Discount for Responsible Dog Owner Approvals (RDOA)

You can apply for RDOA if you meet the following criteria:

• The outdoor area your dog(s) has access to is fully fenced. The fence must be well-built and high enough with nothing stacked or kept next to the fence that the dog could reasonably climb over; and
• The housing arrangements for your dog(s) is suitable, ensuring kennels are weatherproof and hygienic; and
• You have been a registered dog owner within the Horowhenua District for at least 12 months, and the Council has received no justified complaints about your dog(s) or your dog ownership behaviour in the previous 12 months (a complaint reviewed and found to have merit by the Council); and
• You have not received any warnings, infringements, impoundments, seizures or abatements under the Dog Control Act 1996 in the previous 12 months; and
• You have achieved either of the following:
  • Dogs have attended and passed dog obedience training to level 2 (Canine Good Basics) or above, and a copy of the certificate provided; or
  • You have attended and received the Council’s Responsible Dog Owner Approval Ready certificate. 
• You comply with the Horowhenua Dog Control Bylaw regarding dogs.

Note: The fencing does not need to cover the entire property. A portion of the yard is acceptable if it securely contains your dog. If you live in a property without direct outdoor access (such as an apartment), fencing requirements may not apply. If you are renting and are unable to install permanent fixtures, please contact the Council to discuss acceptable alternatives.

Any application for RDOA status will be declined if you:

• have been convicted of an offence under the Dog Control Act 1996 or related offences under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, Conservation Act 1987, or National Parks Act 1980;
• received a late payment penalty for your dog registration in the last year;
• been classified as a probationary or disqualified dog owner;
• received an infringement notice or written warning from a warranted Animal Control Officer in the last year;
• received a substantiated complaint about your dogs’ behaviour in the last year.

Applications for the 2026/27 registration period will open in early 2026. 

Before you apply, please make sure you meet the RDOA criteria set out above as there will be no refund if we decline your RDOA application. Applications for the 2026/27 registration period close on 30 April 2026. RDOA application cost

There is a one-off application fee required in addition to your annual registration fee. 

The RDOA application cost is set as per Councils fees and charges annually.

The Council will notify you of your application results. If you are successful, and your application was made prior to 1 May, we will have the status and discount automatically applied to your next annual registration fee due later in the year. Approved applications made after 1 May will have the discount applied to the registration period in the following July.

This is a theory-based course that is for Horowhenua District Council registered dog owners only. It is offered twice a year and covers:

• what you need to know about our Dog Control Bylaw, Dog Control Policy and the Dog Control Act;
• unique wildlife challenges in the Horowhenua
• your key responsibilities as a dog owner.

A test will be given out at the end of the course. You'll receive a copy of your score and, if you pass, a certificate will be emailed to you to attach to your RDOA application.

Note: If you have difficulty with reading or writing, please let us know in advance so appropriate support can be arranged. This may include the option to complete the test verbally or with assistance.

Planning is currently underway to deliver the first RDOA Ready Certificate course in early 2026. Keep an eye out here for more details when they become available.

For more details about RDOA, including cancellation of a RDOA status and what happens if you change address, have a read of the RDOA approach document. 

Responsible Dog Owner Approval (RDOA)(PDF, 198KB)