If you’re a dog owner on the Hibiscus Coast, it’s time to fetch that red tag—dog registration for the 2025/26 year is open now, and there’s a good reason to sort it before 1 August.

Registering your dog early saves you money and avoids late fees.

From 1 August, standard fees jump up by as much as $41, depending on your dog’s status.

For example, a de-sexed dog registered on time costs $127.

Miss the deadline? That jumps to $166.

You’ll be getting a reminder from Auckland Council in mid-June—by email, text, or post—with your dog’s reference number.

Once you’ve paid online via myAUCKLAND, a bold red tag will be sent out within 10 working days.

This year’s red tag makes it easy to spot which dogs are registered and protected.

For local animal officers—and even fellow Coasties—it’s a quick visual cue that your pet is compliant and cared for.

The money collected from registration helps fund vital services like:

• reuniting lost dogs with their families
• maintaining dog shelters
• responding to dog attacks and complaints
• running safety education in schools and public areas

Plus, $1 from every registered dog this year goes towards a targeted de-sexing programme to help reduce unwanted litters in high-risk areas.

It’s a small gesture that could make a big difference across Auckland.

If your dog isn’t microchipped yet, that’s a requirement too.

From 1 July, you can get your dog microchipped for $40 at one of the Council’s shelters, and that record will go straight into the National Dog Database.

Coast dog owners with multiple pets, working dogs, or a Responsible Dog Owner Licence (RDOL) also benefit from reduced rates—some as low as $76 if your pup’s desexed and you’ve got the licence.

For all the details, fee breakdowns, and to manage your dog’s details online, head to: myauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Let’s keep our beaches, parks, and neighbourhoods safe and friendly—register your dog and get that red tag sorted today.

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