The SPCA is demanding tighter regulations for doggy daycare centres after a family pet was mauled to death.

Auckland Council is investigating the incident, in which a huntaway-doberman cross called Wilson was found dead in a pond covered in bite marks at Valley Dog Daycare, in West Auckland.

The owner of the daycare centre said she has closed her business and will never look after dogs again.

"I've closed the business completely and I will never re-open," Trudi Hewett said. "Never, never, never open... this has just upset me so badly."

The two dogs involved had been at the daycare for six months together without incident and she had followed recommendations for doggy daycare owners, Hewett said.

SPCA Auckland chief executive Andrea Midgen says practically anyone can open a dog daycare business, regardless of their knowledge or experience.

"We've been a bit worried about something like this happening for a while because there is no regulation in this sector," Midgen said.

"There should be things like a ratio of secureness to number of animals...care around health and safety."

"There should also be competency levels of people and the skills that they have around animal management."

Police were not investigating the incident.