This is your bi-yearly newsletter from your friendly Animal Management Team at Waimakariri District Council. We are an animal-loving team who are here to help you.
We pick up lost dogs and try to reunite them as quickly as possible with their families. We also deal with the complaints about dog nuisances and attacks, general public safety, and we also ensure that all dogs are registered. We can also help out with wandering stock.
Summertime Doggy Tips
With the hotter weather coming up there are lots of things you can do to make sure your doggy chums stay safe and well. The hot weather can bring algal bloom to some of our waterways including rivers and lakes and this is toxic to dogs. Environment Canterbury monitors our waterways and if an algal bloom is identified signage will be put in place and we will let the public know through our website and Facebook page.
While we might like a bit of sunshine, dogs have a harder time with high temperatures. It’s important that your dogs have access to plenty of shade and water too during hotter days.
You might want to try making some doggy ice blocks – freeze some meaty stock with some dog treats and let your doggy mates chow down on those to keep cool.
Or you could repurpose a kids paddling pool and let your favourite pup have a little paddle around if they get a bit hot under the collar.
And remember if the footpath feels hot on your hand, it will be too hot for your dog’s wee paws too – it’s best to walk your dog in the morning or evening on hotter days.
And remember to pick up after your canine friends – nobody needs to come across a steaming mess when walking around our District.
Online Services
Did you know that you can now complete your dog rego, update your details and much more through our online services? This includes:
- Pay dog registration (renewal)
- Register your new dog (first-time registration)
- Notify us that your dog has been desexed
- Notify us of a change to dog owner details (e.g. name or address change, owner change)
- Notify us that your dog has been microchipped
- Notify us that your dog is deceased
- Pay a dog infringement
Out of hours service
What to expect?
We operate 24/7 so if you see a lost dog or wandering stock you can call 0800 965 468 anytime 24 hours, 7 days a week. We scan lost dogs for microchips, check for owner details, and if it’s possible, take the dog back home to their owner. If not, the dog will be taken to the dog shelter. We always want to get dogs back to their families as soon as possible.
Meet the Team
My name is Mel. I have worked for Waimakariri District Council since March 2019. I was initially employed as the shelter assistant on a part time basis whilst completing my final year of study, studying Animal Welfare and Investigations. Before this I studied both Animal Care and Vet Nursing and worked in various boarding kennels. I was lucky enough to be employed as an Animal Management Officer in 2019 and have been enjoying the role ever since.
I am an animal lover first and foremost and ever since I can remember I always wanted my own dog. On my 10th birthday my wish came true. I got my first dog ‘Indy’, a black and white Border Collie which was my dream dog. Since then, I have had a few other dogs, all Border Collies (some might sense a theme here), and my current two are Zuko, a black and white smooth coat Border Collie and Rue, a blue tri-colour Border Collie.
I’ve spent nearly my whole life living in the Waimakariri District, so I know it well. My favourite part of the job would have to be the “success stories” we hear about from people who have either adopted dogs straight out of the shelter or via Dogwatch. It always makes my day to see any of the dogs that we have been involved with living their best life in a home filled with love and attention.
Dog Parks
The Council maintains four dog parks:
Kaiapoi Dog Park
This park was built on previous red zone land off Charles Street and has an area for large dogs and one for small dogs. The park has plenty of mature trees, shrubs, water outlets, and seating.
Southbrook Dog Park
Access to the park is either from Coronation Street or the Southbrook Park car park. It has a great walking circuit leading to a large fenced area where dogs can run with water and seating areas available.
Millton Memorial Park Dog Park
This dog park, at the corner of Millton Avenue and River Road, Rangiora, also features a separate large dog and small dog area.
Gladstone Road Dog Park
This dog park is in Woodend and covers approximately 2 hectares.
Our team monitors these parks, however, it is the owners' responsibility to keep their doggy friends under effective control.
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