Wellington is a city that clearly loves its dogs, with over 15,000 canine residents. For busy dog owners, professional dog walkers offer a vital service to ensure their pets receive adequate exercise and training. If you operate a commercial dog walking or training business in Wellington, obtaining a license is mandatory for operating in shared public spaces. This licensing process is designed to ensure that all commercial dog walkers are knowledgeable about relevant legislation and bylaws, that they operate responsibly to protect local wildlife, and that public thoroughfares remain safe and accessible for pedestrians. It signifies professionalism and accountability within the dog walking industry.
Obtaining Your Commercial Dog Walking License
The process to acquire a commercial dog walking license involves several key steps. Firstly, you must submit a completed application form and pay the associated fee, which can be done online using a debit or credit card. Following this, you will be required to attend and successfully pass an animal services course. Finally, an animal control officer will conduct an assessment to ensure you meet all requirements. The application link can be found at Apply for a licence.
The Animal Services Course
Once your application is submitted and the fee is paid, the animal services department will contact you to schedule your attendance in the animal services course. This comprehensive course covers essential topics such as responsible dog walking and training practices, an in-depth look at dog control legislation and bylaws specific to Wellington, and concludes with a quiz to validate your understanding. Upon successful completion of the course, the Animal Control Team will observe your dog walking practices before the license is officially issued.
Annual License Renewal
To maintain your commercial dog walking license, an annual renewal process is necessary. This involves renewing your license and paying the annual renewal fee. You will also need to provide reference checks from two of your clients. Additionally, a copy of your dog walker’s certificate must be submitted, and you must have had no reported incidents of mishandling animals to the Wellington City Council. An invoice for your license renewal will be emailed to you before your current license expires. Payment can be made online via debit or credit card. Once payment is received, the council will contact you to confirm your client reference checks.
Associated Fees
The fee structure for commercial dog walking licenses is as follows:
- Application Fee: $213 (including GST). This fee covers the costs of the animal services course and assessment fees. Please note that this application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is ultimately declined.
- Annual Renewal Fee: $68.50 (including GST).
Designated Dog Walking Locations in Wellington
While commercial activity in the Wellington Town Belt requires specific approval, the city offers numerous other excellent locations for dog walking and exercise. You can find a comprehensive list of dog exercise areas at Dog exercise areas. It’s important to remember that parks, reserves, and beaches are public spaces enjoyed by many for various activities and events. Therefore, there may be occasions when you need to adjust your usual walking routes. Your cooperation and respect for requests from staff are greatly appreciated.
Wellington Town Belt
The Wellington Town Belt, a significant green space encircling much of the city, is managed under a trust by the Wellington City Council. Consequently, no commercial activities, including professional dog walking, are permitted within the Town Belt without explicit approval. When applying for your license, you have the option to request permission for walking dogs in the Town Belt; however, this approval may take time. In the interim, you are welcome to walk your dogs in other designated areas of Wellington. It’s worth noting that many of Wellington’s parks and reserves are adjacent to the Town Belt. For detailed maps and information about the Town Belt and its various parks and reserves, please visit Wellington Town Belt. The management of the Wellington Town Belt is governed by the Wellington Town Belt Act 2016 and the Wellington Town Belt Management Plan 2018.
Botanic Garden and Bolton Street Area
Dogs are permitted within the Botanic Gardens; however, it is advisable to avoid walking them during peak visitor hours, specifically between 7:00 AM and 9:30 AM, and again from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. If you intend to use this area regularly for dog walking, it is recommended to inform The Treehouse of your schedule.
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
The primary access point to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is via the north car park, accessible from Churchill Drive/Wilton Bush Road. To avoid disruption, please refrain from walking your dogs near the school pick-up zone between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM, or between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM. When exercising dogs in any of these natural spaces, it is best to avoid narrow bush tracks. The presence of multiple dogs on these tracks can create hazards, particularly if other groups are approaching from the opposite direction.
