Finding a Rental in New Zealand with Pets
Finding a rental in New Zealand with pets can be tough. Discover tips for securing a pet-friendly rental in Auckland and how we help families settle faster.
HOME SEARCH
Nicki
9/23/20255 min read
Finding a Rental in New Zealand with Pets
Moving to New Zealand is a big adventure. When you add pets into the mix, the process of finding a home can feel......full-on! After all, our furry companions are part of the family, and leaving them behind is not an option.
If you have started searching online, you will already know that finding a rental in New Zealand with pets is not always straightforward. Landlords can be cautious, listings do not always state pet policies clearly, and being overseas adds another layer of challenge. But with the right approach, it is possible to find a home where both you and your pets will be welcome.
A Dog-Friendly Country, With Rules to Know
New Zealand is an incredibly dog-friendly country. So many families have dogs, and in Auckland you will see people walking them on beaches, in regional parks, and along coastal tracks every day. There are endless opportunities to enjoy life outdoors with your pets.
At the same time, dog-walking rules are seasonal and vary from area to area. For example, many beaches have restricted hours in summer to balance family use with dog access. If you are moving here, it is worth familiarising yourself with the official guidelines:
These regulations are important for keeping both your pets and the community safe, and they are something every dog-owning renter in Auckland needs to factor into their lifestyle.
The Reality of Renting with Pets in NZ
New Zealand’s rental market is competitive, and pets can sometimes make the process harder. Many landlords worry about potential damage, noise, or neighbour complaints. Some agents will not reply to enquiries mentioning pets, especially if you are applying from overseas.
New pet-related tenancy laws are on the horizon. In theory they should help pet owners, but there is still uncertainty about how landlords will apply the rules. What we do know is that families often need to be flexible to make it work. That could mean adjusting the budget, being open to different suburbs, choosing a home that is not as modern, or accepting that you may need to make small changes to make the property pet-secure. None of this means it is impossible, but it does mean being prepared to compromise while keeping your priorities clear.
The Biggest Challenges Families Face
From what we see every day helping families relocate, three key challenges come up again and again:
Identifying the right listings: Many rental ads do not clearly state whether pets are considered, and those that do often exclude dogs. Filtering through what is truly possible can take hours of searching.
Getting noticed: Overseas applicants, especially those with pets, are often overlooked by agents who prefer to work with people they can meet in person.
Overcoming stigma: Some landlords assume pets equal damage. Convincing them otherwise requires a thoughtful approach.
What Helps
While every family’s situation is different, there are a few universal strategies that can make a difference when finding a rental in New Zealand with pets:
Understand the timeline and process: Securing a rental takes time, and at the end of the day the landlord has the final say.
Prepare a pet CV and references: Just as tenants provide references, showing landlords you have a well-behaved, cared-for pet can ease concerns.
Acknowledge landlord worries: Damage, noise, and neighbour complaints are real concerns. Showing how you will mitigate them goes a long way.
Leverage relationships with agents: Having someone represent you positively to landlords and agents can open doors that often stay closed when applying cold from overseas.
These steps cannot guarantee success, but they certainly improve your chances.
Real Stories from Families Who Moved with Pets
A family relocating with large dogs
One of our families was moving with two medium-large dogs. Beautiful companions, but not the easiest to place in the Auckland rental market. They were frustrated after weeks of sending enquiries that went unanswered. We stepped in, represented them directly to agents, and helped present their application in the best possible light.
The result? They applied for three properties and were offered two. They now have a home they can love, and their dogs do too.
As they shared in their review:
“We really underestimated how hard it would be to find a place to live from overseas… Fortunately we found Nicki and Laura with As The Kiwi Flies and they absolutely saved our relocation… Not only did they find us a great place to live, but they were also amazing general relocation resources for us.”
A woman with three small dogs
Another client came to us with three little dogs. She already had a short-term rental but needed something longer-term while waiting for her residence visa. Her work hours clashed with viewing times, and she was finding it impossible to get traction.
We searched across more avenues, attended viewings on her behalf, and put forward a strong application that addressed landlords’ concerns. She applied for two properties and was offered both.
Her words say it best:
“As The Kiwi Flies was so helpful to me as I searched for a rental that allowed my three small dogs… Their process was transparent and they were open and honest the entire time I worked with them. I found a great place that my dogs are loving and I am too!”
Why Local Support Matters
These stories highlight something important: having the right support on the ground makes a huge difference. Agents are far more responsive to people they can meet in person. Relationships count.
When we represent families, we act as their eyes and ears, introducing them to agents in a professional, credible way. We do not just say “yes, they have pets” and hope for the best. We provide context, references, and reassurance. That tailored advocacy often turns a “no” into a “maybe,” and a “maybe” into a “yes.”
Your Next Steps
If you are about to begin finding a pet-friendly rental in Auckland, here are some first moves:
Start early. Do not leave the search until the last minute.
Be prepared. Have references for you and your pet ready to go.
Be realistic. Not every property will be an option, but with patience, the right one will come along.
And if you would like more than general tips? That is where we come in. We provide tailored support, represent your family professionally to agents, and even share templates and exemplars for pet CVs and references that make applications stronger.
Explore more of our resources:
Final Thoughts
Relocating with pets can feel daunting, but it is absolutely possible to find a welcoming home in Auckland or elsewhere in New Zealand. With the right preparation, and the right local support, your family (pets included) can settle in smoothly.
We know your pets are family. We have been there, and we are here to make the process just a little easier - drop us an email if you hve any questions info@asthekiwiflies.com
