Responsible dog owner status

We want to encourage and support responsible dog ownership, so we offer reduced dog registration fees for people who can show they are responsible dog owners.

How to be a responsible dog owner

To apply to become a responsible dog owner you can either:

  • complete our online application
  • pay online or pay in person at our offices at 30 Laings Road, Lower Hutt; or the Animal Services office at 21 Meachen Street, Seaview.

Responsible Dog Owner application

You will be recognised as a responsible dog owner (RDO) if you meet the following conditions and requirements:

  • your dog is currently vaccinated
  • your annual dog registration fees are paid on time
  • your dog is microchipped
  • your property is fully fenced and gated; anyone entering the property has free access without encountering your dog
  • in the last year, your dog has not been impounded, been the subject of a substantiated public complaint, or received an infringement notice
  • you have not received any convictions under the Dog Control Act 1996 (including 2003 amendment)
  • you can demonstrate to an Animal Control Officer your dog can be controlled on and off the leash, and in different situations
  • you are aware of your obligations as a dog owner under the Dog Control Act 1996 and Hutt City Council Control of Dog Bylaws

Refer to our to our fees and charges list for the application fee for RDO status. This is a one-off fee for your dog(s) that then reduces your future re-registration fees.

Note: Before you apply, make sure you meet the responsible dog owner criteria set out above. There is no refund if we decline your RDO application.

If you already have responsible dog ownership, you don't need to reapply each year. However, you will lose your RDO status and have to reapply if you:

  • pay your dog registration renewal fees after 31 July
  • don't maintain RDO requirements set out under How to Qualify
  • move to another Lower Hutt property and do not provide us with a completed Application to transfer address for responsible dog owner status form
  • apply to register a 3rd or subsequent dog  at your property and do not have an Additional Dog Licence in place.

Note: if you do not have a registered dog in your ownership and care for 12 months or more your RDO will expire.

Within Lower Hutt
If you move to a new address in Lower Hutt you’ll need to notify us at animals@huttcity.govt.nz within 28 days keep your RDO status.

Leaving Lower Hutt
If you are moving out of Lower Hutt, please send an email to animals@huttcity.govt.nz so we can update our records.
Remember you need to contact your new council to register your dog/s with them. If your registration is up to date you can transfer your dog to your new council. You will not be required to pay another registration fee.

Contact details