Pet Care Agreement (New Zealand)

New Zealand boarding kennels and catteries typically require pets to be vaccinated before accepting them for boarding, though the specific requirements are set by each facility rather than by national law. For dogs, most New Zealand kennels require vaccination against: canine distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parvovirus, and leptospirosis (core vaccines under the New Zealand Veterinary Association guidelines); and kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus) — a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily in boarding environments. Vaccines must typically have been administered at least 7–14 days before boarding commences, to allow immunity to develop. For cats, most catteries require vaccination against: feline panleukopaenia, feline herpesvirus, and feline calicivirus (the F3 or tricat vaccine). Some facilities also require vaccination against feline chlamydophilosis. All pets should also be treated for fleas, ticks, and internal parasites before boarding. Pet care agreement forms should include a section for the owner to confirm vaccination status and attach vaccination certificates. Boarding facilities can refuse to accept animals that have not been adequately vaccinated.

The Animal Welfare Act 1999 (AWA 1999) is New Zealand's principal legislation governing the care and treatment of animals. It applies to any person who is 'in charge' of an animal, which includes pet boarding operators, kennels, catteries, dog walkers, and in-home pet carers. Under the AWA 1999, persons in charge of animals have a legal duty to requires the physical, health, and behavioural needs of each animal are met. The Act is underpinned by the 'Five Freedoms' concept: freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, or disease; freedom to express normal behaviour; and freedom from fear and distress. Pet boarders who fail to meet these obligations can be investigated by Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) inspectors or SPCA inspectors appointed under the AWA 1999, and may face prosecution. Penalties for serious animal welfare offences under the AWA 1999 include fines of up to NZD $75,000 and imprisonment. The AWA 1999 also prohibits the export, import, or sale of animals for use in animal research without appropriate approval. Pet care agreements should acknowledge the provider's obligations under the AWA 1999.

New Zealand does not currently have a national licensing regime for pet boarding businesses. However, pet boarding operators may need to comply with a range of local requirements. Many local councils in New Zealand regulate kennels, catteries, and other animal care businesses through district plan rules and bylaws. Before establishing a pet boarding business, operators should check with their local council regarding: zoning requirements (not all residential or rural zones permit commercial boarding); resource consent requirements (for noise, odour, and number of animals); building consent requirements for new kennels or facilities; and local animal bylaws (including permitted number of animals per property). Some councils also require a licence or permit for businesses operating with a certain number of animals. Pet boarding businesses are also subject to the Animal Welfare Act 1999, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (if they employ workers), and general business law including the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and Fair Trading Act 1986. Registration with the IRD for income tax and GST (if turnover exceeds NZD $60,000 per year) is also required.

If a pet becomes ill while in a New Zealand boarding facility's care, the facility should: attempt to contact the owner or emergency contact immediately; follow any instructions previously provided by the owner; and if the illness appears serious and the owner cannot be reached promptly, seek veterinary treatment as authorised in the pet care agreement. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 requires persons in charge of animals to ensure animals receive prompt treatment for illness or injury — failure to do so can constitute an animal welfare offence. If a pet dies in care, the facility should: notify the owner as soon as possible; preserve the animal's body until the owner advises otherwise; offer to arrange cremation or return of the body; and document the circumstances of the death. The pet care agreement should specify the facility's authority to authorise veterinary treatment up to a stated cost limit, and who bears the cost of emergency veterinary treatment. If negligence caused the pet's illness or death, the facility may be liable to compensate the owner for the animal's value and veterinary costs. Good documentation and clear protocols help protect both the facility and the pet owner.

A Pet Care Agreement (New Zealand) does not legally require a lawyer in New Zealand, and individuals and businesses may draft and execute the document independently. The Companies Act 1993 does not mandate legal representation for the creation or signing of this type of document. However, seeking independent legal advice from a qualified New Zealand lawyer is recommended for transactions involving substantial financial value, complex regulatory requirements, or cross-border elements where multiple legal jurisdictions may apply. A lawyer can verify that the document complies with all applicable statutory requirements, identify potential risks specific to the transaction, and confirm that the terms adequately protect the interests of all parties involved. The High Court of New Zealand has jurisdiction over disputes arising from this type of document, and Companies Office may impose additional compliance obligations depending on the nature of the underlying transaction. Professional legal review is particularly advisable where the document will be submitted to government agencies or used as evidence in legal proceedings.