Dog Ownership

Your Council

Owning a dog is a pleasure and a privilege - and it takes care and commitment.

There are many responsibilites that come with owning a dog, such as training, housing, feeding and exercising. There are also legal responsibilites. If you own a dog, it is your legal obligation to:

keep your dog under control (fines of up to $3,000 apply if you fail to comply)
ensure that your dog receives proper care and attention and is supplied with proper and sufficient food, water and shelter (fines of up to $5,000 apply if you fail to comply)
ensure that your dog receives adequate exercise (fines of up to $5,000 apply if you fail to comply).

The information on this page has been prepared with reference to the Dog Control Amendment Act (2003).

Registering your Dog

It is a legal requirement in New Zealand to register your dog annually, for which there is a fee.

If you are new to the Kapiti Coast District, have a new dog, or have an unregistered dog you need to register your dog with the Council immediately.

All registrations are due on 1 July, but we generally allow until the Friday of the first week in August for fees to be paid before applying late charges.
All dogs must be registered by three months of age.

If you do not register your dog, you will be liable to fines of up to $3,000.00.

What are registration fees used for?

Your registration fee contributes to the cost of the Animal Control Service and meeting the requirements of the Dog Control Amendment Act (2003).

Some of the services your registration fee provides are:

promoting better care and control of dogs
responding to complaints
impounding of dogs
providing and maintaining the Kapiti Coast District Pound
taking legal action against owners of unregistered and uncontrolled dogs
implementing national dog control policies
monitoring and enforcing dog control bylaws
providing public education programmes
advising owners about training and dog control.

How do I register my dog?

Complete the Council's Dog Registration Application Form. This can be mailed in with your appropriate fees, or you can also register your dog at your local Council Service Centres.

How much does it cost to register my dog?

Please refer to the Council's Dog Registration Application Form for a schedule of fees for owning a dog on the Kapiti Coast District. You are eligible for a discounted fee if you:

pay on time
qualify and apply for Approved Ownership (you must meet the criteria and apply before April 1)
have your dog neutered or speyed - the dog owners must provide either a Neuter/Spey certificate from their vet, or complete a Neuter/Spey Declaration form to receive this discount.
are a member of the New Zealand Kennel Club.

Unregistered dog fees

Any dog not displaying current registration tags on its collar is deemed to be unregistered, and can attract fines of up to $3,000. Replacement tags cost $5.00 for the first and $10 for any subsequent replacements.

Approved Owners

You may be eligible for Approved Owner status, which entitles you to discounted registration fees. To qualify, you must have:

adequate fencing
a 12 month 'clean' history with Kapiti Coast District Council Animal Control.

Council reserves the right to exercise discretion in the final grant of Approved Owner status.

The Approved Owner Application Form can be found in our Guides and Forms section.

Registration Fee refunds on dog death

If your dog dies, you are entitled to a proportionate refund of your registration fee. You must return the tag and/or provide proof of death from your vet, or sign a Deceased Dog Declaration Form. The refund is for full months left in the registration year following the notification.

Keeping Multiple Dogs

Keeping three or more dogs aged three months or more on an urban property requires a special licence, called a Special Licence to Keep Three or More Dogs.

Change of Address

Your dog's registration is valid throughout the country. If you move away from the Kapiti Coast District you need to notify the Council in your new area, which will exchange Kapiti Coast District Council dog tags for theirs free of charge.

If you move to the Kapiti Coast District, you need to notify the Kapiti Coast District Council within 14 days. Animal Control will record the details of you and your dog and exchange your old dog tags for free.

Change of Ownership

If you sell or re-home your dog the registration remains valid, but both you and the new owner must inform your respective Councils within 14 days. Dog tags will be exchanged free of charge.

You can find the Notification of Dog Transferred Out of District form here.