Terms & Conditions
Professional dog walkers, handlers, and trainers must obtain approval from Hutt City Council to operate in public spaces.
To ensure public safety and protect community spaces, the following principles apply:
Minimise disruption or conflict with other users of public spaces.
Prevent damage to public amenities and infrastructure.
Operate in a professional manner in accordance with the Dog Control Act 1996 and HuttCity Bylaws.
All professional dog walkers, handlers, and trainers must complete Hutt City Council’s knowledge and competency course before receiving approval. This course outlines the rules and expectations for operating in public areas. They also need to pass a physical demonstration conducted by an Animal Control Officer.
All operators must comply with the Dog Control Act 1996 and Hutt City Council’s Dog Control By-laws, which requires dogs to be under control at all times.
1. General Approval Conditions
The following conditions apply to all approved activities in public spaces:
Ensure the safety of all public space users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Avoid causing nuisance, obstruction, or hazards; maintain emergency vehicle access.
Maintain pedestrian access unless exclusive use has been granted.
Prevent damage to public property or Council assets.
Do not block access to private properties or emergency exits.
Remove all waste from the site after the activity.
Operators must also comply with:
Relevant health and safety, waste, accessibility
Public health and hygiene standards.
Public liability insurance requirements.
Hutt City Council Bylaws, policies.
If a dog owner, they must be fully compliant with Dog Control Act and HuttCity Bylaws
Have no substantiated complaints last year in regard the Dog Control Act and HuttCity Bylaws
2. Public Liability Insurance
Operators are responsible for any claims related to injury or property damage. Public liability insurance is strongly recommended and may be required for some activities. Coverage sufficient to cover medical, veterinary and damages.
3. Enforcement
Non-compliance may result in:
Verbal or written warnings.
Review and require remedies or corrective action
Suspension of license
Permanent cancellation of license
Enforcement under relevant legislation Hutt city Dog Control Bylaws, Dog Control Act 1996
4. Penalties
Breaches of this policy may result in
5. Fees / information
The application fee is non-refundable should your application be declined.
All other information collected will only be used in relation to the administration and monitoring associated with the requirements holding a Commercial Dog walking license.
6. License
The license ID card remains the property of HuttCity Council and must be returned if not renewed or upon request.
License holders are required to have their license available for an Animal Control Officer on request.
If requested by a member of the public the license holder must supply their license number. They do not have to give out any personal details.
Licenses are issued to individuals and are non-transferable. Mis-use of licenses may result in permanent cancellation.
A photo of the license holder will be taken upon the issuing of the license. The photo will only be stored, accessed and used in relation to the administration and monitoring associated with the requirements holding a Commercial Dog walking license.
The license must be renewed annually. The license holder will need to provide:
Failure to renew it will result in cancellation of a license.