Rules for dogs in public places

Overall access rules for dogs

Unless otherwise stated in your local area rules:

• dogs must be on-leash at all times, in all council-controlled public places where dogs are allowed
• dogs are prohibited from all other public places such as:
• fenced sports stadiums
• libraries
• shopping malls
• school grounds
• non-council cemeteries
• urupā.

Exceptions to the rules

• When there are signs that state that dogs are allowed, and if the owner follows our conditions for entry.
• When you have permission from:
• us, for places under our control
• the person in charge, for places not under our control.

Rules for walking dogs at our parks and beaches

Auckland has over 2500 parks and beaches where you can walk your dog off-leash, as long as they are under control. There are also just as many parks and beaches where you can walk your dog on a leash.

Our parks and beaches are for everyone to enjoy. To ensure everyone is comfortable and feels safe you must:

• always keep your dog under control
• carry a leash with you
• clean up after your dog.

'Under control' means your dog:

• listens and responds to you straight away when they are off-leash or
• you have them on a leash when needed.

If you do not think your dog will respond, you should keep them on a leash, especially around kids, animals or wildlife.

Contact us if information on our website or park signs is incorrect.

All council-controlled playground surfaces and equipment

Dogs are prohibited from all playground surfaces and equipment at all times.

Dogs must be on-leash when they are close to a playground and the playground is in use. You are responsible for ensuring the dog is under control at all times.

Playground surfaces include any area developed or marked out for play like:

• 'learn-to-ride' and BMX bike tracks
• skate parks
• sand and water play areas.

All council-controlled sports surfaces

Dogs are prohibited from all sports surfaces at all times unless otherwise stated in your local areas.

Dogs must be on-leash when close to a sports surface that is in use.

Sports surfaces include any area developed or marked out for sports events or training like:

• soccer, rugby, touch or league
• cricket, softball or baseball ovals and nets
• velodromes (for track cycling).

All council-controlled camping grounds and holiday parks

Dogs are prohibited at all times, except if:

• you have permission from someone with delegated authority (like a park manager)
• signs show that dogs are allowed and you follow all rules and entry conditions.

All council-controlled cemeteries

Dogs are prohibited at all times, except if:

• you have permission from someone with delegated authority (like a park manager)
• signs show that dogs are allowed, and you follow all rules and entry conditions.

All roads, private ways, council-controlled car parks and boating areas

Dogs must be on-leash at all times in areas that are:

• public roads (including any street, highway, access way, service lane, and any footpath, cycle track, bus stop and berm within the boundaries of the road)
• private ways
• council-controlled car parks
• council-controlled boating areas (including any wharf, jetty, boat ramp or boat marshalling area).