Apply for a Responsible Dog Owner Licence (RDOL)

You can apply for an RDOL to receive a discount on your dog registration fees.

Visit Discount for Responsible Dog Owner Licence (RDOL) holders for more information.

How to get an RDOL

You have to meet all criteria to get an RDOL.

You can get an RDOL if:

• you pass a written test on dog ownership
• you have been a registered dog owner in New Zealand for 12 months or more before applying
• you register your dog on time for the current registration year
• you have not received any infringements, impoundments or abatement notices under the Dog Control Act 1996 in the last 12 months
• your dog has not been involved in a substantiated complaint or impounded under the Dog Control Act 1996 in the last 12 months.

If you have multiple dogs, you must also get a licence to keep more than two dogs on a property.

How to apply for an RDOL​

Complete the application form and take a written test of your dog ownership knowledge.

You need to get 18 out of 20 questions correct to pass the test.

Recommended reading

Read our guide to responsible dog ownership before you take the written test.

Your privacy

We will use the personal information you provide to process your application.

We will:

• store your information securely
• not share it with third parties
• allow you to access and correct your personal information.

Processing timeframe

It takes 10 working days to process RDOL applications.

Let us know of any change of your details, address or dog ownership, to avoid delays.