Some dogs feel anxious or fearful around people or other dogs. If a scared dog feels crowded or overwhelmed, they may react aggressively out of fear.
A yellow ribbon tied to a dog’s collar or lead signals that the dog needs extra space.
If your dog is nervous
If your dog becomes anxious in public spaces:
- Tie a visible yellow ribbon to their collar or lead
- give your dog enough space from people and other dogs
- speak up if others approach too closely
- watch your dog’s body language for signs of stress or fear.
Any yellow ribbon can help, as long as people can see it.
If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon
Please help nervous dogs feel safe by:
- Keeping your distance
- putting your own dog on a lead while passing
- explaining to children that the dog needs space
- avoiding sudden approaches or loud behaviour.
This campaign was originally developed with support from Wellington City Council.
Photo credit: Wellington City Council
Greeting dogs you don't know
Always ask the owner before approaching or interacting with a dog.
Do not try to pat, feed, or approach a dog if:
- The owner says no
- the dog looks nervous, tense, or uncomfortable
- the dog is not behaving in a relaxed or playful way.
Giving treats to dogs
Always check with the owner before offering a dog food or treats.
Some dogs:
- Have allergies or medical conditions
- follow strict diets
- are being trained not to accept food from strangers.
SPCA: 06 368 6910
Urgent animal welfare concerns: call Police (111)
Report dog issues online
Tips for being a responsible dog owner
Understanding your dog
Recognising how your dog's feeling, whether they're anxious, scared, happy or playful, will help your dog, and your relationship with your dog. Make sure you spend some time getting to know them, and their cues. A great way to do this is by going to puppy or training classes with them – ask your vet for their recommendations.
Cleaning up after your dog
Dogs need to be exercised, but shouldn’t leave a reminder they’ve been there! Remember to take something to pick up your dog's poo every time you're out, so that you can pick it up and dispose of it responsibly. Find out about sustainable ways to deal with your dog's poo at Composting dog poo.
Dogs and horses
Help keep your dog, and horses and their riders, safe. It’s important to remember that dogs are not the only four-legged friends who like to enjoy the community’s parks and open spaces. When dogs are near horses, please ensure they are on-lead, and pass wide and slow.
Know your zones!
Dogs love a good run – make sure you know where to find exercise areas, and where you can take dogs on the beach, both off-lead and when there are restrictions.
Approved dog ownership
Dog owners who meet certain criteria can apply to be an approved owner, with a discount on annual registration fees – check out our Approved owners programme for details.
How to apply to be an Approved owner
Apply for approved owner status
You may be eligible to apply for approved owner status if you meet Council’s responsible ownership criteria.
The process may include:
- Maintaining a good dog ownership history
- keeping your dog registered
- meeting Council requirements for responsible ownership.
Visit the Approved Owners page for eligibility details, application information, and current registration discounts.
Keeping dogs safe in summer
Hot weather can create serious risks for dogs. During summer, take extra care when exercising, travelling with, or walking your dog.
Exercise safely in hot weather
Roads, footpaths, concrete, and asphalt can become hot enough to burn your dog’s paws.
Before walking your dog:
- Place your hand on the surface for 10 seconds
- if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog’s paws.
To reduce risk:
- Walk your dog early in the morning or later in the evening
- check surfaces before every walk
- avoid long periods on hot pavement.
Never leave dogs in cars
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car during summer, even for a few minutes.
Cars heat up extremely quickly, even when windows are open.
If you see a dog trapped in a hot car:
- Contact the SPCA
- contact Police if urgent assistance is needed.
Only the SPCA and Police can act under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
Keep fresh water available
Dogs can overheat quickly in warm weather.
Make sure your dog always has:
- Clean drinking water
- access to shade
- opportunities to drink before and after walks.
Check water regularly throughout the day during hot weather.
Toxic algae risks
Toxic algae can occur in waterways across the Kāpiti Coast, including areas near Waikanae river and other local rivers and streams during warmer months and can be deadly to dogs.
Dogs are particularly at risk because they are attracted to the smell and taste.
Protect your dog from toxic algae
To reduce risk:
- Do not let your dog scavenge near river edges
- check toxic algae warnings before visiting rivers
- avoid affected swimming and exercise areas.
Even small amounts of toxic algae can be fatal.
Check current toxic algae information before visiting local waterways.
Karaka berry poisoning
Karaka trees grow throughout the Kāpiti Coast, including in parks, reserves, and along the Waikanae River.
Between summer and autumn, ripe orange karaka berries fall to the ground. These berries are highly toxic to dogs.
Signs of karaka berry poisoning
Symptoms can appear 24 to 48 hours after consumption and may include:
- Confusion
- weakness
- vomiting
- hind leg paralysis
- convulsions.
How to reduce the risk
To help prevent poisoning:
- Keep your dog on a lead near karaka trees
- avoid areas where berries are present on the ground
- watch dogs closely in parks and reserves.
If you think your dog has eaten karaka berries, contact your vet immediately. Early treatment gives your dog the best chance of recovery.