Registering your dog could be the difference between hours and days when it comes to getting a lost pet back home.

Dog registration has been part of owning a dog in New Zealand since the late 1800s, and while costs vary between councils, the purpose remains the same – ensuring owners can be quickly reunited with their dogs.

Tauranga City Council animal services team leader Brent Lincoln said registration and microchipping are essential tools that speed up the return of lost dogs.

“There are often dogs in the pound that look very similar,” Lincoln said. “They can be the same breed, have the same colouring, and the only way we are able to tell the difference is by the number on the tag around their collar or their microchip.”

The registration tag, he said, is also directly linked to the owner’s contact information.

“We can call the owner straight away and get their dog back to them faster,” Lincoln said.

This year, Tauranga City Council has limited the dog registration fee increase to $4. The early-bird rate is $129 if paid before July 31 this year. After that, the fee increases to $193.50.

Owners who do not register their dogs face a $300 infringement fine.

Animal Services hopes to register over 15,000 dogs this year – about 90% of the estimated dog population in the city.

Lincoln said he understood the cost can be difficult for some households.

“Prices have gone up across the board over the last couple of years.”

However, he said registration fees go directly back into the council’s Animal Services team.

“Dog registration is part of being a responsible dog owner, and we want to thank the many people in the community who do the right thing and register their dogs,” Lincoln said.

He said the fees help pay for patrols, education, dog parks and services like the dog pound, all of which contribute to a safer and more dog-friendly Tauranga.

Lincoln said he wants to see as many red tags as possible on dogs before the July deadline.