Preferred Owner Scheme

There are a number of criteria the owner must meet to become a Preferred Owner

Full Criteria

A preferred owner will be accorded a substantial reduction of registration fee provided that the following criteria have been met each and every subsequent year.

The premises where the dog(s) is/are housed has been inspected by a Palmerston North City council Animal Control Officer and the owner interviewed as to their understanding of statue and by-law requirements.
In the opinion of the Animal Control Officer the property is adequately fenced to contain the dog(s) at all times.
In the opinion of the Animal Control Officer the sleeping quarters and exercise facilities for the dog(s) are adequate.
The owner has not had more than one dog impounded or found at large in the next 12 months.
The dog(s) has not been found to be a nuisance to neighbours more than once in the next 12 months, eg complaints for barking or threatening dogs.
The registration fee/s have been paid by the due date.
Preferred Owners must notify Council of any change of address within 14 days. A property inspection of the new address will be required.

Property Considerations

Fencing must be adequate to permit dog(s) to be contained at all times, provide sufficient space for exercise and of a height sufficient to prevent dog(s) from alarming neighbours or passers by.
Suitable sleeping quarters must provide shelter for the dog but not be detrimental to its health, ie be adequately placed for light and air. A minimum standard would be a kennel and appropriate run, although a chain may be considered appropriate in some circumstances.