Registering your dog

Every dog must be registered before it is three months old, and from then on registration must be renewed each year.  Below you will find information on how to register and microchip your dog, get the responsible owner discount, change ownership details, and what to do if your dog dies.

On this page, you will find:

Registering your dog | How to register your dog for the first time |How to re-register your dog | How much does it cost | Where does my dog registration payment go?| Unregistered dog fines | Application for dog registration late fee waiver | Refund on death of dog

Registering your dog 

It's a legal requirement in New Zealand to register your dog annually, and there is a fee associated with this.

If you're new to the Kāpiti Coast District or have a new and/or unregistered dog, you'll need to register your pooch with the Council.

• Dogs have to be registered and micro-chipped before they turn three months old.
• If you want to be a dog owner, you need to be over 16 years of age.
• You must ensure that your dog is registered with the Council every year by 31 July.
• The Council is required by law to ensure all dogs are registered because of the Dog Control Act 1996.
• Any dog registered after 31 July each year will incur a late fee.

If you don't register your dog, you could be liable for fines of up to $3,000.

• Dog registration form 2019/20
• Dog registration information sheet

How to register your dog for the first time?

• Bring your completed dog registration application form into one of our service centres and pay the fee in person.
• Post your completed registration form (and fee) to Kāpiti Coast District Council, Private Bag 60601, Paraparaumu 5254.
• Use internet banking (see the back of your registration form for more information).

How to re-register your dog?

If you have already registered your dog with Kapiti Coast District Council, you will receive a re-registration application form in June.
When you receive your re-registration form and invoice in the mail, carefully check all details. 

You can alos use the above ways to register or you can:

• Use our Online Services Account portal (Please note that you'll need your registration form and a debit or credit card. Please see the Online payment Terms & Conditions before proceeding with this service.)

How much does it cost to register your dog?

• View the current dog registration fee schedule.
  

Note 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 1 May - see below for more details)
• have your dog neutered or speyed (you must provide a neuter/spey certificate from your vet)
• are a member of the New Zealand Kennel Club.

Where does your dog registration payment go?

In our District, dog registration fees go towards funding a wide range of important services designed to help dogs, their owners, and the wider community. Some of these are:

• Providing a 24-hour response to urgent dog incidents or attacks within one hour from the time the call is received.
• Patrolling public areas, reserves, parks, beaches, and sports fields in our community.
• Monitoring and enforcing the Dog Control Act 1996 and ensuring compliance with the Kapiti District Council Dog Control Bylaws and the Dog Control Policy.
• Investigating complaints (including dog threatening and attacks, domestic pets, stock and wildlife, barking nuisance, roaming, lost and found dogs).
• Dealing with wandering stock.
• Re-homing dogs.
• Providing and maintaining the animal management shelter.
• Providing education programmes, signage, poo bags and dispensers, and promoting community animal safety.
• Funding the National Dog Database.

Unregistered dog fines

Any dog not displaying a current registration tag on its collar may be deemed as unregistered and the dog owner may have to pay fines as set by the Dog Control Act 1996. You can get replacement dog tags from the Council for a fee.

• View more information about these charges.

Application for dog registration late fee waiver

• Late fee waiver form

Registration fee refund on the death of dog

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 the number of months left in the registration year following notification.