Registration - Introduction

Dalmatian on leash

All dogs over the age of three months must be registered by 1 July every year.

Owners of unregistered dogs face fines up to $3,000 (or an infringement fee of $300) in addition to the registration fee.

Registration fees are used to maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents, dog owners and their pets. The Council does not profit from dog fees.

Fees pay for:

dog control and law enforcement
campaigns and education in schools, community groups and businesses
canine promotional materials
administering the dog shelter at Moa Point
administering the dog register, application forms and tag distribution.

Registration Forms

Dog registration forms for new dog registrations are available below and at the City Service Centre at 101 Wakefield Street.

You need to print, complete and sign the form - we only accept hard copy, signed forms (not faxed or emailed).

Send (or bring in) the completed and signed form with payment to:

Wellington City Council
101 Wakefield Street
PO Box 2199
Wellington 6140

Dog Registration Application (153Kb PDF)
Dog Owner News - May 2010 (530Kb PDF)

More Than Three Dogs

If you want to keep more than three dogs on an urban property, you also need to apply for a special bylaw licence that costs $30.

Multiple Dog Application (66Kb PDF)

New Dog & Puppy Registration

When completing the registration form for a new dog or puppy, phone (04) 801 3222 to find out the registration fee payable as this varies depending on the age of the dog.

Issuing of Dog Tags

Dog tags are posted out to you once we have processed your application. They are not issued immediately when you pay or bring in your registration form. Return the entire form, including any changes.

Change of Ownership

On change of ownership, both the previous and new owner must give 14 days notice in writing to Wellington City Council (and any other relevant council). The new owner must also complete a registration form.

Change of Address

If you move to another council's district, you have 14 days to notify both authorities of your new address.

Fees

The fees structure is designed to reward good dog ownership. You can reduce your fees by demonstrating responsible owner practices and by neutering or spaying your dog.

Late Payment

Responsible dog owners (RDO) must pay fees by 31 July to maintain their RDO status. Owners seeking to apply for the RDO status in future must pay by 1 July.

An additional 50 percent surcharge applies to fees paid on or after 1 August.

Type of Registration	Fee
Annual Registration Fees
Note: Add $2.50 to these registration fees to cover the National Dog Database levy (for all dogs except approved guide and hearing dogs).
Entire dog (ie not neutered or spayed)	$152
Neutered or spayed dog (proof required)	$110
Responsible dog owners status	$52.50
Approved guide & hearing dogs	no charge
Working dogs	$42
Other Fees
Note: The $2.50 levy mentioned above does not apply.
Replacement of registration tag	$10

Fees are GST inclusive.

Refunds

If your dog dies and you have paid for current registration, you can make a written request for a refund. The Council will give you whatever remaining portion of the yearly rate remains after notification. You must also return the tag and/or provide proof from your vet.

Microchipping

Since 2006 the law requires all new puppies to be microchipped within two months of registration.

You will also need to microchip your dog if:

you are registering your dog for the first time in your local area
your dog is classified as dangerous
your dog is classified as menacing
your dog has been impounded for the second time since 1 July 2006.

Working farm dogs are exempt from microchipping.

Microchipping makes it easier to track down dogs that get lost, and to identify dangerous dogs.

Microchipping services are provided by vets, and verified by councils.

Failure to microchip a dog that comes under one of the microchipping categories could result in prosecution and a $3,000 fine.

Registration
Introduction
Responsible Owner Discount
Exercise Areas
Owner Responsibilities
Policies & Bylaws
Lost & Impounded
Attacks
Neutering & Spaying
Training