COME SMOOCH A POOCH: NEW PUKEKOHE DOG ADOPTION CENTRE TO OPEN WITH LOVE!

Exciting news for dog lovers! Auckland Council is about to open the Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre, a groundbreaking new chapter in animal care and community connection.

The first of its kind in New Zealand, this council-operated dog adoption centre is nearing completion and will open its doors in early March. The centre promises a unique and compassionate approach to helping Aucklanders find their ideal canine companions.

This initiative is also aimed at boosting dog adoptions and relieving pressure on Auckland’s three overcrowded shelters. With the new centre in place, the shelters can focus more on the rising number of roaming and aggressive dogs rescued each year, ensuring the safety of the community from dog-related risks.

A community-centred vision

The centre’s impact extends beyond adoptions. It will serve as a hub for public education, offering sessions on dog care, training, and the importance of desexing.

Long-term plans for the centre include school visits, weekend family events, and public education programmes, fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership across Auckland.

Councillor Josephine Bartley, Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, highlighted the facility’s broader significance.

“This is about more than just finding homes for dogs.

Addressing a growing need

The need for a dedicated dog adoption facility has never been more urgent. In the 12 months leading up to October, the council’s Animal Management team handled a record 37,558 requests and took in 8,306 dogs across Auckland’s shelters. Shockingly, only 43% of these dogs were reclaimed by their owners, marking a 10-year low.

With the shelters in Manukau, Henderson, and Silverdale already housing over 250 dogs—many of which were found roaming—the new Pukekohe facility will ease the pressure on these shelters by focusing on adoptions and behavior modification.

A tail-wagging transformation

For efficiencies, instead of building a new facility, the council has repurposed the Pukekohe Pound, originally opened in 2007 as the Franklin Dog Shelter and previously leased to Waikato District Council.

The site has the capacity to house up to 40 dogs and puppies. Visitors will enjoy a walk-through adoption experience, fostering personal and interactive connections with the dogs.

Auckland Council’s Centre Manager Carly Triska emphasised the dual mission of the facility.

“This is about giving dogs a second chance and helping them find their forever homes.

“It’s also a hub for community education, promoting responsible dog ownership and supporting families in their journey of adopting a dog.”

More than just adoption

The Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre stands out for its focus on education and rehabilitation. With specially designed spaces for training and socialization, the centre ensures each dog receives the support needed to thrive.

Auckland Council’s Animal Management Manager, Elly Waitoa, emphasized the value of these features.

“These spaces are vital for dogs needing extra help. They also give the public the opportunity to observe the dogs’ personalities and find the right match for their family.”

In recent years, public access to existing shelters has been limited due to safety concerns. The Pukekohe facility’s walk-through design reintroduces an interactive adoption experience, while maintaining necessary security measures. Potential adopters will be able to meet and connect with the dogs on-site, with support from a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

Ready for ‘forever homes’

All dogs adopted from the Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre will be temperament tested to ensure they are suitable for rehoming. They will also come desexed, microchipped, registered and socialised before joining their new families.

Dogs currently available for adoption will continue to be showcased on Facebook and Instagram ensuring prospective owners can easily find their perfect match.