Dog Registration
Register your dog now for 2023-24
Dogs must be registered by 31 July to avoid a 50% late penalty fee
We will be sending dog registration forms to everyone with an active registration so look our for your form in your post box, or your email inbox if you told us you prefer email. It will contain all your registration information - if your contact details have changed you may not receive a registration form.
Let us know if you have not received your form or if any of the details on your form are incorrect by contacting us on regulatory@kaikoura.govt.nz or phoning us on 03 319 5026.
If you think you might have issues paying for your registration before 31 July contact our Regulatory Team Leader Joanna York at joanna.york@kaikoura.govt.nz or phone and ask to speak with her.
How to Pay
Please note: Dog registrations will not be issued until Council has received a completed registration form and payment.
- Over the counter - bring a copy of your completed form with you. You can pay by cash or eftpos at the Kaikōura District Council office, Level 2, 96 West End, Kaikōura.
- Online
Make an online payment through your bank to Kaikōura District Council - account number 02-0856-0011698-000. Please use your Owner ID followed by your dogs name as reference (if you have more than one dog, you only need to supply one name). Please include payment for all dogs in one transaction. Once we have processed your application and received your payment we will aim to get your new registration tag to you in 7 days.
Other ways to register your dog
We will be sending dog registration forms to anyone on our active dog registration database. Look our for your form in your post box, or your email inbox if you told us you prefer email.
If you do not want to register online you can also register at:
- Council Office - Bring your form with you into council offices at 96 West End, Level 2, Kaikōura and we will take payment over the counter. If you are registering for the first time with us we can provide you with everything you need.
- By Post - Return your completed form to us by post to 96 West End, Level 2, Kaikōura. Ensure you pay the correct fee. Once we have processed your application and received your payment we will aim to get your new registration tag to you in 7 days.
Registration costs
If you are not sure what charges apply to you, please call us.
| Type of Fee | Cost |
| Standard registration (per dog) | $80 each |
| Neutered or spayed dogs (per dog) | $60 each |
| Menacing/dangerous dogs (per dog) | $100 |
| Additional Permit fee if keeping more than 2 dogs in a residential area (see note below) | + $40 total |
| Working dogs, Neutered or spayed (less than three) = Standard registration cost per dog | $60 each |
| Working dogs not desexed (less than three) = Standard registration cost per dog | $80 each |
| Working dogs - three or more dogs discounted rate | $160 total |
| Late registration penalties (In accordance with Dog Control Act) | |
| + 50% late registration charge is added to all payments received after 1 August | +50% total |
| For example: Single dog registration received after the 1 August is $120 ($80+50%) |
NB Charges can be adjusted proportionally for new dogs registered part way through the year - call us for more information.
Special Permits for more than two dogs
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.
Some FAQ's
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
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.
More dog registration information
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 ).
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.
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.
