Dogs

The law requires all dogs over three months of age to be registered.

Dog registration is due for renewal on 1 July each year. If your dog is registered, you will be sent a re-registration form to the most current postal address you have listed. If you get a new dog you need to ensure it is registered with Council. Owners who do not register their dog may be issued with an infringement and fined.

Waimate District dog owners are reminded that it is the responsibility of the owner or person having control of a dog in public areas, to remove and dispose of any dog faeces immediately.

Dog walkers should carry suitable receptacles when walking a dog. Dogs must be kept on a leash and under control at all times, when they are in a public place.

It is an offence to keep a dog older than 3 months which is unregistered and you may be issued with an infringement if you do not comply with this requirement. Where any dog is first required to be registered after 1st August in any registration year, the fee shall be 1/12th of the annual fee for each complete month remaining in the registration year after the date of such registration.

Payment options
Payment can be made by visiting the Pay Online section, or in person at Council's Main Office (125 Queen Street, Waimate).

When the ownership of a dog changes, both the previous owner and the new owner, must give written notice of the change within 14 days to Council.

To change ownership, please complete the Change of Ownership form, here.

On the change of address of any dog or owner, the owner must, within 14 days, give written notice of the change to the Waimate District Council.

To change address, please advise Council on 03 689 0000, or email council@waimatedc.govt.nz

Where the fee for the registration of a dog is paid and that dog dies, a refund will be made on request as follows:

• Where a dog dies before the commencement of the year, the full fee will be refunded.
• Where the dog dies during the year, 1/12th of the annual fee for each complete month remaining in the registration year after the date of application for a refund will be refunded.

To register the death of your dog, please complete the Deceased Dog Notification form, here.

Chapter 6 of the Waimate District Consolidated Bylaw has information about dog control, including dog exercise maps. Read the full chapter here.

Dogs requiring microchipping:

1. Any dog(s) registered for the first time on or after 1 July 2006, unless the dog(s) are kept solely or principally for the purpose of herding or droving stock.
2. You may be required to complete a Declaration of a Working Dog

A "Working Dog" is that which is kept, solely or principally, for the purpose of herding or driving stock. Refer to Forms for further information.

Dog owners who meet the criteria may apply to Council to have 'selected owner' status.

Please check with Council on 03 689 0000 for further information.

To apply for selected owner status, please complete the application form, here.

A license is required to keep three or more dogs in an urban zoned area.

Selected Owner Status is required before a three or more can be considered. Both can be applied for at the same time.

To apply for a license to keep three or more dogs, please complete this form.

Subject to Section 10A of the Dog Control Act 1996, Council is required to report annually on dog policy and practices each financial year. Please see below for the latest report.
2021-22 Annual Dog Control Report
2020-21 Annual Dog Control Report

Waimate District Council Animal Control Department
P. +64 3 3 689 0000
E. animalcontrol@waimatedc.govt.nz

Dog Owners Information Brochure