your Dog Fees

In July/August we asked which services matter most, and where changes could be made, to help keep rates affordable. Your feedback has helped shape proposals to reduce service costs and the amount funded through rates.

If you haven't read the supporting info on our website, please do so before giving your feedback as it help inform your views.

What we are proposing

Council is considering increasing dog registration fees so that dog owners pay a greater share of the cost of animal control services.

• The table below shows the type of changes currently being considered.
• These figures are indicative only and may change as Council completes its financial review.

Key points

• Council is considering higher dog registration fees so owners pay more of dog control costs and rates fund less.
• The fee increases being considered could reduce rates funding by around $125,000 a year.
• Dog control includes registration, complaints, dog attacks, dangerous dogs, pound services and owner education.
• Dog fees currently cover less of the cost than Council policy intends.
• Proposed fees are indicative and subject to Council’s financial review.
• Ruapehu’s current fees are generally lower than other councils e.g. Auckland annual registration fee for a standard dog that is not desexed is $182, rising to $225 for late payment ($131/$171 for desexed dog)
• Rates would still contribute because dog control benefits the wider community.

If you haven't read the supporting info on our website, please do so before giving your feedback as it may help infom your views.