Own more than two dogs

Whether you are re-homing a rescued dog, or providing a playmate for the four-legged friends you already own, sometimes it might be necessary for you to have more than two dogs on your property.

There's some paperwork and a fee you need to pay to make this a reality.

There is a fee for a three plus permit (formally dispensation licence) for owning more than two dogs. Please note there is also a property inspection fee. Click here to see fees

You also need to fill in one of our easy to complete application forms.

You can provide us with the form in a variety of ways:

• You can email [email protected].
• You can visit our Customer Services Centre at 16 Cobham Court, Porirua.
  
• Post it to us at Porirua City Council, PO Box 50218, Porirua 5240

If you’re planning to build new accommodation for your dogs, you may also need to get resource consent and/or a building consent before you start the work.

A site inspection is needed before we can grant a dispensation licence. Our Animal Control Officer will make a time during normal working hours to inspect your property to assess whether it’s suitable for more than two dogs. The inspection will check the type and suitability of the dog accommodation, the exercise space available and hygiene standards. 

Please note, properties that are zoned rural are exempt from this dispensation requirement.

Your three plus permit (formally dispensation licence) may be cancelled if:

• your dog/s create a nuisance or hazard to health, property and safety or adversely affect the neighbourhood in some other way, or
  
• you don’t comply with the licence conditions.