There are four categories of dog owner:

• General Dog Owner
• ROL (Responsible Owner Licence) Dog Owner
• Probationary Dog Owner
• Disqualified Dog Owner

The General Dog Owner pays 100% of the registration fee

• A good record of registration, no complaints, infringements, impoundings or notices, in the preceding 12 months. Evidence of this previous 12 months history of good ownership will be taken from Council’s records. Where the dog does not have this 12 months previous history, because it is new to the Hauraki District, written evidence provided by the owner of the dog from another registration authority will be considered.
• An appropriate means of confining the dog (Depending on the nature of the dog(s) secure fencing will normally be required) allowing a visitor to gain access to a door without crossing into the dogs territory.
• Paid a once only application fee of $30 and passed the written examination on dog care and owner legal obligations.

The Responsible Owner pays a reduced registration fee.  See more information

• The Dog Control Act 1996,
• Parts 1 or 2 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
• Section 26zzp of the Conservation Act 1987.
• Section 56(1) of the National Parks Act 1980, or
• Where a person commits 3 or more infringement offences (not relating to a single incident or occasion) within a continuous period of 24 months.

Effects of Probationary Owner Category

A Probationary Dog Owner:-

• Will not be allowed to be the registered owner of any dog unless that person was the registered owner before the classification was imposed.
• Will dispose of every unregistered dog, in a manner that does not constitute an offence, within 14 days.
• May be required to undertake a dog owner education programme or dog obedience course (or both), at their own expense, approved by Council.

Unless there are exceptional circumstances in any particular case, this classification will be imposed.

The Probationary Owner pays 100% of the applicable registration fee and is entitled to any rebates.

• The Dog Control Act 1996.
• Parts 1 or 2 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
• Section 26zzp of the Conservation Act 1987.
• Section 56(1) of the National Parks Act 1980, or
• Where a person commits 3 or more infringement offences (not relating to a single incident or occasion) within a continuous period of 24 months.

Effects of Disqualification

A person disqualified from owning a dog:-

• Must dispose of every dog owned by that person, in a manner that does not constitute an offence, within 14 days.
• Must not be in possession of a dog for the period of classification.
• Must not dispose of the dog to any person who resides at the same address.

Unless there are exceptional circumstances in any particular case, this classification will be imposed.