Valentine’s Day is made for love and not just the human kind.
Ahead of 14 February, Auckland Council has launched “Puppy Love”, a brand new website that works a lot like Tinder, if Tinder were full of wagging tails, wet noses and unconditional love without the commitment issues.
More details on the Puppy Love event can be found on OurAuckland.
What is Puppy Love?
“Puppy Love” is Auckland Council’s new, region-wide adoptable dog website designed to help Aucklanders find their perfect canine match.
Think swiping; (emotionally not literally), scrolling and falling a little bit in love with dogs that have been rescued and are currently looking for forever homes across the region.
Users can:
- browse dogs up for adoption
- filter by size, age and lifestyle needs
- find a match that suits their home, whānau and way of life.
Each dog profile links directly to the shelter where they’re currently staying, making the journey from “just looking” to “meet-cute” simple and transparent.
Councillor Josephine Bartley says behind every profile is a dog waiting for a fresh start.
“By bringing all our shelters together in one place online, “Puppy Love” gives these dogs the best chance to be seen, meet their people, and begin a lifelong bond built on trust, care and a lot of tail wagging. And let’s be honest, dogs are better at relationships than most of us.”
Valentine’s Day meets cute
And because every good love story deserves a first date…
On Valentine’s Day, Aucklanders are invited to ditch the awkward dinners and come meet their potential new best friend in real life at a special “Puppy Love” event at the Band Rotunda on Domain Drive in the Auckland Domain between 11:00am and 1:00pm.
If sparks fly, adopters can organise follow-up visits and take the next step toward a long, committed relationship.
Why it matters
All council shelters across the region are now using the “Puppy Love” online “dating” site, giving dogs better visibility and helping them connect with the right people faster.
The site is also fully accessible for people who don’t use social media, helping Auckland Council reach a wider audience and giving more dogs a fair shot at love.
Auckland Council’s Pukekohe Adoption Centre Manager Carly Triska says Valentine’s Day is usually about flowers and chocolates but thinks meeting a dog who’ll love you for the rest of their life is a much better deal.
“Dating apps can be tough, but dogs make it easy; they’re honest, loyal and very clear when they like you.
“Dogs don’t ghost, don’t care if you forget to text back and they’re always happy to see you; they’re just here for unconditional love.
“Puppy Love” takes the guesswork out of adoption and makes it easier for people to find a dog that truly fits their lifestyle, and Valentine’s Day felt like the perfect time to celebrate all kinds of love, especially the K9, loyal kind that lasts for years.”
Call to action
So, this Valentine’s Day, if you’re tired of bad dates, single or coupled, or just ready for a love that involves muddy paws and happy greetings at the door, we highly recommend you give “Puppy Love” a go.
Because sometimes, the best relationships start with the wag of a tail.