Dog Registration

This page details how to register your dog each year, what to do if you own multiple dogs, and provides information on kennel licences.

• How To Register Your Dog
• Updating Your Details
• Late Registration or Failure to Register Your Dog
• Dog Registration Refunds
• Need Help? Contact Us

How To Register Your Dog 

To register your dog, simply complete the Dog Registration Form 2012-2013. Hand or mail the completed form and appropriate fee into any council office. Annual registration fees are due by 30 July each year. 

• Dog Registration Information Brochure
• Dog Registration Form 2012-2013
• Dog Control Fees and Charges
• Dog Control Act 1996

New Dogs

The fully completed and signed registration form and registration fee can then be mailed to or dropped off at council offices where you will receive your dog’s registration tag. Your dog needs to wear this at all times. Collars may also be purchased at all Council offices.

Annual Dog Registration

A dog registration form is mailed to all owners of previously registered dogs at the beginning of June each year. If you do not receive a form, contact Dog Control.

Owning More Than Two Dogs

A Resource Consent is required in order to keep three or more dogs on a Residential Zoned property.

A Kennel Licence to keep three or more non-working dogs applies to properties under 1 hectare in non-residential zones. For properties over 1 hectare, a Kennel Licence is required for six or more non-working dogs.

• Dog Registration for 3 or More Dogs Form
• Dog Registration for 6 or More Dogs Form

For more information, contact any Council office or email Contact Dog Control.

Updating Your Details 

If you or your dog change address, or if your dog changes ownership, you need to advise Council in writing within 14 days. It is an offence, which carries a fine, if you do not notify these changes within 14 days. All other changes of details also need to be notified in writing.

• Dog Registration Update Notification Form

Late Registration or Failing to Register your Dog 

Late Registration

Dog registrations that remain unpaid at 1 August will incur a 50% penalty fee.  Late registrations create additional administrative costs in reminders and postage as well as staff time. The implementation of a penalty encourages dog owners to register on time. 

Failing To Register Your Dog

Not registering your dog is an offence against the Dog Control Act 1996. If you do not register your dog an infringement notice may be issued, or your dog may be seized and impounded, or you as the owner may be prosecuted. Fees are incurred if an unregistered dog is seized, sustenance fees apply and your dog must be registered and microchipped prior to its release.

Late Penalty Fee Waiver Request

You can request a waiver for the late registration penalty fee. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Use the form below.

• Dog Penalty Waiver Form

Dog Registration Refunds 

If your dog dies during the registration year, you are able to receive a refund of part of the registration fee, following a request made in writing. This is based on the number of complete months remaining in the registration year at the time of the written application. A refund application form is available below.

Registration tags are not transferable between dogs, and it is an offence to do so.

Refunds are not available if your dog changes ownership or you sign your dog over to an Animal Centre (e.g. SPCA).

• Dog Registration Refund Application Form

Related Links

• Microchipping Your Dog
• Dog Control Fees and Charges

Need Help? Contact Us 

If you have any questions, use this form to contact us.