The July 31 deadline for registering dogs had passed, and while 12,677 dogs had been registered as of August 5, 956 dogs were yet to be registered, DCC animal control team leader Ros MacGill said.
She was pleased 92% of dogs had been registered - up from 85% in 2007 - but the council would get tough with the owners of unregistered dogs.
"Dog owners know they have to register their dogs."
Registration for a dog in the city was $75, but people who had not registered their dog would be sent an additional notice for a late fee of $37.50, she said.
Failing to pay by September 15 could mean a visit from council staff. The council would go door to door and impound any unregistered dogs.
"We are more focused this year and we are trying to get as many dogs registered as possible."
Owners who have their dog impounded face a $300 fee and also a charge of $10 a day, with the council taking the matter to the courts if fees are not paid.
"Money paid into registering dogs stays in the animal control service," she said.
A decision on whether to increase animal control fees would be made by council in October, she said.
"If we can't balance the balance sheet we will recommend fees to go up."
Otago SPCA senior inspector Steph Saunders said there had been an increase in people dropping off dogs in recent weeks "but it is the same every year at dog registration time".
Most people said they were "moving" rather than admit they could not afford to register their dog, she said.
"We can tell the dogs are not registered."
One excuse which raised eyebrows at the SPCA was from a student who said it was "interfering with her studies".
