Local dog owners are being urged to keep their pets on a leash at all times when out in public, including in the district's designated dog exercise areas, as part of the COVID-19 lockdown requirements.

Council Chief Executive Hamish Riach says dogs are a part of their owner's 'bubble' and shouldn't be able to mix with other people or pets.

"People are correctly restricting their interactions to only those that they are living with at the moment, and it's vital that this also includes their dogs.

"If someone were to pat someone else's dog or that dog was in close contact with other pets, there is a risk that COVID-19 could be transmitted. We want to keep that from happening."

The Council has left all of the gates open leading into its fenced dog exercise areas in Ashburton and Methven. With the gates being open, there is less chance of transmission as people try to open the latches.

Signs will also be at the entranceways reminding owners to keep their dog leashed.