Owners of Ruapehu district's 4679 dogs are being asked to provide photos of their dog to assist with identification.
The photo database is part of a new dog registration scheme by the Ruapehu District Council.
The scheme includes a new dog registration fee structure that "provides greater incentive for owners to pay on time and meet other legal and good owner obligations" said council regulation manager Steve Costelloe.
A new hunting dog classification is being introduced. It was developed with the Department of Conservation and applies to pig and deer hunting dogs that are used on the conservation estate.
The council is also asking all pet dog owners to provide digital photos to assist with managing complaints and lost and wandering dogs.
Mr Costelloe said the major impetus for the new approach was to increase the level of compliance across all categories of dog ownership.
"Council has always encouraged on-time payment of yearly dog registration fees and good dog ownership with a range of financial incentives including discounts or penalties for prompt or late payment.
"Unfortunately despite the financial incentives offered there are always a sizeable number of dog owners who need to be chased up by council to pay their dog registration fees and fulfil their other dog owner obligations," he said. The new pricing model would mean cheaper fees for prompt payers.
Mr Costelloe said Ruapehu had 1899 registered dog owners who owned 4679 dogs.
"It is hoped that the new dog fee registration model will provide a better balance of incentives and penalties that will encourage all dog owners to pay their registration fees on time and be fully compliant with all other owner obligations," he said.
The council will be posting dog registration fee invoices for 2015/16 out to owners from May 18. Owners must pay all dog registration fees and charges before August 1 to receive available discounts.