Fees and charges relating to dogs.

All Fees are inclusive of GST.

Dog Registration

The fee falls due on July 1 each year and may be paid at the service centres in Leeston, Darfield, Lincoln or Rolleston, or via internet banking, or online.

For payments before 31 July, the fee will be only:

  • $68.00 per dog

For payments from August 1, the penalty fee will be:

  • $102.00 per dog

Dangerous Dog Fees

  • Registration fee for dangerous dog if paid before 31 July 2026: $102.00
  • Registration fee for dangerous dog from 1 August (includes a 50% late registration penalty under section 37 of the Dog Control Act 1996): $153.00

Fees for part of the registration year based on the month that the dog turns three months of age: If your dog reaches the age of three months part way through the registration year, the registration will be calculated on a pro-rata basis, reflecting the number of full months remaining in the registration year. This ensures owners only pay the portion of the annual fee applicable from the date the dog becomes legally required to be registered.

Gold Class Dog Fee

Dogs 14 years and older which have been consecutively registered with SDC and compliant with all registration and bylaw requirements over the last 10 years, will be required to pay a small registration fee.

Tag and Collar Fees

  • Replacement dog tag $5.14
  • Dog collar $10.27-$12.32 depending on size

Seizure Fee

If an Animal Control Officer seizes a wandering dog and returns it to the owner, the officer can charge a seizure fee of $51.35.

Impounding Fees

If the Council's Animal Control Officers impound a dog, the following fees will apply:

  • $72.89 for the first impoundment
  • $98.59 for the second impoundment
  • $166.37 for the third impoundment
  • Additional charges $30.81 per day thereafter administration/sustenance fee

Microchipping fees

Free of charge: Microchipping of dogs where the dog is being registered for the first time having attained the age of three months. The dog is to be presented at Council Service Centres at the prescribed time (applicable to dogs microchipped by Council staff only).

Note: Farm working dogs are not legally required to be microchipped.

Licence Under Dog Control Bylaw

Kennel Licence Application Fee $123.24

Fees and charges are set under Sections 37, 38 and 68 of the Dog Control Act 1996.

For queries about fees or policies, please contact us.