Dog Registration

85% of the Animal Control service (including dog registration) is funded by user charges.

Below is a list of Animal Control fees and charges for the 2025/26 year. Council reviews these fees and charges annually:

• Full dog registration fee: $162
• Minus rebates if applicable
• Late payment (after 31 July) will result in a 50% penalty fee. An infringement fine of $300 for keeping an unregistered dog may also be issued.

Proposed Fees and Charges 2026/27

Consultation closed on 19 April 2026, and the new Fees and Charges 2026/27 will be adopted by Council on 13 May 2026. You can learn more about this consultation here, as well as the review of the Dog Bylaw and Dog Policy here.

Below is a list of fees and charges that are proposed for 1 July 2026 - 30 June 2027:

• Full dog registration fee: $172
• Minus rebates/bonus if applicable: up to $80
• New - Animal control microchipping: $50
• Late payment (after 31 July) will result in a 50% penalty fee. An infringement fine of $300 for keeping an unregistered dog may also be issued.

The $10 increase in the dog ownership registration fee reflects increases in costs (particularly overheads and legal, salaries, vet and sustenance costs) and aligns with our Revenue and Financing Policy. 

A new fee for Animal control microchipping of $50 has been added to allow us to provide this service at the pound.

Want to pay lower fees?

Rebates reward responsible dog owners. These rebates include:

• No complaints, impounding or infringements bonus - $35 
  Every owner is automatically eligible for this rebate unless a dog you own has been impounded during the previous and/or current registration year*, your registration fees weren't paid on time or we have received a complaint that has been followed up and found to be justified.  
• One of the following: desexed dog, working dog, registered New Zealand breeder rebate – $30 
  If you have previously received this rebate you will automatically be eligible. You can only claim one of the desexed/working dog/Dogs New Zealand breeder rebates per dog. To claim this rebate you must provide either a copy of a vet certificate for a desexed dog rebate, complete a working dog declaration form or provide your annual Dogs New Zealand breeder papers.
• Responsible Owner Rebate - $15
  If you have previously received a responsible owner's rebate you will automatically be eligible for this rebate unless a dog you own has been impounded during the previous and/or current registration year*, we have received a complaint that has been followed up and found to be justified or you don't pay your fees before 31 July.  If you've never had a responsible owner's rebate you can apply for one at any Council office by completing a short test, signing the terms and conditions form, and having your property inspected by one of our Animal Control Officers. If you have an urban property your section must be fully fenced to qualify. 

*Registration year runs from 1 July to 30 June.

How to register/re-register your dog

Your dog registration notice includes all the information on how to re-register your dog. You can do this by:

• Using our online form (your registration tag will be mailed to you)
• Visiting any Council office, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm. 

The fastest way to get dog registration notices is via email, or make the switch at mpdc.nz/dogrenewal