Paw-sitively the best time to register your dog

The new dog registration year starts today (Wednesday 1 July), with Far North dog owners encouraged to register early to get the cheapest rates and go in the draw to win one of 10 prize packs.

Whether your kurī (dog) is a working dog, hunting companion, or a much-loved member of the family, now is the time to renew their registration.

Owners who register from today can also opt into Doggone, a free service that helps reunite lost dogs with their owners. Using durable dog tags that eliminate the need for annual replacements, each dog is given a unique number that can be texted to 4133 to reunite a lost dog with its owner quickly. Owners can also manage what information is shared using the Doggone app, protecting their privacy.

Golden retriever, Saga, and brindle mastiff mix, Harley, are the furry faces of this year’s campaign encouraging owners to complete registration before 31 August for the best rates. Along with their owners, you’ll see them on social media, in posters at your nearest library, council contact centre or Far North isite, and in Kurī Karere, the annual doggo digest newsletter.

There are 10 prize packs up for grabs again this year for those who register their dogs before 31 August, with each prize pack including a refund on your dog registration plus two large bags of dog biscuits.

By law, all dogs in the Far North must be registered from three months of age, or as soon as they come into your care. Registration can be paid at any time throughout the year, but fees increase from 1 September this year. Different discounts may also apply based on your dog’s circumstances. Details of all registration fees and discounts are available in the fees and charges document on our website from today.

Registration fees help fund the council's Animal Management Team to respond to stray, barking and aggressive dogs, reunite lost dogs with their owners, and take action against uncontrolled dogs. Registration fees also help unwanted dogs find new homes through the council's adopt-a-dog programme.

For registration forms, to pay online, or for more information visit our register your dog webpage.

Don’t wait – register your dog before 31 August to get the best rates, support responsible ownership, and win some great prizes. Do the mahi and be in to win the treats!

Prize Terms & Conditions: Only one free dog registration per winner. Winners will be drawn after the promotional period ends on 31 August.

Below: Poster of Harley, the brindle mastiff mix, and his owner Caleb displayed at council service centres, isites and libraries.

Poster of Saga, the golden retriever, and her owner Jo displayed at council service centres, isites and libraries.