Pet Owner's Guide to

Welcome to New Zealand—where dogs can roam windswept beaches, trot beside sheep pastures, and share in the adventure of life in Aotearoa.
New Zealanders (or “Kiwis”) have a deep respect for animals and nature, and that extends to their pets. With wide open spaces, a laid-back lifestyle, and strong animal welfare standards, the country is ideal for active, well-cared-for pets.

This guide covers veterinary care, pet laws, parks, pet-friendly venues, and practical insights to help you and your pet settle in with ease.

New Zealand offers excellent veterinary services, especially in cities and large towns. Clinics are modern, well-equipped, and often community-oriented.

Top Veterinary Clinics:

• Massey University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (Palmerston North) – The country’s most advanced facility for complex cases and referrals.
• VetCare Grey Lynn (Auckland) – Popular with expats; known for holistic and conventional treatments.
• The Strand Veterinarian (Auckland) – Offers dental, wellness, and behavioral care.
• Wellington Veterinary Hospital – A trusted full-service clinic with emergency care.

👉 Tip: Consider pet insurance, especially if you live rurally where emergency transport may be needed.

🏥 Emergency Services

Emergency veterinary care is widely available in major cities, often through dedicated 24-hour clinics.

Be ready by:

• Saving your vet’s after-hours number
• Identifying your closest emergency animal hospital
• Keeping vaccination and medical history in both print and digital format

New Zealand cafés often allow dogs in outdoor seating areas. Urban centers and coastal towns are especially welcoming.

Pet-Friendly Spots:

• Dog Friendly Café (Auckland) – As the name suggests, made for pups and their people.
• Beach Babylon (Wellington) – Offers a “puppyccino” menu and dog-friendly patio.
• Barking Lot Café (Christchurch) – Designed for dog socializing.
• Z Energy Stations (Nationwide) – Not a café, but worth noting: many offer free dog treats at the counter.

New Zealand is an outdoor paradise for people and pets alike—just be mindful of leash rules and conservation areas.

Dog-Friendly Destinations:

• Cornwall Park (Auckland) – Expansive, beautiful, and mostly on-leash with some off-leash zones.
• Bottle Lake Forest Park (Christchurch) – Forest and coastal trails with dog-friendly sections.
• Mount Victoria Lookout (Wellington) – Scenic trails with leash-required paths.
• Takapuna Beach (Auckland) – Off-leash times and a pet-loving vibe.

Hiking Tips:

• National parks do not allow dogs to protect endangered species
• Regional and local parks may have off-leash trails—check signage and websites
• Be cautious around farmland; dogs must be leashed near livestock
• Always bring water and poop bags

🚆 Transportation with Pets

Public transportation rules vary by region, and dogs are generally not allowed on buses or trains unless in a carrier or certified as service animals.

Cars:

• Pets should be restrained in a crate or harness
• Dogs may not ride unrestrained in the open bed of a ute (pickup truck)

Ferries & Domestic Flights:

• The Interislander and Bluebridge ferries allow pets in designated areas or kennels
• Some domestic flights allow pets in the hold—contact airlines directly

🛍️ Pet Stores & Supplies

Pet shops in New Zealand carry quality supplies, and online delivery services are growing fast—especially post-pandemic.

Popular Retailers:

• Animates – The largest national chain with stores across the country.
• Pet Direct – An online option with fast delivery and a subscription discount.
• Paw Justice Shop – Supports pet welfare initiatives.
• Pet.co.nz – One of the most popular e-commerce platforms for pet products.