Register your dog for the first time

All puppies must be registered by the time they are 3 months old. If registration fees are not paid on time, you can be charged a penalty.

If you've taken ownership of an adult dog that hasn't been registered before, you'll need to register it with the Council within 14 days.

If you've moved to Wellington and your dog is registered with another council, you will need to register it with the Wellington City Council to receive a new dog tag, but there will be no fee for this.

Checklist: Before you register

1. Are you 16 years or older? People under this age can’t register as dog owners.

2. Do you have everything you need to complete your registration? You will be asked to attach documentation if the situations below apply to your dog.

• Desexing certificate – if your dog has been desexed
• Microchip number – if your dog has been microchipped
• Your company name and GST number – if you have a working dog
• Adoption certificate – if you have adopted a dog from the SPCA or HUHA
• Customs clearance certificate – if you have imported a dog
• Certification from an authorised organisation – if you have a disability assist dog

How to register

You can register your dogs using the form below.

Register one dog

An online form will soon be available to register your dog. In the meantime, use this form to register one dog. 

Use this form if you:

• have a new dog
• are new to Wellington and need to register your dog with Wellington City Council. 

Register more than three dogs

If you want to keep more than three dogs on an urban property, you will also need to apply for special permission under the Animals Bylaw by downloading this form.

Submitting your registration

Email to: dogs@wcc.govt.nz

Bring to this address:

Arapaki Library and Service Centre
12 Manners Street
Wellington

Post to:

Dogs team
Wellington City Council
PO Box 2199
Wellington 6140.

Fees

How much you need to pay depends on the age and type of your dog, and factors like if your dog has been desexed or whether you have Responsible Dog Owner status.

For current prices and ways to pay, see: Dog registration - Fees

Pay dog registration fees

If you have any questions on how much you need to pay, phone 04 801 3222.

Dog tags

Once you’ve submitted your dog’s registration form and we’ve received your online payment, you can expect to receive the dog tag within three weeks.

You'll get a One Tag, a lightweight metal tag that can be used for the life of your dog. There are 2 sizes: Small (25mm diameter) or Large (35mm diameter).

If you register your dog at the Service Centre, you will receive your dog tag on the spot.

You can get a replacement tag if your dog's tag has been lost or stolen.

If your dog is not wearing a collar with a current registration tag attached, it will be treated as unregistered.

If a dog over the age of three months is found not wearing a collar with a current registration tag attached, on land or premises that is not yours, or in any public place, it may be seized and impounded.

Penalties for unregistered dogs

Owners of unregistered dogs face fines up to $3,000 (or an infringement fee of $300) as well as the registration fee. If you receive an infringement, details of how and where to pay are on the infringement notice.

Guide for dog owners

For useful tips on owning a dog in Wellington, see: Capital Canines - A Guide for Dog Owners (806KB PDF)

Dog Control Act 1996