All dogs must be registered by the time they are three months of age. Dog registration runs from 1 July to 30 June each year and must be renewed annually.
Re-register your dog or register a new dog online
Alternatively, you can use the form below for new dogs, puppies, imported dogs, and transferring between councils. You can complete the form online, then print it or email it to us.
Dog registration application form (136kb pdf)
Dog registrations 2026/2027:
Our Animal Services team manages dog related issues across Tauranga. Like many services, costs are rising, so we need to increase dog registration fees to continue providing these services. This year’s responsible dog owner registration fee is $133. If your dog is registered after 31 July 2026, you will pay the ‘penalty fee’ of $199.50.
The fee to register a dog classified as dangerous is $199.50 if registered by 31 July, and $299.20 after this date. A $300 infringement fee may be issued to the owner or person caring for an unregistered dog. To avoid this, register your dog early.
Once you have paid your dog registration fee, the green tag for your dog’s collar will be sent to you in the post. You can register at any time on our website or by visiting one of our customer service centres or libraries located across the city.
What you need to know about registering your dog:
- all puppies must be registered by the time they are three months old. If you register a puppy partway through the registration year, the fee is worked out from the date your puppy turns three months old. This means you only pay for the time left in the registration year.
- all newly purchased or acquired dogs (over three months old) must be registered immediately.
- if you purchase an unregistered adult dog or acquire a dog over the age of three months, whether a rescue dog or not, you will be liable for the full registration fee due at that time.
- dog registration renewal needs to be done before 1 July each year.
- it’s an offence to keep an unregistered dog.
- you are committing an offence if your dog is found wearing a registration tag issued to another dog.
- a dog not wearing a current registration tag is considered to be unregistered until proven otherwise.
- you will need to provide your date of birth when registering your dog. This helps distinguish you from someone else with the same name.
- every dog that’s registered for the first time must be implanted with a working microchip. This helps identify your dog if it is lost or stolen.
- if your dog dies or is exported out of New Zealand, you can apply in writing for a partial refund of the dog registration. The refund is calculated for the remaining months in the registration year from the date you advise council.
Registering your dog along with its microchip number, allows us to quickly reunite you with your dog should it escape. Recording your microchip with us is free.