'The best news': Auckland’s dog adoption hub to open

Dog lovers will soon be able to find their perfect match at an adoption centre in Auckland. The new adoption and education centre is opening in Pukekohe in early March, and Auckland Council is dubbing it the first of its kind in New Zealand.

Local Manurewa resident and dog lover Fosa Leilua Hunt is ecstatic about the new dog hub opening in Pukekohe.

“Oh my gosh, this is such wonderful news. It truly warms my heart to hear that the new adoption dog centre in Pukekohe is opening up. I have three dogs myself, one of which is a rescue.

“So hearing that the Auckland Council now has its first adoption dog centre is truly the best Valentine's Day news,” she says.

The centre aims to ease overcrowding in Auckland’s three shelters - Manukau, Henderson, and Silverdale - all at full capacity with over 250 dogs, many of which were picked up roaming.

“I'm so glad that the time is here because dogs truly deserve a second chance, especially those who are stuck in the shelter," Hunt says.

Becoming a dog owner is a huge responsibility, she says.

“Dogs are like children so they constantly are needing attention, food and water. Always make sure that their water bowl is full. And it's crucial to care for them, not just when they're puppies but also as they age and grow older.

“I think if you're unable to meet those sorts of responsibilities, I wouldn't recommend getting a dog."

Fosa Hunt's dogs Vivi, Arya and Palolo. She is stressing the need for responsible pet ownership. Photo / supplied.

The centre will also offer dog care education, training, and desexing awareness to support responsible pet ownership.

It’s part of a broader initiative to promote dog adoptions and ease overcrowding in Auckland’s shelters. This will enable them to focus on the growing number of roaming and aggressive dogs to enhance community safety and reduce dog-related risks.

Maungakiekie Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley, who also chairs the Regulatory and Safety Committee, says the issue goes beyond simply finding homes for dogs.

"It’s about reducing pressure on our shelters, fostering responsible pet ownership, and creating a space where families can connect with these wonderful animals.”

Maungakiekie Ward Councillor Josephine Bartley says it's about more than finding homes for dogs—Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre stands out for its focus on education and rehabilitation. Photo / file

Future plans include school visits, weekend family events, and public education programmes to encourage responsible pet ownership across Tāmaki Makaurau.

In the past, access to shelters was limited for the public due to safety concerns.

Last year, Animal Management received a record 37,558 requests, with 8,306 dogs taken into Auckland shelters - but only 43% were reclaimed by their owners, the lowest rate in a decade.

Rather than building a new facility, the council has repurposed the Pukekohe Pound, initially opened in 2007 as the Franklin Dog Shelter and later leased to Waikato District Council. The centre can house up to 40 dogs and puppies.

A dog pictured at the new centre waiting to be adopted into it's forever home. Photo / supplied

Carly Triska, Auckland Council Centre Manager, says this is about giving dogs a second chance and helping them find forever homes.

"It’s also a hub for community education, promoting responsible dog ownership and supporting families through the adoption process.”

Elly Waitoa, Auckland Council’s Animal Management Manager, says the centre’s walk-through design allows visitors to interact with the dogs, improving the adoption experience while ensuring safety.

“These dedicated spaces are crucial for dogs needing extra support. The public can see their personalities and find the perfect match for their family,” Waitoa says.

The Pukekohe Adoption and Education centre will ensure every dog thrives by getting training and socialisation support. Photo / supplied

There are dedicated spaces for training and socialisation to help each dog get the support it needs to thrive.

All adopted dogs from the Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre will be temperament-tested, desexed, microchipped, registered, and socialised before rehoming into their new families.

Dogs available for adoption will be showcased on Facebook and Instagram to help connect them with potential owners looking for their perfect match.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.