Rehome a Huntaway in New Zealand: Free & Owner to Owner

The short answer

To rehome a Huntaway well, be upfront about the bark and the energy, and look for a home with space, plenty of activity and neighbours who are not close by: a farm, a lifestyle block or a very active household. Ask a modest fee and screen carefully. When the dog changes hands, you and the new owner must each tell the council in writing within 14 days.

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What a Huntaway needs from a new home

Huntaways are New Zealand farm dogs, bred for heading, forcing sheep into pens, backing and yard work, and every Huntaway is bred to bark with a loud, deep voice. That instinct does not switch off in town. A Huntaway is usually happiest with room, a lot of exercise and something to do, and with neighbours who will not be bothered by a big bark.

Te Ara, the encyclopedia of New Zealand, describes Huntaways as generally good-natured and anxious to please, so the right home is often less about experience with difficult dogs and more about lifestyle: space, time and activity.

Writing an honest listing

Say clearly how much your Huntaway barks and when, how much exercise they get now, and how they are with children, other dogs, cats and stock. Huntaways vary a lot in size and coat, so give their weight and describe their coat. Mention any working experience, because farm and lifestyle-block adopters look for it.

Honesty is what gets a Huntaway the right home. A listing that plays down the bark sets up a town household to fail, and the dog ends up rehomed again.

Screening, and the handover paperwork

Ask where the dog will live, how much space and exercise it will get, who is home during the day and how close the neighbours are. Meet in person, ideally where the dog will live, and trust your instincts. A modest rehoming fee filters out people who collect free dogs for the wrong reasons.

At handover, the dog's council registration carries over, but under section 48 of the Dog Control Act 1996 you and the new owner must each give the council written notice within 14 days, with the new owner's address and where the dog will live. Pass on the vaccination, desexing, microchip and vet records, including any hip or eye checks.

Where to rehome, and the fee

If you cannot find the right home yourself, ask your nearest SPCA centre or a local rescue whether they can help, and call early because rescues work to capacity. Owner-to-owner rehoming lets your Huntaway stay with you until you have found the right family.

For a sense of scale, SPCA New Zealand's adoption fee for an adult dog is $149, and that covers desexing, microchipping and vaccinations. A modest private rehoming fee is reasonable. The screening matters far more than the exact figure.

New to rehoming? Start with our step-by-step guide to rehoming a dog for free, our guide to screening adopters, and the reasons a modest fee beats free to good home.

Looking to adopt a Huntaway instead?

Browse Huntaways available for adoption from rescues and owners across New Zealand.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a Huntaway live in town?+

Some do, but it takes a household that can give a lot of exercise and activity and neighbours who will tolerate a big bark, because Huntaways are bred to bark. A farm, lifestyle block or very active home is usually the easier match. Be honest in your listing so the dog goes somewhere it can settle.

Do Huntaways bark a lot?+

Yes, it is what they are bred for. Te Ara notes that all Huntaways are bred to bark and are selected for a loud, deep bark. Say so plainly in your listing.

What paperwork do I need when I rehome my dog in New Zealand?+

Under section 48 of the Dog Control Act 1996, the dog's registration continues, but you and the new owner must each give the council written notice within 14 days, including the new owner's address and where the dog will be kept. Hand over the vaccination, desexing, microchip and vet records too.

How do I rehome my Huntaway for free?+

List your Huntaway on LocalPetFinder at no cost. Your email stays private until you reply, every listing is reviewed, and your dog appears alongside the SPCA dogs near you. Screen the people who apply, choose the family you trust, and both of you notify the council within 14 days of the handover.