Dog registration and microchipping

We're making dog registration simpler, more cost-effective, and better for the environment.

• To reduce noise and wear, the new tag can’t freely rotate on the double turned split ring. 
• Keep the bling simple, please only add the lifetime tag to the D ring. 
• There is space on one side of the lifetime tag for engraving a message of your choice. 

What you need to complete the application form:

• Dog details
• Previous registration details
• Microchip number
• Desexing certificate

Apply to register a dog online

Microchipping and registration make it easier to identify and return lost and/or impounded dogs.

Microchipping is compulsory for all dogs which are being registered for the first time from 1 July 2006; and for any dog which has been classified as dangerous or menacing on or after 1 December 2003.

Microchipping is not compulsory for farm dogs and working dogs; however it becomes compulsory if they end up in one of our pounds and are either unregistered, or registered but it's the second time they've been impounded.

Your dog must be microchipped before it can be registered. Ask your local vet about microchipping or our Animal Control staff offer microchipping at either our Ngaruawahia or Pukekohe pounds, just pop into one of our council offices to pay a small fee before heading over to the pound with your dog to be microchipped.

Update your microchip details

Approved owner

Selected owner

Farm owner

Please note: Cheques are no longer accepted. All major banks are currently phasing out the use of cheques. Waikato District Council is not able to accept payment by cheque.

Free registration when you desex your dog

Get a year’s free dog registration by submitting your dog’s desexing certificate when you register or renew.

Conditions:

• Does not apply to dogs classified as dangerous and required to be desexed by law
• Certificate must be from a certified veterinarian describing the dog

To apply, sign your registration renewal notice and include the certificate.

Discounts for responsible dog owners

If you are a “good dog owner” and your dog has not been reported to Council or impounded for the past two years then you should already be classed as an approved dog owner and receive a discounted dog registration fee.

If you meet the approved dog owner criteria then you can also apply to become a selected owner or farm owner. If you meet our criteria for either of these then your dog registration fee will be further discounted.

The fine for not registering your dog is $300.

Apply to register a dog online

Microchipping and registration make it easier to identify and return lost and/or impounded dogs.

Microchipping is compulsory for all dogs which are being registered for the first time from 1 July 2006; and for any dog which has been classified as dangerous or menacing on or after 1 December 2003.

Microchipping is not compulsory for farm dogs and working dogs; however it becomes compulsory if they end up in one of our pounds and are either unregistered, or registered but it's the second time they've been impounded.

Your dog must be microchipped before it can be registered. Ask your local vet about microchipping or our Animal Control staff offer microchipping at either our Ngaruawahia or Pukekohe pounds, just pop into one of our council offices to pay a small fee before heading over to the pound with your dog to be microchipped.

Update your dogs microchip details online

In the Waikato district, no more than two dogs over the age of three months may be housed on individual premises in urban areas; and in country/lifestyle areas which are not zoned ‘rural’. Multi-unit housing and Papakaainga housing areas are restricted to one dog per household.

If you wish to keep more than the maximum number of dogs in either of the above situations, you will need a special permit to do so. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis and will require permission from your neighbours.

Apply online for a permit to keep more than two dogs

Permit conditions

All requirements of the Dog Control Act 1996  and Waikato District Council Dog Control Bylaw 2015 MUST be met at all times:

Dog owner complaint history shall be reviewed and considered on an individual basis.

The owner must meet the 'approved owner' and 'selected owner' policy criteria (see dog registrations for more information).

You must have written consent from neighbours who live on adjoining properties. If you are renting you must have written consent from the landlord or property owner.

Your property's fences must be able to contain and retain all dogs on the property.

You must provide adequate kennelling or other housing that is sited as to ensure adequate shade, warmth and dry conditions.

Permits declines and revocations

Any application to keep a dog which has been classified as menacing or dangerous under the Dog Control Act will be declined.

If you are granted a permit but breach its standards conditions - or (if applicable) its special terms or special conditions as set by the Council, your permit will be cancelled. You will have to re-apply for a permit and redress any situation which contributed to the breach.

Your permit is also specific to the number of dogs applied for at that time, so if you obtain any additional dogs without advising us, your permit will be cancelled and you will have to re-apply for one under the new situation.

If you believe you are unfairly being charged a fine, you may request that Council waive the fine.

Request waiver