Registration - Introduction

Dalmatian on leash

You must register your dogs by 1 July every year.

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 Packs

Dog registration forms for new and multiple registrations are available below. The form must be printed, signed, and sent to a Council Service Centre with correct payment.

Note: Only hard copy, signed forms are accepted. Faxed or emailed forms will not be accepted.

Dog Registration Application (179Kb PDF)
Dog Owners Information (130Kb PDF)
Multiple Dog Application (69Kb PDF)

Registration packs are also available at Council Service Centres.

Service Centre locations

Requirements

All dogs must be registered by three months old. Owners of unregistered dogs face fines up to $3,000 (or an infringement fee of $300) in addition to the registration fee.

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.

You can obtain registration application forms and bylaw licence forms at your local Council Service Centre.

Issuing of Dog Tags

New dog registration Once you have filled in the registration form and returned it for processing, you will then be sent a registration dog tag and confirmation paperwork.
Re-registration The tag will be sent out after processing is completed. Retain your receipt until you receive your new tag. Dog tags will not be issued at the point of payment or when you drop in your registration form.

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 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 pet. All fees include GST.

Note:

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

Responsible dog owners (RDO) must pay fees by 1 July to maintain their RDO status.

Type of Registration	Fee
Annual Registration Fees
Entire dog fee	$145
Responsible dog owners status	$50
Desexed (neutered) with proof	$105
Approved guide & hearing dogs	no charge
Working dogs	$40
Other Fees
Replacement of registration tag	$10
National Dog Database levy for all dogs	$2.50

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.

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