What is Approved Owner status?

Approved Owner status recognises responsible dog ownership and provides discounted annual dog registration fees.

If your application is approved, your status usually remains in place for the life of your dog unless:

  • you breach the Approved Owner conditions outlined on the application form (online or printable [PDF 239 KB])
  • you move property and do not complete any required re-inspection process (see the Approved owner re-inspection fee on our Animal management fees page)
  • your dog no longer meets the criteria.

A one-off, non-refundable processing fee applies and entitles you to discounted registration fees.

Who is eligible for Approved Owner status?

You can apply for Approved Owner status if you:

  • have a good record of responsible dog ownership
  • have been a recorded dog owner on the Kāpiti Coast for at least the last two years
  • meet Council property and animal management requirements.

To be considered, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Dog requirements

Your dog must:

  • be microchipped where required under the Dog Control Act 1996
  • not have been impounded within the last two years
  • not have been chased or returned home by Council within the last two years
  • not have been the subject of any justified complaint within the last two years.

Property requirements

Your property and dog accommodation must meet Council standards for:

  • fencing
  • access
  • dog shelter
  • exercise areas

Payment requirements

You must:

  • pay all dog registration fees
  • pay the Approved Owner application processing fee.

For full details see in sections 6.8–6.10 of the Council's Dog Control Policy 2019.

Approved dog owner – online application

Apply online to become an approved dog owner and receive discounted annual registration fees. If you meet the criteria, apply by 1 May before registrations are due.
Subscribe to our dog owners e-newsletter

How to apply

Apply before 1 May for the next dog registration year.

Step 1: Complete the application form

Complete either:

Applications received after 1 May will be considered for the following registration year.

Step 2: Wait for confirmation before paying

Wait until we email you before paying the non-refundable processing fee.

See Payments for payment options.

Step 3: We review your application

An Animal Management officer will review your application.

They may contact you to:

  • arrange a property inspection
  • clarify information in your application.

Step 4: We inspect your property

An Animal Management officer will inspect your property to check that it meets the Approved Owner criteria.

Step 5: We confirm the decision

We will tell you the decision in writing.

We may use discretion when deciding whether to grant Approved Owner status.

Fees and discounts

Approved Owner status has a one-off, non-refundable processing fee.

If approved, you receive discounted annual dog registration fees.

If you move property, a re-inspection fee may apply. See Animal management fees for the Approved Owner re-inspection fee.

Contact us

Contact our Animal Management team if you want to discuss Approved Owner status before applying.