The new animal shelter will replace our existing facility in Onekawa. While animals are currently safe and well cared for, the new shelter will provide more space and improved facilities for dogs, staff and visitors.
This is a long-term investment in animal wellbeing, community safety and a modern, well-designed public facility.
Why does Napier need a new animal shelter?
Our Animal Control team does an outstanding job caring for stray, surrendered, seized, abandoned and dangerous dogs, and occasionally other animals.
The current shelter has been upgraded over time but can no longer meet the service's needs. Challenges include:
- Limited and inflexible kennel space
- Poor temperature control in summer and winter
- Constrained cleaning and hygiene systems
- Limited exercise and enrichment areas
- Cramped work and public spaces.
The new shelter will address these issues and support high standards of animal welfare, including compliance with the Code of Welfare: Dogs (MPI).
Artist's impression of new animal shelter entrance
Napier's new animal shelter
The new shelter is designed around animal wellbeing and will include safer, accessible work and public spaces for staff and visitors.
Construction of Stage 1 is expected to take place August 2026-mid 2027. Stage 2 of the shelter redevelopment allows for the replacement of the existing kennels in approximately 10 years. This will be confirmed once Stage 1 is complete and operating.
Artist's impression of inside new animal shelter
