Pedigree information for pooches throughout the Queenstown Lakes District.
Welcome to Scuttlemutt
Every six months, we'll be sending out all the relevant information dog owners in the Queenstown Lakes need to know, from upcoming registration periods to cool dog-related events we're hosting.
It's nearly time to register your dog
With only a few months left to run on your dog’s current registration in the Queenstown Lakes, our Animal Control team is busy preparing for the 2022/2023 period.
To keep you in the loop, we’ve created a short list of all the important information you need to know to ensure your furry friend is registered.
For the legal eagles out there, dog registration is a requirement in New Zealand under the Dog Control Act 1996.
Key dates
Thursday 30 June 2022:
Your dog's registration expires for the 2021/2022 period.
Sunday 31 July 2022:
Your dog registration payment is due for the 2022/2023 registration period.
Monday 1 August 2022:
50% late penalties are applied to any outstanding dog registration payments. Make sure you've paid for your dog's registration before this date.
How to pay your dog registration
• Online at www.qldc.govt.nz/do-it-online/make-a-payment/dog-registration
• In person by visiting reception at our offices in Queenstown or Wānaka. You can pay by cash or with a credit card
• Credit into our bank account 02-0948-000-2000-00 with your Animal ID in the reference field
However you choose to pay for your dog registration, please ensure that you return your signed registration form via email or in person.
Microchip.. that's a tiny snack, right?
Many of the heart-warming reunions our Animal Control team sees happen because a dog is microchipped.
When we find a lost dog, we use our scanner to detect a microchip. The microchip provides a series of numbers we use to look up who the pooch belongs to. So, when you’re registering your dog this year, please consider sharing their microchip number with our team. That way, if your best buddy goes missing, we’ll have a far easier time getting them home safe and sound once we’ve found them.
New puppies and dogs must be micro-chipped within two months of their first
Lifelong tags
It’s been all paws on deck this year for our Animal Control team as they’ve worked to reduce the amount of plastic seen in QLDC’s annual dog registration run. And the team’s really excited to announce that they’re saying goodbye to the old plastic registration tags.
Welcome to the long-awaited dog registration tags for life!
Our new dog registration tags will be issued to all dogs during the next registration period, commencing on 30 June 2022. The tags are metal and created with a unique identification number, designed to last a lifetime.
Currently, we post every dog in the district a brand new plastic tag each
registration period, which is around 6,000 tags a year.
The new lifelong tags will see a reduction in not only plastic used, but a simpler process for dog owners to renew their registrations going forward.
Terrific times ahead for Ted
Our Animal Control Officers recently received an update about Ted, a lovely little pooch who was adopted from the Queenstown Pound in February 2020. Two years later, we’re told Ted is living the good life – just look at his smile! His owner says, “We absolutely love him, Ted’s the best dog ever!”
Making a splash!
QLDC’s Sport & Recreation team recently hosted a pool party exclusively for furry friends at Arrowtown Memorial Pool in March. And you’ll be pleased to know the first event of its kind in the Queenstown Lakes went swimmingly, with dogs of all sizes and breeds enjoying a dip and a doggy paddle before the pool gets drained for winter.
Animal Control staff mingled with the crowd, offering complimentary training tips and all-important poo bags. Entry was $5.00 per poochie and all proceeds were donated to the SPCA. We heard many a bork of happiness, and saw plenty of wagging tails.
Dog of the month
Meet Oscar, our very first Scuttlemutt dog of the month! He's a four year old Spoodle and a big fan of autumn. Oscar loves playing in the leaves. He's also an aquatic pooch, with a love for paddle boarding and boating on Lake Wānaka.
But when it comes to what Oscar really, truly loves more than anything in the world, he's got four simple answers.
His family. Cuddles. Socks. And anything made of merino or possum fur. Congratulations Oscar!
The rules for Queenstown Hill
Our district has many beautiful walks, trails, and parks for dogs to enjoy, but it’s important to remember there are some areas where dogs are not allowed, and other areas where dogs need to be leashed.
