The Auckland Council is proposing harsh and blanket regulations for all dog owners and the dog walking industry without talking to the very people these rules will impact most: professional dog walkers.

The proposed rules would limit any dog walker—professional or not—to handling a maximum of 6 dogs with only 3 allowed off-leash at a time. However, the council’s own data shows that just 0.7% of dog-related complaints involve multiple dogs being handled. Of this number, Auckland Council can’t distinguish between professional dog walkers and regular multi-dog owners.

We agree that the industry could benefit from regulation, however, these proposed rules are unlikely to have a meaningful impact on the real issues affecting the dog community. Instead, they would place unnecessary restrictions on professional dog walkers and others who care for multiple dogs responsibly and divert resources from the major problems.

Why This Matters:

• Professional dog walkers provide a valuable service to dog owners, ensuring dogs receive the exercise, proper structured socialisation, and care they need. 
• If professional dog walkers are unable to operate as they currently do, there will likely be an increase in barking complaints and roaming dogs. 
• Overwhelmed shelters could also see more dogs as busy owners, unable to hire dog walkers, may struggle to provide appropriate care for their pets.
• Professional dog walkers also play a key role in training dogs and educating owners by sharing their knowledge and skills. If they can’t operate as they currently do, it will become more difficult to find dog trainers, inevitably leading to a rise in the cost of services. With dog attack and aggression complaints rising by 20% in 2023-24, the need for experienced and skilled dog trainers in Auckland is greater than ever.
• Current practices by professional walkers already include leash training, recall training, and improving dogs’ overall manners—all while providing safe group exercise.
• It will take resources away from other areas and be another rule that will not be effectively enforced (dog control resources are already stretched). 
• This change will primarily impact those who are already following the current bylaw, while those who currently do not comply are unlikely to adhere to the new rules.

Our Solution:
The Professional Dog Walkers Association has attempted to work with the council to develop a fair and effective system for licensing and educating dog walkers, and we remain ready to collaborate whenever the council is. A well-regulated industry benefits everyone—dog owners, their pets, and the wider community. Unfortunately, the council has not acknowledged or acted on our input.

We are asking for your support to urge the council to:

1. STOP the implementation of these new rules.
2. Consult with the Professional Dog Walkers Association and other stakeholders to develop practical, data-driven solutions.
3. Work with P.D.W.A to create a licensing agreement for professionals. Our aim is to set standards and enforce best practices.
4. Focus on education for all dog owners.
5. Address the real issues, such as roaming dogs and excessive barking, which make up the majority of complaints.

Why Support Professional Dog Walkers?

• We ensure dogs are healthy, happy, and well-behaved members of the community.
• We reduce stress on families who cannot always meet their dogs’ daily needs due to work, family, health, or other commitments.
• A well-exercised dog is less likely to exhibit problem behaviours that could impact neighbours or public spaces. 

Let’s work together for fair regulations that truly address the needs of our community. Please sign this petition to stand with Auckland’s professional dog walkers and ensure our voices are heard!