The Pukekohe shelter's sole purpose is to train and nurture unclaimed dogs for adoption. Photo: Supplied / LDR
The Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre opened in March to ease the pressure on Auckland Council's other shelters in Manukau, Henderson and Silverdale which were almost always at capacity.
Less than half of roaming dogs in the region were reclaimed by their owners last year - the lowest level in a decade.
The Pukekohe centre takes in unclaimed dogs from the council's three animal shelters, to train and prepare them for forever homes.
Senior shelter operations Kayleigh Hatcher said since they opened for adoptions in January, they've successfully rehomed 12 dogs.
The centre officially opened on 15 March.
"We have a seven-day claim at the other shelters, if no one claims them, they become council property," she said.
"They are temperament tested, and if they are suitable, they come through to us for training and adoption."
The Pukekohe centre currently has 27 dogs, and could take up to 40, Hatcher said.
Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre senior shelter operations Kayleigh Hatcher with Russell. Photo: Torika Tokalau / Stuff / LDR
The centre opened to take the pressure off the other shelters which were kept busy with roaming dogs.
From 1 January to 26 March, 4512 roaming dogs were reported to the council's Animal Management, of which, 1509 were impounded.
West had the most number of roaming dogs (1009) and Central (903).
East Auckland had the most number of impounded dogs for this period (435).
"We give them a lot of support, a lot of training, we spend a lot of time with the dogs.
"We also make sure that homes they are adopted into is the best suitable ones for them."
The centre's newest canines were a litter of four puppies from Silverdale - who were relinquished by their owner.
They were named Roast Vegetables by the centre, individually called Kumara, Pumpkin, Potato and Radish.
Hatcher said all their dogs start with basic training, then once fully vaccinated, go for walks out in public.
"The centre solely focuses on training and nurturing the dogs for adoption.
"We also have a shelter cat that will spend time with them, so they can get used to cats."
Shelter manager Carly Triska said the council's shelters do amazing work caring for the dogs.
"But unfortunately, they're also looking after dogs that have been impounded, looking after dogs that have been found roaming and aggressive dogs," she said.
"The adoption centre is set up to help create a little bit more space at those shelters they can now hold more of those dogs that need to be off the streets."
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
