Part 2: Animals - Wellington Consolidated Bylaw
Some guidelines and contact details are set out below.
Animal boarding establishments
If you operate or want to set up an animal boarding establishment then you need an operating licence. Animal boarding establishments include boarding kennels and catteries. Check through the following to find out what you have to do.
Resource consent
You may need a resource consent if there are environmental impacts or land zoning changes. Discuss your proposal with the Resource Consent team.
Building consent
You may need a building consent for construction, plumbing or drainage work. Discuss your proposal with the Building Customer Services team.
Certificate of registration
You need a certificate of registration to operate an animal boarding establishment.
Discuss your proposal with an Environmental Health Officer who can advise about how to prevent problems with animal waste disposal or other nuisance issues.
Welfare standards
Boarding establishments must comply with the government's animal welfare code. Consult the code to find out what standards you need to meet.
Code of Recommendations and Minimum Standards for the Welfare of Animals in Boarding Establishments - Biosecurity NZ
For more information on pet boarding standards, see:
Pet Boarding Code of Practice and Forms - AsureQuality
Bees
You need to think about where you position your hive. Choose a suitable location for your hive that will not affect neighbouring properties and public spaces. Bees establish a single flight path and drop wax and waste along the way. The Council's Environmental Health Officers will respond to complaints where bees might be causing any nuisance or danger.
Contact the National Beekeepers' Association about beekeeping registration and disease prevention in your area:
National Beekeepers' Association
Birds
You do not need a licence to keep birds, including domestic birds, poultry, game, caged birds or birds kept for display. However, there are welfare and health requirements when keeping birds. Refer to the Wellington Consolidated Bylaw 2008, Part 2 Animals.
Choose a location for keeping poultry. Compact residential neighbourhoods are often unsuitable. The Council receives many complaints about birds and often has to remove noisy roosters.
Keep fowl houses and aviaries clean so they do not attract flies, rats, mice and stoats.
Other Activities - Wellington Consolidated Bylaw 2008, Part 2: Animals
Dogs
For detailed information about keeping dogs, registration, exercise areas, and dog control, see:
Dogs
Goats
You need the Council's written approval if you want to keep a goat on a property (including rural property). An Environmental Health Officer will assess the suitability of the property and neighbourhood. You will also have to indicate how you'll prevent the goat from causing a nuisance.
To apply for permission, contact Public Health (Building Consents & Licensing Services):