SPCA New Zealand - Animal Welfare Certified
Pet care

Pet care

We work with like-minded pet care businesses to help them become SPCA Certified. This assures pet owners of the standard of care their pet will receive.

Doggy daycares

When you choose an SPCA Certified doggy daycare, you can be confident your pet is receiving the assurance of care.

What does a dog want?

  • To hang out with compatible dog friends

  • To have time to relax and time to play

  • To feel secure and safe

  • To be looked after kindly and compassionately

What SPCA Certified means for dogs

SPCA Certified requirement Why? Code of Welfare Minimum Standard
Maximum number of dogs clearly stated and must not be exceeded. The needs of animals within the facility can only be met if they have sufficient space, staff and resources. Facilities should be aware of the maximum number of dogs they can care for. No requirements
Perimeter fences for outdoor areas are no less than 1800mm high. These features prevent unauthorised access and keep dogs safely on the property. All enclosures must be secure, have fencing of an appropriate height and be unable to be opened.
Noise levels monitored and action taken if they exceed required levels. Dogs have very sensitive hearing (more sensitive than humans!). Extended periods of loud noise can be very stressful and have negative affects on health and behaviour. No requirements.
Indoor/outdoor video surveillance. Allows auditors to ensure standards are met. Should an incident ever occurr this also allows a thorough investigation to identify what went wrong. No requirements.
Written arrangement with a veterinarian or veterinary clinic in case of emergencies. Requiring an established relationship with a veterinarian or veterinary practice ensures emergencies can be responded to without delay. No requirements.
Human and dog first aid kits on site. A medical emergency can happen at any time but having a first aid kit means emergency care can be provided without delay. No requirements.
Facility cleaned and disinfected at the end of each business day. Cleanliness is important to keep dogs safe and comfortable. Animal housing and exercise areas must be cleaned so that the comfort and health of animals can be maintained.
New dogs monitored and gradually introduced to other dogs. Close monitoring and gradualy introduction of new dogs ensures dogs have a positive experience and minimises risks. No requirements.
Written plan of how to break up a dog fight. Having staff trained ensures staff are prepared to safely separate animals if an incident ever occurs. Where animals are housed or exercised communally, care must be taken to manage groups to avoid aggressive interaction.
Staff must not use any of the prohibited training methods or training aids. We do not allow training methods or devices that rely on fear or force. Electronic training devices must only be used with the written consent of the owner, under the supervision of qualified and experienced persons, and must not be used in a way that compromises the welfare of the animal.
Day plan includes scheduled periods of activities and rest. Like a human daycare, a structured day is important to provide reassuring routines and stability and ensure all their needs are met. No requirements.
Dogs assigned to play groups based on their size and/or play style. Compatability of dogs is important and appropriate grouping of dogs is ensures they have an enjoyable and safe time at daycare. Where animals are housed or exercised communally, care must be taken to manage groups to avoid aggressive interaction.
Strategies for managing unwanted behaviours disclosed to owners. Knowing how a facility manages a dog's behaviour means dog guardians can make an informed choice in line with their personal training philosophy. No requirements.
Staff trained in and understand dog behaviour and group play. Competent staff manage behaviour and keep dogs safe. Animals in temporary housing facilities must be cared for by a sufficient number of staff, who collectively possess the appropriate ability, knowledge and competence necessary to maintain the animals’ health and welfare in accordance with this Code.
At least one staff member holds a current pet first aid certificate. A medical emergency can happen at any time but having trained staff ensures dogs are provided immediate care. Animals in temporary housing facilities must be cared for by a sufficient number of staff, who collectively possess the appropriate ability, knowledge and competence necessary to maintain the animals’ health and welfare in accordance with this Code.
Total staff to dog ratio of 1:15 or less. Supervision is improtant to manage groups of dogs safely. As with child care, smaller ratios are even better! No requirements.

Together, we can raise the bar of welfare for the pet care sector

We will work with like-minded pet care businesses to help them become SPCA Certified; assuring pet owners of the standard of care their pet will receive. Our aim is to offer pet owners throughout NZ assurance of care for dog daycare centres, dog trainers and kennels and catteries in their area.