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 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 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 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 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.

Before you apply, make sure you meet the RDOA criteria set out above as there will be no refund if we decline your RDOA application.

RDOA applications are accepted twice each year. Applications received by the published application deadline will be assessed and, if approved, will be eligible for RDOA registration fees in the upcoming registration year (beginning 1 July).

Applications received after the deadline will be assessed and, if approved, will be eligible for RDOA registration fees in the following registration year.

RDOA application fee

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

The RDOA application cost is set as per Council's fees and charges annually.

Council will notify you of your application results.

If you're successful, and your application was received by the published application deadline, we will have the status and discount automatically applied to your next annual registration fee due later in the year. Approved applications received after the deadline will be eligible for RDOA registration fees in the following registration year.

This is a theory-based course for Horowhenua District Council registered dog owners only. In this course, you'll gain important knowledge about:

• your key responsibilities as a dog owner
• the local rules that apply in Horowhenua under the Horowhenua Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy
• what you need to know in the Dog Control Act 1996

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.

Keep an eye out here for more details as they become available.