Dog registration fees set to rise for 2025/26

Published on 28 May 2025

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At yesterday’s full meeting of the Waitaki District Council, the Mayor and Councillors approved an increase in dog registration and related fees for dog owners in the Waitaki District.

Council has set Animal Management’s cost structure at 100% user pays, to ensure ratepayers do not subsidise these services.

This will apply for all dog owners in the District. 

Dog Category  2025/26 Fee 
Non-working dog, urban  $130.50
Neutered non-working dog $105.00
Selected Owner Status  $61.25
Farm pet dog   $39.00
Working Dog $39.00

 

Dog owners holding selected owner status may, on a case by case or random selection, be reassessed against the the selected owner criteria. This can occur once within a three-year period.

This is to address issues where Animal Management Officers have found selected owners unaware of their responsibilities, and to promote responsible ownership.

Selected owners found in breach of the Dog Control Bylaw may find their selected owner status revoked.

There will also be an increase in the First Offence impounding of a dog, to $100.

These changes will take effect from 1 July 2025.

Late payment of fees, after 1 July 2025, will result in the loss of Selected Owner status.

ENDS