From Bellas to border collies - Auckland dogs go green for the 2026/27 registration season

Publish Date : 20 May 2026

Auckland Council is reminding dog owners across Tāmaki Makaurau to get their furry friends registered before 1 August, with registrations opening from 1 June 2026.

This year’s green registration tags will once again make it easy to spot registered dogs out and about – whether they’re strutting through the local park, snoozing at a café or chasing tennis balls at the beach.

With more than 132,000 dogs now living across Auckland, Animal Management Manager Elly Waitoa says registration is one of the simplest ways owners can help keep their pets and communities safe.

“Registering your dog is a small job that makes a big difference,” says Ms Waitoa.

“It helps us reunite lost dogs with their families faster, supports animal management services across Auckland and promotes responsible dog ownership.

“We know Aucklanders love their dogs and getting registered on time is one of the best ways to show it.”

Last year nearly 90 per cent of dogs known to Auckland Council were registered, with Labrador retrievers remaining the region’s most popular breed, followed by Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Border Collies. Bella, Luna and Charlie topped the list of Auckland’s most popular dog names.

South Auckland continues to have the highest number of dogs across the region, followed closely by Auckland’s north.

Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee Councillor Josephine Bartley says responsible dog ownership benefits everyone.

“Earlier this year I experienced firsthand how frightening a dog attack can be when I was trying to protect my beloved elderly dog during an incident on a city footpath,” says Cr Bartley.

“It reinforced for me just how important responsible dog ownership is, not only for the safety of our pets, but for the safety of our communities too.

“Most dog owners are doing the right thing, and registration is one of the simplest ways to show your dog is cared for, identifiable and part of a safer Auckland. The green tag is a visible reminder that your dog is registered and protected.”

Dog owners can renew online through myAUCKLAND using their 11-digit reference number. Owners will receive a reminder by email, text or post from mid-June, and tags will be mailed within 10 working days of payment.

Owners are also reminded that dogs must be microchipped within two months of registration. Auckland Council offers low-cost microchipping through its animal shelters from July.

Dog registration fees 2026/27

Registration Class

Standard fee [pay before/on August]

Late fee [pay after 1 August]

Standard dog

$182

$225

De-sexed dog

$131

$171

Responsible Dog Owner Licence [RDOL] holder with standard dog

$ 92

$225

Responsible Dog Owner Licence [RDOL] with de-sexed dog

$78

$171

SuperGold Community Services combo cardholder

$79

$103

Working dog [e.g. stock herding]

$41

$50

Special category dog [e.g. guide dog, police dog]

$0

$0

Tag replacement

$12.50

$12.50

Multiple Dog Licence [1st July]

$96

$96

Classified dangerous dog

150% of applicable fee

150% of applicable fee

 


Registering your dog is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. It provides a range of services for dog owners and helps us reunite lost dogs with their owners, should your dog stray or be lost.

Infringement fines from non-registration contribute to targeted de-sexing programmes aimed at reducing unwanted litters and supporting safer communities. More than 1,580 dogs were de-sexed through council-supported initiatives over the past year.

Dog owners who register before 1 August can avoid late penalties and ensure their dogs remain compliant under the Dog Control Act 1996.

For more information or to register, visit Auckland Council dog registration

ENDS

Editor notes:
In the last financial year 1 July 2024 - 30 June 2025 Auckland Council received:

·       16,739 reports of roaming dogs

·       >1,300 reports of dog attacks on people

·       >1,200 attacks on other animals.

·       >40,000 request for service responses by Animal Management teams

·       >10,000 dogs impounded

 

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