Frequently Asked Questions - Dogs
Do I have to register my dog?
Yes, all dog owners are responsible for meeting the requirements of the Dog Control Act 1996 and must register their dogs with their local Council when they are no older than 3 months.
Once the registration fee is paid, your dog will be issued with a tag which must be worn by the dog at all times. The registration tag belongs to the dog, not the owner.
What is the Dog Maintenance Form used for?
Please fill in this form to notify us of the following:
- A change of owner
- If your dog has died
- For all dog registration fee refund requests
- If your dog is located at a new physical address
- If your dog no longer resides in the Thames-Coromandel District
This form can be downloaded from the 'download box' on this page.
How much does it cost to register my dog?
Registration fees are set annually. See our Register Your Dog section for current fees.
When do I have to pay the registration?
Payment is required by 31 July. If you do not pay your registration fees by the due date, a penalty fee will be added.
What can happen if I don't pay?
If you do not register your dog by 31 July, then a penalty fee will apply. See the Register Your Dog section for more information.
If you do not register your dog within the required time, you are liable for a $300 instant fine.
What does my registration pay for?
Dog registration and infringement fees help to cover the cost of the following dog control functions:
- Ensuring that all dogs are registered.
- Responding to reports of dog attacks and all other dog-related complaints.
- Providing shelter services—impoundment of stray dogs and reuniting dogs with their owners.
- Rehoming of dogs.
- Patrols and enforcement of the Dog Control Act 1996 and Council’s Dog Control Bylaw.
- Prosecution of serious dog related offences.
What is microchipping?
A microchip carries a number unique to your dog. This is very similar to a supermarket barcode. A microchip is a transponder, which means it responds to a scanner. It is not a transmitter and has no power source.
The microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. The procedure is as simple as a vaccination.
In addition to Veterinary clinics our Dog Control Officers provide a microchip service for a fee of $25.00 per dog. Contact us for more information.
Which dogs have to be microchipped?
All dogs (with exceptions for working dogs) are required to be microchipped. Microchipping your dog means it can easily be identified and returned to you.
What happens if a microchip is not put in properly and cannot be scanned?
It is important the microchip is inserted in accordance with the regulations. Dog owners should ensure the person microchipping their dog is familiar with the regulations.
Once my dog is microchipped, will I have to register it?
Yes, microchipping will not replace dog registration. You will still have to register your dog every year.
Where can I exercise my dog?
See our Dog Rules section for more information on available exercise areas for your dog.
What happens at the dog pound?
We maintain a pound where lost, stray and abandoned dogs are kept. Dogs not claimed within 7 days will be rehomed, or if not considered suitable for rehoming may be euthanised. Pound staff will consider all dogs for a second-chance home.
Registered dogs wearing their tag can be reunited with their owner quickly, sometimes without the need for the dog to go to the pound.
What happens to unclaimed dogs?
Dogs are temperament tested so that suitable dogs are available for adoption. We work with recognised adoption agencies to ensure happy placements.
Dogs available for adoption from the pound can be found here.
What do Dog Control Officers do?
Our Officers deal with all dog-related complaints including uncontrolled dogs, attacks on people or animals, and barking. They also carry out regular patrols.
There is a 24-hour emergency service available.
How does the Council check dogs are registered?
In the course of daily patrol activities, Dog Control Officers look out for un-registered dogs which they can identify by way of dog registration tags. From time to time they may also conduct 'property surveys' to check for un-registered dogs.