Dog Registration
What is defined as a working dog?
Working dogs include disability assist dogs, police dogs and dogs used primarily for herding/driving stock. They do not include hunting dogs - Read the legislation here
Special permit if you own more than two dogs in a residential area
If you live in a residential zone and own or are keeping more than two dogs, you will need to apply for a permit for that property. You must apply by completing an application for a Multiple Dog Property Licence.
A Dog Control Officer will visit your property. The history of you as a dog owner and that of your dogs will be taken into consideration; also the cleanliness and size of the kennelling facilities on your property.
If you move address or acquire a different dog, you will need to re-apply for another permit.
When do Puppies need to be registered?
Puppies need to be registered by the time they are 12 weeks old (3 months). It is best to apply for your registration well before that date.
Why do I have to register my dog?
It is a government requirement that all dogs over the age of 3 months are registered and microchipped (S5 (1)a Dog control Act 1996)
Ensuring that all dogs are registered benefits dog owners and the public in the following ways:
- enables council to respond to reports of dog attacks and complaints about barking and stray animals
- provide shelter services: impoundment, care for strays and reuniting dogs with their owners
- enforce compliance, issue infringements and patrol beaches and parks
- prosecute serious dog related offences (under the Dog Control Act ).
Info about registration tags
Registered dogs receive a colour-coded tag that must be worn at all times on their collar. The colour changes each year. With this tag, your dog can be easily identified and returned to you if he is found wandering. Other registered dogs that may be upsetting your pet or causing you a problem to your family or property, can also be identified and incidents followed up with their owners.
If you dog lose its tag, there is a small charge to replace it. The replacement tag will have a new registration number.
Has your dog changed address or owner?
If you change your address or give your dog to someone else to look after, either permanently or for longer than 14 days, you must tell us. Please email us at regulatory@kaikoura.govt.nz with details and we will help you register the new details.
Have you moved out of Kaikōura District?
If you or your dog move to another district council area, find out what you need to do to transfer your registration by contacting the Council in that area. Usually you will go into the new Council and simply swap your current registration tag for a new one in the new area at no charge.
What if your dog dies
If your dog dies, please notify the Council as soon as possible so the we can remove your dog from our register and we will not send you a reminder letter that you may find upsetting. Once we receive your notification, we will refund your registration for every full month remaining in the registration year. Contact regulatory@kaikoura.govt.nz
For example if your dog is currently registered and dies in September, provided that we have received notification during that same month, the registration fee will be refunded from October until the end of the financial year which is 30 June annually.
