Dog reg campaign launches with a Storm

Rescue pup Storm is launching the council’s latest dog registration campaign this week with her mum Jody and her new favourite toy—the kiwi frisbee!

The campaign is designed to raise awareness that dog owners are legally required to register their dogs throughout the year—and if they do between 1 July and 31 August, they will pay the cheapest rates and be in to win one of 10 prize packs. The campaign focuses on responsible dog ownership which includes keeping your dog under control in public spaces and avoiding situations where they could frighten or injure people or other dogs.

Storm was found roaming in Kaitāia and was picked up by the Animal Management Team. Estimated to be around three months old at the time, she was a perfect candidate for the council’s Adopt a dog scheme which ensures all the steps are taken to provide well-behaved and healthy dogs for adoption. All the Adopt-a-dog pups are also registered, microchipped, de-sexed, vaccinated and parvo tested.

Dog registration fees help our Adopt-a-dog scheme and also help the council to manage stray, barking and aggressive dogs, and take action on uncontrolled dogs.

There are 10 prize packs up for grabs again this year for those that do register their dogs between 1 July and 31 August. Each prize pack includes a refund on your dog registration plus two large bags of dog biscuits. Winners will be drawn after the promotional period has ended. Only one dog registration will be free per winner.

Storm has been the "best thing" for their family, says mum Jody and she loves her daily walks, enrichment trips to new areas, and playing with her 'fur siblings' Roxy and Max.

You’ll also see posters starring Storm at council service centres, isites and libraries and if you live in Kaitāia and Ahipara you’ll be able to spot her on the digital signs with mum Jody and ‘fur sista’ Roxy in the coming weeks.

Dog owners throughout the Far North will also start receiving the Kurī Karere, Doggo Digest newsletter from next week, along with their dog registration reminder letters. You can also find it online in our newsletter library.

Different discounts on dog registrations may apply to your dog. You can find out more by searching for the Fees and Charges document on our website from 1 July.

Dog registration fees can be paid all year round and dog owners are legally required to register their dogs for the year, but the fees are higher between 1 September and 30 June 2025. In the Far North, dogs must be registered from three months of age, or as soon as they come into your possession.

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

Below – Storm with her mum Jody and ‘fur sista’ Roxy. Keep an eye out for the two different posters designs that aim to raise awareness about dog registration this year.