Dog Registration

Registration of any dog is compulsory throughout New Zealand. Dogs must be registered from the age of three months old.

Registration is due annually on 1 July.

If your dog is registered, you will be sent a re-registration form to the most current postal address you have listed.

Please ensure Council is advised of any change of ownership or address and let us know if your dog has passed away, as you may be entitled to a partial refund of the registration fee.

How to transfer dog registration when moving between districts ?

When you move between districts, you also need to transfer your dog’s registration. There are a few simple steps to follow to do this.

If you move to the Tararua district just bring your current dog registration tag/s to one of the Council service centres. You will then be given a registration form where you fill in your current address and owner details. Following this, a Tararua District Council registration tag will be given in exchange, free of charge.

When a person moves out of the Tararua district the dog owner must advise Tararua District Council of this change (to avoid any issues in the next registration period). After this, the owner should take their dog's current registration tag to the new district’s council office to exchange.

How do I pay for my dog registration?

To pay by internet banking, make your payment to account: 03-0614-0088406-000

Make sure you provide the correct details so we can identify your payment:

  • Particulars: Name
  • Analysis code: "DogID"
  • Reference: owner ID number

You can pay your dog registration in person at any of our Customer Service Centres with cash or debit card between 8.30am - 5.00pm, Monday - Friday.

Please bring your dog registration notice with you.

Useful Forms

Dog Registration - PDF file (135.5 KB)

Keeping More Than Three Dogs Application - PDF file (1.5 MB)

Dog Transfer Notification - PDF file (1.4 MB)

Refund Application & Deceased Dog Notification - PDF file (765.9 KB)

Dog Registration Fees

Click Here

Preferred Owner Status is a special dog owner status that recognises good, responsible dog owners and entitles them to a reduced annual dog registration fee. Your dog must be registered for at least a year before you are eligible to apply for the Preferred Owner Status.

Applications for Preferred Owner Status must be made after the second week of August, and before the last Friday in April, to be eligible for the reduce fee for the following registration year. All approvals are subject to a satisfactory property inspection and administrative checks.

You can get the forms from your nearest Council Service Centre or download the form below:

Application Form | Preferred Dog Owner Status (PDF file, 540.7 KB)