Adopt a dog
We often get dogs needing a new home at our shelters. We offer these dogs for adoption on our Facebook Adopt a dog page.
We want to give every dog the best chance of being adopted, so we process applications on a first come, first served basis. To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to apply for the dog you want as soon as possible.
We also work with local groups to help re-home dogs. If a dog you are interested in has been transferred to an agency, you should contact that agency directly.
We take all steps necessary to provide a healthy and well-behaved dog for adoption. However, the Council will not be held responsible for the dog’s behaviour, health conditions or any other claims following adoption.
Thank you for showing interest in rehoming a Council dog, use this form to start the pre-approval process.
Once the form has been submitted we will contact you within 5 working days, should your application be approved an animal management officer will be in touch to arrange a property inspection.
Meet and greets can be arranged once your application has been approved.
All our dogs will be registered, microchipped, de-sexed, vaccinated and parvo tested.
You can save the progress of your form at any time.
Click here to fill out the application for dog adoption form
Step 1. Email us
Email adoptadog@fndc.govt.nz. We will provide you with a Dog Adoption Application.
Step 2. Complete the form
Fill in the application and return to us by email or by post to: FNDC Adopt A Dog, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe, 0440.
Step 3. We will contact you
To discuss your next steps.
Step 4. Paying the fee
Your adoption fee covers microchipping, neutering, vaccinations, parvo test and registration. It must be paid before you collect your dog.
Step 1. Call us
Call us on 0800 920 029. We will provide you with a Dog Adoption Application.
Step 2. Complete the form
Fill in the application and return to us by email or by post to: FNDC Adopt A Dog, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440.
Step 3. We will contact you
To discuss your next steps.
Step 4. Paying the fee
Your adoption fee covers microchipping, neutering, vaccinations, parvo test and registration. It must be paid before you collect your dog.
Step 1. Visit us
Ask at the front counter of any Council Service Centre for a Dog Adoption Application.
Step 2. Complete the form
Fill in the application and return it to us by email or give it to one of our front counter staff.
Step 3. We will contact you
To discuss your next steps.
Step 4. Paying the fee
Your adoption fee covers microchipping, neutering, vaccinations, parvo test and registration. It must be paid before you collect your dog.
Sometimes the Council will decline an adoption application. This might be because a person has:
- Previously owned or currently owns unregistered dogs
- A number of dogs on the property already
- A property unsuitable for a dog
- Previous convictions under the Dog Control Act 1996 or the Animal Welfare Act 1999
- A previous Infringement notice issued for offences in relation to the Dog Control Act 1996
- Previous complaints received about uncontrolled dog behaviour.
Dogs available
Visit our Adopt a dog page on Facebook for information on dogs available for adoption from our shelter. New dogs are added as soon as they become available.