Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 19

Thread: Yearly registration for dogs in NZ?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    212

    Default Yearly registration for dogs in NZ?

    I just read in my NZ welcome guide that all dogs must be registered with your city/district council and it has to be renewed yearly. Dogs must also be micro chipped. That is wild! Why is registration so important in NZ?

    For anyone wanting to find more info, you can click on this link:

    www.dogsafety.govt.nz

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cambridge
    Posts
    1,219

    Default

    You're right - you must register your dogs in NZ. The dog owning culture is a bit different here I've found. There is a huge underground dog fighting problem and they use the dogs that are banned in the UK (pitbulls etc) and crosses of the fighting breeds. There have been a lot of attacks on children. Having said that, breeding pit bulls etc is banned but you can still see adverts for puppies of those breeds everywhere. Many of these breeds are used for pig hunting where the dogs hunt, atack and bring down wild boar. Not a common sight in the UK any more.

    They are very conscious of noise nuisance caused by barking dogs.

    On the plus side, they do have special areas set aside for dogs in parks and these, of course, cost money to maintain - as does the dog warden service.

    There are certain criteria which you can meet to reduce the cost of registration such as having a fully fenced garden, neutering your dog and taking a dog ownership test. It's all trying to promote responsible dog ownership proactively. Unfortunately, it's missing the 'clientele' it is targetting.
    But at least they are trying.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Inland Canterbury, NZ
    Posts
    8,390

    Default

    That's right, I've just paid for my two girls. It's a small charge and it ensures all dogs are registered so they can be kept track of and it goes towards the provision and upkeep of council dog patrol services, dog parks, poo-bags in certain public places and bins/signage. It also contributes toward neutering programs, dog pounds and rescue services.

    Microchipping has recently been introduced to further the registration of dogs, they can be identified if lost or stolen and dangerous dogs can be tracked/recognised.

    In some areas you have to apply for a special licence to keep more than 2 dogs - depends on your council.

    I also think a registered dog means responsible owners, and often scan for a tag when I see a dog nearby.

    If you take certain steps (again, individual council procedures vary), you can lessen the cost of your dogs licences (currently $35 per year per dog where I am) by becoming "a responsible dog owner". They are very easy to do. http://www.ccc.govt.nz/quickanswers/...wner/F1459.asp

    AFAIK the registration and microchipping rules are different for 'working dogs' - such as farm dogs.

    Hope that helps.

    Moorf

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Austin, TX
    Posts
    212

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by lockstock View Post
    You're right - you must register your dogs in NZ. The dog owning culture is a bit different here I've found. There is a huge underground dog fighting problem and they use the dogs that are banned in the UK (pitbulls etc) and crosses of the fighting breeds. There have been a lot of attacks on children..
    WOW! That is scary! I totally understand!

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Inland Canterbury, NZ
    Posts
    8,390

    Default

    A few months back our 2 dogs were attacked by a pack of pig dogs down at the local gorge... their owner was there but unable to stop them. OH had to arm himself with a large boulder and was ready to smash their heads in as two of them laid into our largest dog (rotte/huntaway/german shepherd mix ish!). We (perhaps stupidly but purely on instinct) managed to pull them off our dog who was left with large chunks of fur and skin out of her back.

    I have witnessed awful dog-related things here. Dog ownership is different (imho) in NZ in that most are kept outside, never allowed indoors and many round here in rural areas have a dual purpose (pig hunting/rabbiting) or are working dogs.

    My neighbours all think we're soft on our dogs as they are indoor dogs and get walked and entertained often.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Stanley Bay, Auckland, NZ
    Posts
    1,480

    Default

    Out of interest (and slightly off subject); how much would you say owning a dog costs per year (registration fees, food, vets bills, insurance etc)?

    I really want to get one at some point in the next few years but OH isn't sure if we'll be able to afford the ongoing costs.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Inland Canterbury, NZ
    Posts
    8,390

    Default

    It all depends on the type of food you feed, the breed (long hair / short hair) with regards to grooming/flea management etc, how long you might need boarding kennels which can cost around $100/week upwards (if you go away on holidays) etc.

    Vet bills, again, there's the regular maintenance of their required immunisations (yearly) and then there are those little accidents that can cost anywhere from a couple of hundred to thousands (for surgery). Insurance is around $20+ per month - again, depends on age/breed etc.

    Just as importantly, perhaps, is that you can afford the time to spend with your dog

    If I had to put a figure on owning a dog, I'd say that $1000 a year would cover the basics plus give some leeway for unexpected vet bills/kennel stays, but that's a general feel, nothing scientific!

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Cambridge
    Posts
    1,219

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Moorf View Post
    My neighbours all think we're soft on our dogs as they are indoor dogs and get walked and entertained often.


    Same here. I couldn't bear to keep ours in those cages they call kennels here. If there was one thing that would send me back to the UK it would be the way they regard dogs here.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Posts
    147

    Default

    We have only been here a couple of few weeks and there is a tendency to think NZ is not a particularly pet friendly place. We have found the odd trail where we think walking a dog would be no issue but the Department of Conservation (DOC) say 'no'.

    On the other hand we have just been for a weekend in Napier and took him with us as there are a fair few pet friendly motels around. Most of the council web sites have a list of areas in each town and rural areas that say where you can exercise your dog off the lead. So there are some good points; they appear to be just trying to balance the needs of us dog owners with keeping conservation areas, parks, streets and childrens areas clean and safe.

    Friends of ours have two dogs near Levin and have found a great kennels where all the dogs socialise and have huge areas to play in so there is good stuff out there.

    The link below might help for those wanting to take their pets on their travels.

    http://www.petfriendly.co.nz/AccIslands.html

    Kim

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    USA --> Wellington
    Posts
    1,431

    Default

    ugh... dog fighting... that's so horrible... and so sad for the dogs that get such a bad rap! My sister has a pit and he's the sweetest dog! I have a friend that doesn't like dogs much but she loves my sisters dog! Same thing with Dobermans... My grandparents have always had them and I have a soft spot for them but OH refuses to like them. I understand that sometimes you can get a "bad seed" but not all dogs are evil like people make them out to be...

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •