Dog care over the holidays

PIROA-BRYNDERWYNS LANDCARE GROUP

With summer now on our doorstep it’s time to remember how to be a responsible dog parent over the warmer months. Many of you will be jumping for joy at the idea of taking your dog on holiday with you. But do you know what responsible dog ownership on holiday entails?

Responsible pet activity is about choosing walking tracks and visiting nature parks that permit dogs, and need-to-knows about boating, toileting and lead etiquette etc.

Much as you may want to take your pup to your favourite lake or beach, not all outdoor activities are pet-friendly. We cannot emphasise enough how important it is to control your dog on the beach.

New Zealand has some of the rarest animals and most delicate ecosystems in the world. NZ dotterel/tuturiwhatu, little penguins/korora, red-billed gulls/tarapunga, and many others are declining in number. Unfortunately, these are put at risk by pet owners who let their dogs run free in places where there’s wildlife.

Where are the local dog walking areas? In Mangawhai, the dog bylaw document is available on the Kaipara District Council website which shows all the on/off leash and prohibited areas.

For Langs, Waipu, Bream Bay, the Whangarei District Council website lists on/off leash and prohibited areas including the changes over the summer holiday period.

Log on to the DOC website to continue reading their blog for more details on dog parenting this summer.