Discounted dog registration for ‘Responsible owners’

12 October 2021

Westland District Council offers a discounted dog registration rate to owners who apply for and meet the Responsible Dog Owner Status. Applications can be made to Council at any time and owners will receive a rebate on their licence fee for the first year. A non-refundable fee of $50 is payable on application, and yearly registration fees are $50 per dog thereafter.

To qualify for Responsible Dog Owner Status, dog owners must meet the following criteria:

  • The property must have a fenced area or kennel and enclosed run where dogs can be securely contained when not under direct control.
  • Dogs have been registered with a NZ Council during the previous two (2) years.
  • Dogs are microchipped (except working dogs).
  • Dogs have not been found wandering or impounded during the previous two (2) years.
  • The owner has not received a late registration penalty, written warning, infringement, abatement notice or prosecution under the Dog Control Act 1996 or the Westland District Council Dog Control Bylaw during the previous two (2) years.

Upon application, a dog control officer will inspect the property and confirm if the owner meets the criteria for Responsible Dog Owner Status.

Dog Registration Fees  
Responsible Owners  
Inspection fee (first year) $50
Registration fee: all areas $50
Standard Registration  
Registration fee: Hokitika and Kaniere township (urban) $74
Registration fee: Other areas $58.50
Late registration  
Registration penalty – from 1 August 50% of the applicable fee


Discounted dog registration for ‘Responsible owners’