Dog owners, it's time to go green! Dog registrations for the 2022-23 year are now open and so make sure your pooch is wearing their new green tag.

To celebrate, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is running a photo competition featuring all things green.

"To enter, take a photo of your dog in their new green tag while enjoying the green of nature at one of our dog friendly Western Bay spaces," says a Western Bay Council spokesperson.

"Make sure to include something green in your photo, such as trees, grass, or bush. Then post it on our Facebook or Instagram using #dogsofthewesternbay and be in with a shot at winning a pooch pamper hamper worth over $200."

Council's Animal Services Team Leader Dan Barnes knows people are busy, and says it would be fantastic to see dog owners getting in early to register their dogs, ticking it off their to-do lists.

'Registration is an important part of caring for our furry friends, and the dog loving community," says Dan.

'Our photo competition is a fun way to celebrate the new green tag colour and get dog owners and their four-legged friends out and about enjoying the Western Bay nature, so make sure you get involved.

"The fees support our Animal Services Team to provide the best care, support and activities for our dog loving community."

Registration fees also go towards the new dog exercise areas in the council's district. Te Puke is the first of four dog exercise areas in the main urban centres that are proposed over the next four years as part of Council's Long Term Plan. Dog parks will be developed in Katikati, Ōmokoroa and Waihī Beach in the future.

All dogs must be registered under the Dog Control Act by the end of June each year.

Information on fees and how they apply to different dogs - de-sexed, unneutered, dangerous, working and assistance dogs - is available on Council's website. There is no increase to registration fees this year.

Existing dog owners will receive their registration information in the mail or via email this week.

The easiest way to do your registration is online at westernbay.govt.nz/dog-registration

For any queries, please contact Council's customer services team, phone 0800 926 732 or email [email protected].