Guidelines

If you want to keep animals on residential properties, you must comply with Part 2 of the Wellington Consolidated Bylaw. Some guidelines and contact details are set out below.

Part 2: Animals - Wellington Consolidated Bylaw

Animal Boarding Establishments

If you operate or want to set up an animal boarding establishment then you need an operating licence. Animal boarding establishments include boarding kennels and catteries. Check through the following to find out what you have to do.

Resource Consent

You may need a resource consent if there are environmental impacts or land zoning changes. Discuss your proposal with the Resource Consent team.

Development, Planning & Compliance

Phone:	(04) 801 3590
Email:	planning

• District Plan
• Guide to the District Plan

Building Consent

You may need a building consent for construction, plumbing or drainage work. Discuss your proposal with the Building Customer Services team.

Building Consents & Licensing Services

Phone:	(04) 801 4444
Email:	publichealthenquiries

Certificate of Registration

You need a certificate of registration to operate an animal boarding establishment.

Discuss your proposal with an Environmental Health Officer who can advise about how to prevent problems with animal waste disposal or other nuisance issues.

Public Health (Building Consents & Licensing Services)

Phone:	(04) 801 4444
Email:	publichealthenquiries

Welfare Standards

Boarding establishments must comply with the government's animal welfare code. Consult the code to find out what standards you need to meet.

Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Animals in Boarding Establishments - Biosecurity NZ website

For more information, refer to the following or contact AsureQuality.

Pet Boarding Code of Practice and Forms - AsureQuality website

Bees

You need to think about where you position your hive. Choose a suitable location for your hive that will not affect neighbouring properties and public spaces. Bees establish a single flight path and drop wax and waste along the way. The Council's Environmental Health Officers will respond to complaints where bees might be causing any nuisance or danger.

Contact the National Beekeepers' Association about beekeeping registration and disease prevention in your area:

National Beekeepers' Association website

Birds

You do not need a licence to keep birds, including domestic birds, poultry, game, caged birds or birds kept for display. However, there are welfare and health requirements when keeping birds. Refer to the Wellington Consolidated Bylaw 2008, Part 2 Animals.

Choose a location for keeping poultry. Compact residential neighbourhoods are often unsuitable. The Council receives many complaints about birds and often has to remove noisy roosters.

Keep fowl houses and aviaries clean so they do not attract flies, rats, mice and stoats.

Other Activities - Wellington Consolidated Bylaw 2008, Part 2: Animals

Dogs

For detailed information about keeping dogs, registration, exercise areas, and dog control, see:

Dogs

Goats

You need the Council's written approval if you want to keep a goat on a property (including rural property). An Environmental Health Officer will assess the suitability of the property and neighbourhood. You will also have to indicate how you'll prevent the goat from causing a nuisance.

To apply for permission, contact Public Health (Building Consents & Licensing Services):

Public Health (Building Consents & Licensing Services)

Phone:	(04) 801 4444
Email:	publichealthenquiries

Related Links

• Building Consent - Guidelines
• Resource Consents

Department Details:
Public Health (Building Consents and Licensing Services)