Anyone operating a boarding kennel has to be aware of the minimum standards laid out under the Code of Welfare for Temporary Housing of Companion Animals and the Code of Welfare for Dogs.
The code was developed by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee and issued by the Minister of Agriculture in October 2018.
It specifies that people operating a dog boarding kennel should ensure “dogs are cared for by a sufficient number of staff who have the ability, knowledge and competence necessary to maintain the animals’ health and welfare”, the SPCA said.
This includes knowing when to seek veterinary advice.
But SPCA science officer Dr Alison Vaughan said the boarding kennel industry is “poorly regulated” in New Zealand.