Dog registration fees finalised for 2026/27

Masterton District Council has finalised dog fees for 2026/27.

At a meeting on 27 May, councillors decided on a 10 percent increase for entire & 2nd/subsequent rural dogs, and a 3 percent increase across other registration categories.

This increases the fee for registration of an entire dog by $21, neutered and first rural dogs by $3.60, second subsequent rural dogs by $3.20, and the fee for responsible dog owners by $2.70.

Registration fees must be paid in full by 31 July 2026, with a 50 per cent penalty added to fees for late payment.

The Council offers subsidised dog de-sexing for low-income owners, funded through $1 from every dog registration fee.

2026/27 fees (including GST)

Registration fees

Urban Entire - $228.00 (previous fee $207.00)

Urban Neutered - $123.10 ($119.50)

Responsible dog owner - $92.60 ($89.90)

Rural Dog (1st) -$123.10 ($119.50)

Rural Dog (2nd & Subsequent) - $35.00 ($31.80)

Permit Holder, Breeder -$123.10 ($119.50)

Dangerous Dog, Neutered - $184.70 ($179.30)

Disability Assist - No cost

Other Animal Services charges

Wellbeing & Sustenance Fee (per day) -$32.00 ($30.00)

First Impound – Registered Dog - $90.00 ($85.00)

First Impound – Unregistered Dog - $180.00 ($170.00)

2nd Impound - $200.00 ($170.00)

3rd & subsequent Impound - $250.00 ($225.00)

Seizure Fee – 1st time (new fee) - $175.00

Seizure Fee – 2nd time (new fee) - $225.00

Seizure Fee – 3rd & subsequent times (new fee) - $360.00

Surrender of dog (prior approval only) - $350.00 ($340.00)

Afterhours Dog Release (Additional to impounding fees) - $175.00 ($170.00)

Microchip of Masterton Registered Dog - $25.00 ($23.00)

Responsible Dog Owner Application - $30.00 ($25.00)

Permit Application – keeping more than two dogs - $70.00 ($68.00)

Replacement registration tag - $9.00 ($8.00)

Collars, Worming Tablets & apparel for sale - Actual cost + 20% (Actual cost + 15%)

Costs & expenses relating to vet treatment for impounded dog - Actual cost + 20% (Actual cost + 15%)

Costs and expenses relating to impounded dog. i.e. sustenance, euthanasia (new fee) - Actual cost + 20%

Rehoming of impounded dog from Masterton Animal Shelter - Registration fee + vet costs + 20% (Registration fee + vet costs)

Mileage - $1.26/km

Hire of bark collar (2 week hire plus 2 week bond) - $25.00 + $80.00 Bond ($24.00 + $24.00 Bond)

Hire of cat trap (2 week hire plus 2 week bond) - $25.00 + $80.00 Bond ($24.00 + $24.00 Bond)

ENDS