Dog registration information

• Metal tags FAQs

  Since I’m not getting a new tag every year, do I still have to pay my registration every year?

  Yes, you still have to pay your registration every year.

  If I don’t get a tag every year, how will I know when to pay my registration?

  We will contact you each year to let you know when and how to pay your registration.

  How do I pay my dog registration?

  You can pay use the Dog registration renewal pay online or in person at one of our Service Centres.

  What do I get for the cost of my registration?

  The council provides you with exercise areas for dogs. We deliver an education programme for the public, and we also provide a 24/7 service that includes care of wandering dogs and the investigation of complaints.

  Can I get my tag in a different colour?

  No, all the tags are gold on one side and silver on the other. The gold side will be engraved with the dog’s registration number. The gold colour was chosen because it’s easiest to read engraving on the gold colour.

  Can I customise my tag?

  Yes. Dog owners may wish to have the silver side engraved with their phone number or the dog’s name.

  What happens if my tag gets lost?

  If you lose your tag please contact our Customer Services team on (03) 477 4000 and we will send you a new tag. There may be a small fee for this service.

  What happens if my tag gets damaged?

  If your tag gets damaged during normal use, we will replace it at no cost to you. We are working closely with our supplier to ensure the tags are robust.

  When will I get my new tag?

  Your new tag will be sent to you once you have paid your dog registration from mid-June.

  Are the new tags heavy?

  The discs are made from lightweight aluminium and weigh about as much as a feather.

  Can I get a ‘strip’ tag instead of a disc

  The disc is the only option at this stage. If you have any feedback on these, please let us know.

• Step one: Prepare relevant information

  • Know your dog's breed
  • if your dog has been de-sexed, have a digital photograph or scan of the veterinary certificate
  • if your dog has been microchipped, have the microchip number and a digital photograph or scan of the microchip certificate.

• Step two: Apply online

  The easiest way to register a dog for the first time is to do it online at the bottom of this page.

  You will be able to pay online using your Visa or Mastercard. There is no surcharge for this.

  Once the registration fee has been paid you will receive an email confirming we have received the application, along with a payment receipt. Once we have processed the application, a dog tag will be posted to you.

  If you need help filling in the form, please ring us on 03 477 4000

• You can also apply in person

  If you can’t register your dog online, ring our Customer Service Team on 03 477 4000 or visit the Dunedin City Council or a Service Centre to have the registration processed.

• Working dogs registration

  A working dog as defined in the Dog Control Act 1996.

  In order to determine that a dog is kept solely and principally for the purpose of herding and driving stock, the Dunedin City Council has to be satisfied that a dog is a working dog.

  By making an application for your dog to be registered as a working dog, you consent to an Animal Control Officer visiting your property to view your dog working if required. Their decision may affect the (re)registration of your dog in the following year.

• Desexed dogs -$10 discount

  You will need to provide the DCC with evidence from your vet that your dog has been neutered or spayed, such as a receipt, invoice or a certificate.

  We will accept photos or scans of official documentation provided by your vet containing the vet’s logo, the dog's name, description, breed, colour, sex and a description of the procedure.

  We will also accept a printout from the National Dog Database if your dog was previously registered with another owner.

• Responsible Dog Ownership Status discount

  Responsible Dog Ownership Status discount

  You need to apply for Responsible Dog Ownership (RDO) status before 15 April.

  You don’t need to reapply for Responsible Dog Owner status each year but if you don’t own a dog for two years you will need to reapply when you get a new dog.

  If you held a similar status in another district you can apply to have it transferred. We need verification of your former status, payment of the fee, and we will do a property inspection

  • Responsible Dog Ownership criteria

Refund of registration

If your dog dies during the registered year, you may request a refund  for the unused portion of the fee you paid.  You can apply online or at our Customer Services Centres please provide verification of your bank account  when submitting

Refunds are only available from the date of application, not from the date your dog died. You must return the registration tag or disc if requested. We will not grant refunds in respect to dogs that have been lost, stolen or have changed owners or districts within New Zealand or if the dog is being relocated overseas.

What do you get for your registration?

We provide a 24 hour a day, seven days a week service including:

• Investigation of complaints
• Impounding and care of wandering dogs
• An education programme aimed at the general public
• Provision of exercise areas