It's that time of year when our furry friends need to add a pop of colour to their collar.

This year, Tauranga City Council is partnering with Taste of the Wild to help ease the financial pinch that comes with dog registrations.

Owners who register their dog between now and Monday, July 31 2023, can take advantage of Council's $100 early bird registration fee and receive a 25 per cent discount on their next Taste of the Wild dog food purchase.

A late fee of $50 applies to registrations made after Monday, July 31, so Council is encouraging dog owners to get in quick.

Animal Services Team Leader, Brent Lincoln, acknowledges that dog registration fees are an additional household expense and that prices, in general, are on the rise.

'We know times are tough right now, and we have kept fee rises to a minimum, with the cost of registering your dog increasing by just $3 from last year,” says Brent.

Council hopes to see more than 15,000 dogs, or 90 per cent of the city's dog population, wearing a new yellow registration tag by the end of July.

'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. The fees we collect through registrations goes straight back to the Animal Services team, which in turn helps to make Tauranga a safer and more dog-friendly city."

What do dog registration fees go towards?

• Delivery of owner education and safety programmes in schools and local businesses.
• Rehoming/adopting dogs that come into our care.
• Shelter facilities to care for lost dogs.
• Maintaining the dog registration database.
• Responding to dog barking, roaming dogs and general complaints.
• Installation and maintenance of poo bag dispensers.
• Running community events such as Tessa's Treasure Hunt, Bark in the Park, and Twilight Walks.

More information on where your fees go can be found on the Council's website.

To ensure your dog is sporting their yellow tag this registration year, head to www.tauranga.govt.nz/dogrego to register your dog or do it in person by visiting one of the Tauranga City Council customer service centres.