Dog owners across the Western Bay of Plenty are being encouraged to ensure their pets are “seen in green” as registrations open for the 2026/27 dog registration year.
The new registration period introduces green dog tags, replacing last year’s red tags, with registrations now available online, at Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Barkes Corner office, and through local libraries and service centres.
As part of the Council’s annual review of fees and charges, registration costs have increased for the coming year. The standard registration fee for desexed dogs has risen from $110 to $121, while the fee for entire dogs has increased from $140 to $154.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council says the increase reflects the growing cost of providing animal management services while continuing to support responsible dog ownership across the district.
Registration fees help fund a wide range of services, including the operation of dog shelters in Te Puke and Katikati, maintenance of dog exercise areas, installation of signage and waste bag dispensers, and support for community safety initiatives.
The funding also enables the Council’s Animal Services team to respond to complaints, investigate incidents, reunite lost dogs with owners, rehome unclaimed animals, provide education and advice, and enforce dog control regulations.
Community programmes such as Doggy Day Out and the Wander Dogs walking series are also supported through registration revenue.
Council says registration remains an important tool for ensuring essential animal management services can continue to be delivered throughout the district, benefiting both dog owners and the wider community.
Dog registration fees are due by 1 July 2026. Under New Zealand law, all dogs must be registered by the time they reach three months of age, and each dog must be registered at the address where it spends most of its time.
New dog owners and residents who have not previously registered with Western Bay of Plenty District Council can create an account and register online.
The Council is reminding owners that keeping registrations up to date helps improve public safety, supports animal welfare services, and makes it easier to reunite lost dogs with their families.
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