Dogs

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Dog Overview and Registration

We encourage responsible dog ownership by providing policies for dog owners and their pets while maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the public. This section contains information about being a responsible dog owner.

What are my responsibilities as a dog owner?

Registering your dog.
Keeping your dog under control at all times.
Ensuring that your dog receives proper care, food, water, shelter and exercise.
Taking all reasonable steps to ensure your dog does not injure, endanger, intimidate or otherwise cause distress to anyone.
Muzzling your dog in public if it is known to be dangerous.
Accepting liability for damage done by your dog.
Carrying a leash at all times when you are in public with your dog.
Complying with the bylaws.

Registering your dog

All dogs over the age of three months must be registered with us.
All dogs registered for the first time must be microchipped.
Dog registrations need to be renewed annually. For the year starting 1 July 2011, registrations need to be paid by 15 August before a 25 per cent penalty fee is applied.
All registered dogs receive a numbered tag as proof of registration. These tags must be attached to the dog’s collar at all times.
Dogs found with no registration tags are taken to the pound.
If you do not register your dog, you may be prosecuted through the courts or receive an infringement notice under the Dog Control Act for continuing to keep an unregistered dog. Unregistered dogs can be seized from your property.

Dog registration form (Two pages 63KB PDF)

Can I pay part year fees?

If you get your dog part way through the year you may pay part year fees. These are charged for the number of complete months left in the registration year and must be paid in one sum. We can also back date fees if needed.

Dog registration fees

Transferring dog registration

Owner registration is transferable free of charge, anywhere in New Zealand. To transfer your dog registration fill in the registration form and bring it in to us, along with the dog’s current tag or registration form. We'll then give you a New Plymouth District Council tag at no charge. Remember to let your previous dog registering council know that you have moved.

Dog registration form (Two pages 63KB PDF)

Can I get a refund if my dog dies?

Yes. Refunds are only available during the current financial year 1 July to 30 June and are calculated from the remaining complete months of that year from the date of receipt of the signed form. To get a refund contact us for a refund form and take or send it, along with either a vet’s certificate or the dog’s tag, to us. Registration fees are not refundable if your dog has been sold or given away.

Can I get a replacement tag?

Replacement tags are available. Download a new registration form, which needs to be filled out to get a replacement tag.

Dog registration form (Two pages 63KB PDF)

Can I keep more than two dogs in the city?

To be able to keep more than two dogs on an urban property (less than 1 hectare) you must apply for consent. Consent application forms are available from us and require a property inspection. There is no charge for an inspection.