Dog Registrations

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

The final day for renewing registration each year is June 30.

If your dog is impounded and found to be not currently registered, you will be charged extra to get your dog out of the pound.

If your dog has not been registered by 1 August, you can be fined $300 and the dog can be impounded. In some circumstances you can also be prosecuted.

Reduced Fee - Selected Owner Policy

The council’s Selected Owner Policy offers a reduced annual registration fee to owners who have a securely-fenced area, and can demonstrate that they provide their dog with shelter, food, water, exercise and any other care it needs.

To become a Selected Owner, you must apply before March 31 and pay a fee.

One of the council’s animal control officers will inspect your dog and property. If you qualify, your discounts will begin with the dog’s next registration.

Before you apply to become a Selected Owner, your dog must be registered.

Your Selected Owner status can be suspended for two years if you fail to register your dog on time, or complaints about your dog are proven.

Owners of rural/working dogs already get a reduced fee so the SOP does not apply. If you do not re-register before August 1st a penalty fee will be added for that year.

• Selected Owner Policy Application form
  (PDF 109 KB)

More Than Two Dogs

To keep more than two dogs on any urban property in the Hastings district, you must apply for a permit from the Council and pay a fee.

The conditions applying to three or more dogs on an urban property are outlined in the application form below.

• Application for Permit to Keep More Than Two Dogs
  (PDF 112 KB)

Refund

Part of the annual registration fee will be refunded if a dog dies. The amount will depend on how many months are left in the registration year once the council has received written notification of the dog’s death.

A dog’s registration applies nationwide, so the Council will not refund registration fees when a dog has been lost, stolen, or changed owner or district.

• Dog Registration Refund Application Form
  (PDF 112 KB)