Jump online and save on dog registration

Auckland Council is trialling an innovative new process for its annual dog registration in a bid to encourage owners to complete their renewals online.

In a move that will save owners time and remove the need for printed documents, Auckland Council is sending an email to the majority of the region’s dog owners this week, inviting them to take advantage of early-bird rates and easy online payment.

Increasing online transactions

Auckland Council’s Regulatory Committee Chair Councillor Linda Cooper says the purpose of the trial is to improve the customer experience and increase uptake of online transactions.

“We introduced online payments several years ago, but feedback from customers showed there were a number of areas we could improve on. We’ve responded with a number of changes,” she says.

These include a text reminder, which includes the reference number needed to complete registration renewal, and a wider range of online payment options.

The email is being sent to approximately 70,000 of the region’s dog owners, prompting them to renew their annual registration and take advantage of early-bird rates which run until 1 August. Recipients just need to click through to the renewal portal.

Councillor Cooper is confident that this trial will see a reduction in the number of paper renewals that will be printed and posted this year, which will save money and trees.

“It’s fitting that the registration tags are green this year because we’re making a change that will reduce paper and our carbon footprint. I’d love to see dog owners do their bit and make use of the options we’ve provided.”

Auckland Council is aiming for customers to be able to access 70 per cent of the most common transactions online by 2019, making it easier and faster for customers to interact.

Owners with more than one dog will receive their paperwork as normal in June and will still have access to early-bird rates. Cr Cooper says that the team is working to improve the online experience for those with multiple dogs and hopes to be able to offer this service next year.

Other improvements include the introduction of a quarterly e-newsletter for dog owners, Paw Post, which provides information and advice from Animal Management, and enables more of a two-way conversation between the council and customers.

2018 dog registration fees 

*Responsible Dog Owner Licence fee only available to current licence holders if paid before/on 1 August 2018.