Animal Welfare Policy

Last Updated: January 2026

At Nippon K9 NZ, the health, safety, and happiness of our dogs are at the heart of everything we do. We adhere strictly to the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act 1999 and are committed to maintaining high ethical standards in the importation and rehoming of Japanese dog breeds.

1. Our Five Freedoms Commitment

We ensure that every dog under our care is provided with the "Five Freedoms" as recognised by New Zealand law and international standards:

  • Freedom from Hunger and Thirst: Access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
  • Freedom from Discomfort: An appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
  • Freedom from Pain, Injury, or Disease: Prevention and rapid diagnosis/treatment by qualified veterinarians.
  • Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour: Sufficient space, proper facilities, and the company of the animal's own kind.
  • Freedom from Fear and Distress: Ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

2. Ethical Sourcing and Breeding

  • We only collaborate with reputable Japanese breeders who share our commitment to animal welfare.
  • We prioritise health, temperament, and genetic diversity over aesthetic trends.
  • We ensure that mother dogs are not over-bred and receive optimal care and personalised attention throughout their lives.

3. Safe International Transport

Importing dogs from Japan to New Zealand is a complex journey. We manage this process with extreme care and professional oversight:

  • Compliance: Full adherence to MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) regulations and biosecurity standards.
  • Transport: Utilising specialised animal transport services that prioritise the dog's comfort and hydration during transit.
  • Quarantine: Ensuring dogs are monitored daily during their mandatory quarantine period in New Zealand.

4. Responsible Rehoming

We take responsibility for ensuring our puppies go to prepared and suitable homes:

  • Vetting Owners: We interview potential owners to ensure they understand the specific traits and requirements of Japanese breeds (e.g., Akita, Shiba Inu).
  • Information Support: We provide guidance to new owners regarding initial nutrition, training, and healthcare to ensure a smooth transition.

5. Lifelong Responsibility of Ownership

Owning a Japanese breed is a long-term commitment. While Nippon K9 NZ focuses on the ethical sourcing and healthy delivery of your dog, the ultimate legal and ethical responsibility for the dog's ongoing welfare, behaviour, and maintenance rests solely with the owner.

In the event that an owner's circumstances change and they can no longer provide adequate care, we encourage responsible and proactive action. Please note that Nippon K9 NZ is unable to take back, refund, or directly rehome dogs. However, we may offer guidance by providing information on reputable animal welfare organisations or breed-specific rescue groups in New Zealand to help ensure the dog's continued wellbeing.