Auckland Council is trialling Afterpay at its dog pounds as owners grapple with pet costs amid the rising cost of living.

After one month of the eight-month trial, 15 percent of payments at the shelters had been made through the option.

Auckland Council regional animal shelter manager Nikki Cripps says the trial is still in its early stages, but it's seen positive results so far.

"We have seen an increase on dogs being claimed, obviously, the trial's still early days so it's hard to say whether it's solely down to that, we've got a lot of other incentives happening at the same time." 

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