If you still have a question after reading these, please phone our Customer Service Team on 09 237 1300 or e-mail us.

When do I need to register my dog?

All dogs over the age of 3 months must be registered.

What happens if I don’t register my dog?

Keeping a dog older than 3 months which is unregistered is an offence. On conviction a court may impose a fine of up to $3,000.

How do you know my dog is registered?

There are two main ways we know if dogs are registered. Firstly, Council keeps a register of dogs. Secondly if you ensure that your dog has a collar with a current registration label or disc attached. You can purchase replacement discs and collars from Franklin District Council. If a dog is found without its current registration label or disc it will, until the contrary is proved, be treated as unregistered. This means that the dog may be seized or impounded.

What happens if I sell or give my dog away?

When a registered dog changes ownership both the old owner and the new owner must, within 14 days, give written notice to Franklin District Council. Provide Council with:
The change of ownership
Residential address of new owner and the address at which the dog is kept
It is an offence not to meet this requirement and you could receive a fine of up to $500 if you don’t comply.

What if I move?

If you move within the district you must change your address in writing with Franklin District Council within 14 days.
If you move outside the district (and intend staying outside the district for 1 month or more) or the dog transfers outside the district, you must within 6 weeks give written notice to Franklin District Council and to the new territorial authority. You must let both Councils know the address at which the dog will be kept.

What if my dog dies?

If your dog dies you will receive a refund. The refund is made as follows:
Where a dog dies before the commencement of the year, the full fee will be refunded
Where the dog dies during the year, 1/12th (one twelfth) of the annual fee for each complete month remaining in the registration year will be refunded. i.e. if there are 4 complete months left you will receive 4/12th of a refund.

Can I have more than one dog?

To have two or more dogs on a residential or rural residential zoned property you need a permit. A fee of $50 applies. Contact us on (09) 237 1300 for more information on a multi dog permit.

Can I get my registration fee lowered?

Being a responsible owner is rewarded in Franklin District Council’s fee structure. You pay a lower fee for de-sexing your dog or working towards a dog owner licence. For more on the fee structure visit the page “Registration” in this section.