​Responsible dog ownership

Stratford District Council has four categories of dog ownership. We encourage responsible dog ownership, and place more appropriate costs on irresponsible dog owners.

Information on being a responsible dog owner is available in Council's Dog Control Policy 2020.

'Good Owners'

The majority of dog owners will be automatically placed into the 'Good Dog Owner' category. You’re likely to be in this category if you’ve not been convicted for dog offences, or if within the last two years you’ve not had a dog impounded on more than one occasion, and not received a written warning or infringement notice. If you’re not sure what your classification is, you can call us on 06 765 6099.

'Select Owners'

If extra steps, such as having your dog neutered and suitable fencing, are in place, you'll be able to claim the 'Select Dog Owner' classification. This category rewards the dog owner with an approximately 50% reduction on the current lowest fee.

To become a ‘Select Owner’, you need to:

• Live in an urban zoned dog area.
• Be already classed as a ‘Good Owner’ or able to meet the ‘Good Owner’ requirements.
• Have an adequately fenced area on your property.
• Have had all your dogs are neutered, or any un-neutered dogs need to be pedigrees registered with New Zealand Dogs.

If you’re already a ‘Select Owner’, you don’t need to reapply unless something has changed, like you've moved address, or you've got a new doggie friend and need to provide proof that they’ve been neutered.

Applications for Select Ownership are open now. You must submit your completed application form no later than 30 April 2024. Late applications won't be accepted, even if you're just a little bit late.