Bringing home a best friend - what you should consider
Are you thinking about adopting a dog?
We all know that dogs are good for our wellbeing. That has been proven many times. But do we consider if it is in the dog’s best interest for us to adopt one?
Remember that your cute puppy might live for 16 years or longer! These days our properties are becoming smaller and consequently there is less room for a dog to have a decent space outside to run around in. We may have more dog-friendly spaces outside of our house where we can exercise our friends, but not all dogs are suitable for these kinds of spaces.
Pet-friendly accommodation
On Waiheke, where rental options are already limited, finding pet-friendly accommodation can be particularly challenging. Dogs need to be confined to your property so that they don’t cause distress or damage to people or other animals, including wildlife.
This can be difficult if you are renting your property. Renters should discuss pet-safe fencing options with landlords before they buy a dog, as this is a non-negotiable part of responsible dog ownership.
Roaming dogs
Auckland Council Animal Management statistics show a woeful number of roaming dogs who are picked up from the streets are ever claimed. A very few of these can be rehomed, but many more are euthanised as there are just not enough homes for them.
Waiheke Island’s tight-knit community means we face a unique challenge— while we don’t see the stray dog problems of other Auckland areas, our smaller population also means fewer potential homes for dogs needing adoption.
Adopt from an animal shelter
If you are going to adopt a dog, adopt from a rescue or shelter and please check with WISCA first to see if there are any dogs available, before looking elsewhere.
Adopting from a rescue or shelter ensures that your dog is:
temperament-tested
desexed
microchipped
vaccinated.
There will be an adoption fee, but it will be less than going to a veterinary clinic and paying for it yourself.
Waiheke Island is a very small island, and at times we do have quite a few dogs that need rehoming.
Of course, puppies are easier to rehome than older dogs -because, who doesn’t like a cute puppy?!
Every adoption from a rescue or shelter helps reduce demand for backyard breeding operations. When fewer people buy puppies from these sources, it becomes less profitable for irresponsible breeders to continue their practices.
Your choice to adopt doesn’t just save one life—it helps prevent future dogs from being bred in poor conditions.
Dogs deserve the best from their owners
Dogs give us their whole hearts—they deserve the same in return.
Before adopting, honestly assess whether you can provide the daily walks, companionship, and lifelong commitment that makes for a happy, well-loved dog.
