Some council services will be unavailable over the Christmas and New Year break.
Check if you need to apply or order before Friday 19 December 2025.
We have a bylaw for walking multiple dogs that starts on 1 January 2026.
Apply to walk a group of five to 12 dogs
Apply by 15 December 2025 to receive your Certificate of Approval before 1 January 2026. If we receive your application request after 15 December, we will process it from 9 January 2026.
There is no cost to apply.
From 1 January 2026, anyone walking more than four dogs at one time must apply to us for approval and follow set rules.
You will be allowed to walk a maximum of 12 dogs at one time. However, two or more people cannot walk more than 24 dogs at one time.
When your application is approved, we will email you a Certificate of Approval. It is valid for 12 months.
You will need to re-apply every 12 months.
Who must apply for approval
You must apply if:
- you run a commercial dog-walking business (employees or volunteers are not required to apply separately)
- you breed, rescue or foster dogs (employees or volunteers are not required to apply separately)
- you are a dog owner who walks more than four dogs at one time
- your details have changed after you have been approved.
Conditions of approval
Rules for walking multiple dogs at one time
Download these documents to find out rules you must follow while walking the dogs, including:
- what you and the dogs must wear for visibility
- what equipment you need
- how to walk the dogs in a group
- minimum age requirements and skills.
When you must show your Certificate of Approval
A dog control officer can ask you to present your certificate when walking more than four dogs in any public place.
You may also need to provide details of the dogs including:
- the owner's name (if you are not the owner)
- the owner's address
- the owner's place of work
- the dog's name.