Discount for Responsible Dog Owner Approvals (RDOA)

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

If your application is received and approved by 1 May, you will be eligible for discounted RDOA registration fees for the upcoming financial year beginning 1 July.

If your application is received after 1 May and approved, you will be eligible for discounted fees for the following financial year beginning 1 July.

For example:

• Applications received by 1 May 2026 and approved will receive discounted fees for the 2026/27 registration year beginning 1 July 2026
• Applications received after 1 May 2026 and approved will receive discounted fees for the 2027/28 registration year beginning 1 July 2027.

A one-off application fee of $78.50 is payable when applying for Responsible Dog Owner Approval (RDOA) status.

This fee covers:

• background checks
• administration costs
• a property inspection by Animal Control

The application fee is separate from your annual dog registration fee.

If your application is approved, you will become eligible for discounted RDOA registration fees.

Please note: There is no refund if your application is declined.

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

• The outdoor area your dog(s) can access is fully fenced. The fence must be secure, well-maintained and high enough to safely contain your dog(s). There must be no items stacked or placed near the fence that could allow your dog(s) to climb and escape.
• Your dog(s) have suitable housing, including weatherproof and hygienic kennels.
• You have been a registered dog owner within the Horowhenua District for at least 12 months, and Council has not received any justified complaints about your dog(s) or your dog ownership behaviour during that time (a complaint reviewed and found to have merit by Council).
• You have not received any warnings, infringements, impoundments, seizures or abatements under the Dog Control Act 1996 within the previous 12 months.
• You have completed one of the following:
  • your dog(s) have attended and passed dog obedience training to level 2 (Canine Good Basics) or higher and can provide a certificate; or
  • you have attended Council’s RDOA Ready Course and received an RDOA Ready Certificate. 
• You comply with the Horowhenua Dog Control Bylaw relating to dogs.

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

Your application 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
• have received a late payment penalty for your dog registration within the last year
• have been classified as a probationary or disqualified dog owner
• have received an infringement notice or written warning from a warranted Animal Control Officer within the last year
• have received a substantiated complaint about your dog(s)’ behaviour in the last year.

Council offers the free RDOA Ready Course twice each year for Horowhenua District Council registered dog owners.

This is a theory-based course and dogs are not required to attend.

The course takes approximately one hour and includes an online test at the end. Successfully completing the course can be used instead of providing evidence of Level 2 (or higher) dog obedience training when applying for RDOA.

The course covers key responsibilities of dog ownership, including:

• your responsibilities as a dog owner
• local rules under the Horowhenua Dog Control Bylaw and Dog Control Policy
• key requirements of the Dog Control Act 1996

You will receive a copy of your result. If you pass, a certificate will be emailed to you to include with your RDOA application.

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

The next RDOA Ready Course is planned for October 2026. Course details and registration information will be published here once confirmed.

Please note: Completing or passing the course does not automatically grant RDOA status. A separate RDOA application form must still be completed and approved.

Council will notify you of your application outcome.

If approved, your eligibility for discounted RDOA registration fees will depend on when your application was received.

• Applications received by 1 May and approved apply to the upcoming financial year beginning 1 July.
• Applications received after 1 May and approved apply to the following financial year beginning 1 July.

Before applying, ensure you meet all RDOA criteria listed above. There is no refund if your application is declined.