dog, describe what "under control" means
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what should you do if a dog you don't know approaches you?
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how often should you exercise your dog?
School Visits
Each and every year, we carry out over 100 educational sessions at local schools.
We teach children "how to stay safe around dogs" as well as general animal care and their responsibilities.
If you would like us to visit your childs school, please contact us and speak to our Educational Officer.
Community Events
We attend many Community Events throughout the year to encourage responsible dog ownership, education people about staying safe around dogs and general animal husbandry.
You can find us at any one of the following events:
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Jog the Dog
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Teddy Bears Picnic
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Pet Expo
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SPCA Open Day
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Papakura Field Days
If you know of an event in your community that would benefit from having us attend, please contact us and speak to our Educational Officer.