Your dog may have a lovely nature, be very friendly and extremely well trained, but please remember dogs are prohibited from Queenstown Hill. Yeah! Not allowed, at all, not even on a leash!
A breach of Queenstown Lakes District Council’s Dog Control Bylaw 2020 may result in a $300.00 fine.
Why does Queenstown Hill have these rules?
Queenstown Hill is a working farm and mostly private land. While the landowner has granted access for people to head up the track and enjoy the amazing walk (and the views), there have been incidents in the past where stock has been attacked by dogs. As a result, the landowner does not wish to have dogs on Queenstown Hill. By prohibiting dogs from heading up there, this reduces the risk of further attacks and makes for a safer environment for the stock.
We recommend not telling your dog if you’re heading up Queenstown Hill, to avoid any hurt feelings. Maybe say you’re going to the Vet instead.
QLDC offers free dog training classes in Queenstown and Wānaka
QLDC Animal Control staff have recently hosted a number of dog training sessions in the district, free of charge for registered dog owners. The classes covered basic training concepts that are fundamental for creating positive experiences for your dog, including:
- how to keep calm in different environments
- maintaining engagement with your dog
- recall basics
- how to guide your dog through correct ‘meet and greet’ protocols with other dogs.
Two sessions were held in Wānaka and hosted by Leone Ward of Dogs Zones Behaviour and Training, and a further two sessions were held in Queenstown and hosted by Flip Collins of
Remarkable Dog Training.
Queenstown attendees were lucky to receive some doggy treat bags from Kay at Queenstown Best for Pets, a welcome reward after a big day of training. We’d like to share a big thank you to Flip at Remarkable Dog Training, Leone Ward at Dogs Zones Behaviour and Training, and Queenstown Best for Pets for making the training classes happen, and taste good!
April 2022's featured walks
Lake Alta Track, Remarkables Conservation Area
This stunning walk managed by the Department of Conservation begins at the Remarkables Ski Field base building and climbs through alpine wetlands up to a glacial lake. Autumn is one of the best times to give the walk a go, with crisp temperatures coupled with gentle dustings of snow.
And the best part is your pooch can accompany you, provided they are on a leash. The area hosts some rare alpine plants, so it’s important to keep dogs from accidentally damaging any of the flora. We all know they have a tendency to get excited and tippy tap their feet everywhere!
If you’re thinking about tackling this track, please check weather conditions before you go and remember to take home everything you take up there, including dog poo!
The Lake Alta Track takes around 1.5hrs – 2hrs to walk, and is mostly uphill so some fitness is recommended. The NZ Ski road toll applies, which you can find more information on at www.doc.govt.nz.
Waterfall Creek Track, Wānaka
The Waterfall Creek Track is an absolute must for all dog owners in the Upper Clutha. If you live in Wānaka or regularly visit, chances are you've enjoyed the trail already. But for those of you who haven't taken your four legged friend here yet, you start at the western end of Roys Bay and simply follow the track along the shores of Lake Wānaka.
The Waterfall Creek Track takes you past the famous Wānaka Tree, Edgewater Resort and the Rippon Vineyard, ending at Waterfall Creek. The track has recently been widened and has a newly upgraded surface, making the walk even better.
And if you're feeling adventurous, you can continue on from Waterfall Creek along towards Glendhu Bay. The views get better and better the further you go, and we're sure the scents do too!
Keep us in the loop
We know a lot can change for you and your dog in a year, so remember to keep us updated on any important changes to your pooch’s details. These include if you've moved house, if your dog has been desexed or sadly passed away, whether they've got a new owner now or recently been microchipped.
We want to hear it all. Let us know by emailing services@qldc.govt.nz or calling 03 441 0499 so we can make sure your dog's details are up to date!
Helpful Links
Adopt a dog
Renew dog registration
Dog walking maps
