Dog Registration
Haven't received an annual registration invoice?
Make sure your dog is registered by 30 June each year. Make a note of this date, as the responsibility rests with the owner.
Ways to pay
You can pay online or you can set up a Direct Credit using internet banking.
Ways to pay for your dog registration
Reduce your dog registration fee
If you have selected dog owner' status, you qualify for a rebate on your dog registration fee. Contact us to find out how to complete the multi-choice test based on the New Zealand Dog Owners' Manual.
Find out if you are eligible for selected dog ownership
What does my dog registration fee cover?
The Rotorua Lakes Council's Animal Control team has the responsibility to manage dog and stock issues in the district.
The dog population is growing yearly and we now have over 12,000 known dogs. Our Animal Services team receives over 6,500 complaints every year. We impound over 1,500 dogs, of which 70% are returned home or adopted to new homes
In Rotorua, there is a ratepayer contribution towards the cost of animal control services however, dog registration fees help to pay for most of our animal services activities, including:
- Providing and maintaining facilities (the pound) for the care, welfare and return of lost, stray, impounded or seized dogs
- Investigation, monitoring and resolution of dog issues such as nuisance (barking & roaming), aggressive and dangerous dogs (rushing's & attacks)
- Monitoring and enforcement of the dog control act, bylaws and policy
- Providing doggie doo bags (collect these from the Customer Centre counter)
- Friendly and professional advice to dog owners and residents, also providing bark collars (for hire)
- Providing dog safety education
- Patrolling public areas, reserves, parks, sportsfields and signage in public places including our lakes all aimed at public education, safety and where required enforcement action
- Stock control on roads
As with any business, there are also standard overheads associated with vehicles, technology, facilities, administration, record keeping of over 11,000 dogs (including the updating of the National Dog Database), staff costs, management etc.
Moving to another part of the country?
Your dog's registration is valid nationwide. If you register your dog in one place and visit another, your dog's registration remains in force. But if you and your dog live in a new area for 1 month or more, you must
- Advise the council where you registered your dog that you have moved.
- Write to the council in your new area to let them know that you and your dog are living in the district. You need to do this within 6 weeks, in writing.
Your new district council will add your dog to their register and give you a local registration tag or disc free of charge.
Dog owner change of details form
Involved in changing the ownership of a dog?
When the ownership of a dog is changed the registration remains in force, but the previous owner and the new owner must let their district councils know what has happened. You need to advise your council, in writing, within 14 days. Failure to do this can result in a fine of up to $500.00. You can also advise the council about a change in dog ownership by going to the Dogs Online section on this site.
Do not:
- Remove a collar bearing a registration tag or disc from a dog.
- Attach to any dog a tag or disc that has been issued to another dog.
- Make a false application when registering a dog.
- Make a counterfeit disc or tag or have in your possession a tag or disc resembling a current registration tag.
- Offences relating to dog registration can lead to fines of up to $3000.00.
Lost your dog tag?
You will need a replacement tag or disc if you lose or misplace your dog's original tag or disc.
To obtain a replacement, you will need to complete a replacement tag form and pay the applicable fee.
A replacement tag form can be:
- Can be requested and paid for online via this site on the Dogs Online section,
- or can be collected from the Rotorua Lakes Council Civic Centre,
- or can be applied for via email, fax or post.
Download and complete the Request for Dog Tag Replacement Form and email, fax or post it to Rotorua Lakes Council, Civic Centre, 1061 Haupapa St, Private Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua 3046.
A replacement tag or disc will not be issued until payment has been received. Credit Card payments may be taken over the phone.
Request for dog tag replacement form
If your dog dies
If your dog dies and you have paid for current registration, you can make a written request for a refund or fill out the Change of Dog Status Form below. The Council will give you whatever remaining portion of the yearly rate remains after notification. You must also return the tag and/or provide proof from your vet.
Notification of microchipping
Dogs required by law to be microchipped are:
- All dogs registered for the very first time after July 2006, except working farm dogs.
- Dogs classified as dangerous or menacing on or after 1 December 2003.
- Dogs that get impounded and are unregistered.
- Dogs that are registered but get impounded more than once.
You need to advise the Council when you have microchipped your dog and provide a copy of the microchip certificate or one of the barcodes that the implanter has given to you.
