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Dog fees

Our dog registration fee structure rewards good dog ownership.

Responsible Dog Owner (RDO) applications

Applications open
You can apply for RDO status from 1 September 2023 to 30 April 2024. Find out how to qualify.

Pay on time to avoid a penalty fee

Dog registration fees are due on 1 July each year.

You will be charged a late payment fee of 50% of your registration cost if you pay after 31 July.

Discounts

You can reduce your fees by demonstrating responsible dog owner practices and by desexing your dog.

Check your fees

All fees include $2.50 for the National Dog Database Levy. This applies to all dogs except approved guide and hearing dogs.

Adult dogs

Fees for adult dogs vary depending on the type of dog you have and whether it has been desexed.

Puppies

Puppies must be registered by the time they are 3 months old. The fees cover the part of the year between the first registration (aged 3 months) and the beginning of the next registration year (1 July).

Imported dogs

The fees below cover the part of the year between the first registration on arrival in NZ and the beginning of the next registration year (1 July).

Adopted dogs and puppies (authorised providers)

This fee applies to dogs adopted through SCPA and HUHA. The following discounted fee applies to the first year of the puppy or dog's registration - from adoption to the beginning of the new registration year (1 July). After the first year of registration, usual fees apply (see Fees for adult dogs table above).

Dog euthanisation

If we agree to take your dog and it cannot be rehomed, there is a charge for euthanisation.

Dog walker licence

If you are walking or training a dogs in exchange of payment, you are considered a commercial/professional dog walker and will require a licence to use public spaces when walking, handling and training dogs.

How to pay

Pay online

New registration - After you register your dog for the first time with Wellington City Council, we will email you the payment details. You can then pay online.

Re-registration - Pay online to re-register your dog when you receive your invoice from Wellington City Council in May / June.

Pay a re-registration fee (one dog)

Pay a re-registration fee (multiple dogs)

Note:
You'll need to provide your Dog ID Number, which you can find on the top left of your re-registration invoice.

Pay in person

You can pay your dog registration fees using cash, EFTPOS or Amex, Visa or Mastercard at the Council's Service Centre, 12 Manners Street (8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday; closed public holidays).

Late payment surcharge

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

Keeping your RDO discount

Responsible dog owners (RDO) must pay fees by 31 July to maintain their RDO status. If you don't pay your fee on time, you lose your RDO status and your discount.

How your fees are used

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:

  • signs and advertising about dog bylaws
  • education programmes and campaigns in schools, community groups and businesses
  • dog control, including law enforcement, and attending to complaints and incidents
  • administering the animal shelter at Moa Point
  • administering the dog shelter.

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