ACSL Group

Animal Control Services Educational Work

Here you can find out about:

Responsbile Dog Owner Licence Scheme

Read more about being a responsible dog owner:

Being a responsible dog owner information booklet (478kb)

The former dog owner licence and selected dog owner status have been standardised to the Responsible Dog Owner Licence (RDOL).

The new standardised procedure may result in some changes to the way the previous scheme operated in the old legacy councils.

The new process consists of:

- An application form
- A check of your dog ownership records
- A test
- A property inspection

If you already have a Dog Owner Licence (or equivalent)

A RDOL (or equivalent) from any NZ local authority outside of Auckland will be accepted by Auckland Council, provided the property where the dog(s) will be mainly kept passes inspection.

Holders of a Dog Owner Licence or Selected Dog Owner Status from an Auckland legacy council will be recognised as having a RDOL

Cost

There is no charge for a RDOL, which is part of the council’s overall animal management service.

Qualifying criteria

  • You must have been a registered dog owner for at least 12 months prior to application
  • Your dog must be registered on time
  • You must not have had any substantiated abatements, seizures or infringements under the Dog Control Act 1996 in the preceding 12 month period
  • Your dog must not have been the subject of a substantiated complaint or impoundment under the Dog Control Act 1996 within the preceding 12 months
  • You must pass a basic written test of your dog ownership knowledge
  • If you pass the test the property where the dog will be mainly kept must pass inspection by an animal management officer

Holders of a dog owner licence or selected dog owner status qualify automatically.

Applying for a RDOL

You may apply for a RDOL at any time. Once you have RDOL status you do not need to re-apply unless your RDOL is revoked.

You will still have to register your dog every year.

To apply for a RDOL send us the completed application form:

Responsible Dog Owner Licence application form (42kb)

Post to:
Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300
Auckland 1142

Email to:
Auckland Council

Once your application is received council will check its records to ensure you meet the qualifying criteria.

The test

A 20 question multiple choice test will be emailed or posted to you if both you and your dog(s) meet the qualifying criteria in the records check. You need to answer 16 questions correctly to pass the test.

You can take your completed test to your local service centre or send it to us: 

Post to:
Auckland Council
Private Bag 92300
Auckland 1142

Email to:
Auckland Council

If you pass the test your property must pass inspection by an animal management officer to ensure it is suitable.

Property inspection

Once you have passed the test an animal management officer will contact you to arrange a suitable time for inspection.

Properties are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Some guidelines for your property passing inspection:

  • Must have a fully fenced containment area (not necessarily a fully fenced garden/yard) suitable to the size of the dog
  • Must have a suitable, secure and properly gated entrance
  • A running wire will not suffice
  • Must have suitable shade and shelter available, along with access to fresh water

If you move, your new property will need to pass the property inspection.

Revocation

Council reserve the right to revoke your RDOL following a substantiated complaint and/or impoundment, seizure, abatement or infringement under the Dog Control Act 1996.

Revocation conditions

  • Loss of RDOL will be for a full 12 month period
  • Loss of RDOL will continue to remain in force if any further infringements occur in the 12 months following initial revocation

You will be sent a letter advising that a breach of the RDOL conditions has occurred, your RDOL has been revoked and explaining the process of how to make application to have it reinstated.


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.

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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:

  • Jog the Dog
  • Teddy Bears Picnic
  • Pet Expo
  • SPCA Open Day
  • 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.

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