Register your dog

Dog registration is an annual fee payable each year. All dog registrations expire on 30 June each year and dog owners have until 1 August to re-register without penalty. Payments received by 31 July each year are discounted in line with Dog Management Fees and Charges.  

Dogs must be microchipped and registered before they reach the age of 12 weeks old. Contact your vet for more details on microchipping your dog.  

The registration fee varies depending on whether the dog is a working dog, whether or not it is de-sexed, or classified dangerous.

Online

Step 1.Have your card available

Pay using a credit or debit card (Visa and Mastercard only). We do not charge a fee for online credit card payments. 

Step 2.You'll need your reference available 

You will need your animal number which is shown on your Dog Registration Invoice.  The number is in the column 'WDC ID' next to the dogs name.

Step 3.Renew and pay online

Please ensure you have a credit or debit card available so you can pay your registration online.

Step 4.Agree to the Terms and conditions 

I have read, understand and agree to the Online Service Terms and Conditions

I Accept

Bank transfer

Internet banking is a convenient method to pay online, especially if you are paying for several dogs. 

Step 1.Have your reference available 

You will need your 'Name ID'. Which you can find on your Dog Registration Invoice document, under your personal details, in a row stating "Office Use Only".

Step 2.Internet Banking 

WDC Account ref:  12 3115 0040516 02
WDC Statement:    Dog Reg, Name ID, your last name

In person

Visit one of our Customer Service Centres to renew or register a new dog:

Forum North
7 Rust Avenue, Whangārei

 

Ruakaka Service Centre
9 Takutai Place, Ruakaka


Want to register a new dog, bring this completed form with you.

Dog Registration Form(PDF, 249KB)

Register new dog

Step 1.Ensure your dog is microchipped

You will need to provide your dog's microchip number on the registration form. If your dog is found to not be microchipped, you may be liable for a $300 fine.

Step 2.Gather relevant documents

Ensure you have the relevant documents and certificates such as proof of microchipping and de-sexing (if applicable).

Step 3.Register 

Print and complete the following form and take it along with the relevant documents to our customer services. Customer services will calculate the fees, take payment and complete the registration process. 

Dog Registration Form(PDF, 249KB)

Table showing dog registration fee for Early Bird discount and charges if paid on or after 1 August 2021
Registration fee Current "Early Bird" fee (1 to 31 July 2021) Current fee (if paid on or after 1 August 2021)
Standard dog $100 $150
Discounted fee owner (desexed dog) $86 $129
Working dog $64 $96
Dangerous dog $150 $225
Service dog No fee No fee
Puppy 1/12th of the relevant fee for each complete month remaining in the registration year 1/12th of the relevant fee for each complete month remaining in the registration year
Infringement fee for non-registration, as set under the Dog Control Act 1996 Not applicable $300
Replacement tags $6 $6
Table showing dog-related charges other than registration fee
Other charges Current fee
First impounding $146
Second impounding $165
Impounding fee for third and any subsequent impounding $203
Dog sustenance fee per day $25

If your dog passes away, you need to notify us in writing or visit our Forum North or Ruakākā service centre, and specifically request a refund.

It is important that you do this as soon as possible, as the refunds are calculated on the number of full months left in the registration year, from the date we receive your written notification. 

The written request for a refund needs to be accompanied by either:

  • the current registration tag of the deceased dog
  • a certificate or an invoice from a Veterinary Clinic confirming that the dog has passed away.

You will also need to provide proof of your bank account as all refunds are made to the owner's bank account.

Refunds are not available if your dog changes ownership or you sign your dog over to animal management.

Lost dogs / change of district

Council will not refund a proportion of the registration fee in respect of a dog that has been lost, or has changed owners or districts within New Zealand.

Registration fees are paid annually and used to maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents, dog owners and their pets. We do not profit from dog fees.

The fees structure is designed to reward good dog ownership. You can reduce your fees by neutering or spaying your dog.

Registering your dog pays for:

  • enforcing the Dog Control Act and bylaws 
  • education programmes and campaigns for schools and community or business groups
  • dog management, including law enforcement, patrols and attending to complaints and incidents
  • administering the animal management offices and kennels
  • administering our dog management programme.

Fees are GST inclusive.

An infringement of $300 is payable if you are found to have an unregistered dog.

Recently moved here? You must register your dog with Whangarei District Council and advise the other council. Failure to advise Council of your change of address within 14 days may result in a fine.

Fees and Charges

The New Zealand government requires us to keep a database of dogs registered in the Whangārei district.

Please let us know if your dog's circumstances change.

 Information kept on the register includes:

  • name, address and date of birth of the owner of the dog (allows for you to be distinguished from someone with the same name)
  • address where the dog is kept
  • description of the dog e.g. breed, colour, distinguishing markings
  • the age and sex of the dog (including whether the dog is neutered or not)
  • whether the dog is classified as a dangerous or menacing dog
  • description of any tattoo or microchip transponder that provides other permanent identification on the dog.

If you move to another council's area, notify us and the other council in writing, within 14 days, please provide:

  • your new address
  • the registration number of the tag or disc issued for the dog.

A fine of $100 applies if you fail to update your address details.

Inserting a microchip is a harmless and straightforward procedure which is done by your vet. It means that if a dog is lost and is not wearing its registration tag it can be identified easily by scanning the microchip tag.

All puppies in New Zealand must be microchipped and under the Dog Control Act 2006, microchips will be applied to dogs that:

  • are classified as a dangerous or menacing dog
  • are registered for the first time on or after 1 July 2006
  • are impounded for a second occasion
  • are unregistered and are impounded.

Working farm dogs are exempt from microchipping.

Failure to microchip a dog could result in an infringement notice, possible prosecution and a $300 fine.

Dog registration and chipping are two separate processes - you must register your dog every year but microchipping needs to be done only once.

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