Licences

If you own a dog in the City of Vancouver that’s more than three months old, you need to get it a licence. It’s not only a City by-law; it’s protection for your pet.

A licence isn’t just a fashion accessory, it helps identify your dog if it gets lost, and licence fees help the pound provide food, shelter and medical treatment to lost, abandoned or abused dogs, and fund education and pet adoption services.

If you have a current licence and have lost your pet, you are entitled to get your pet back with no impound charge once per calander year.

Every year, more than 3,500 dogs go missing in Vancouver. 92% of lost dogs wearing a licence are returned to their owner, while a high percent of dogs lost without a tag never find their way back home.

Dog licence renewals will be staggered throughout the year according to where you live in Vancouver. View a map of zones and expiry dates.

Ways to get a licence

When you apply for a licence, have the following information ready:

• breed
• dog name
• gender
• colour
• veterinarian name
• proof/year of spaying or neutering, clearly showing owner's name, address and dog description (if applicable)
• tattoo (if applicable)
• dog chip ID (if applicable)

Then choose one of the following options:

1. Apply Online
   
   
2. Go to one of the following locations and buy your licence directly:
   • Vancouver Animal Control
     1280 Raymur Avenue (see directions)
   • City Hall
     453 West 12th Avenue
     2nd Floor, East Wing, Licence counter
     
     
3. Renew or Pay Online
   You can now renew dog licences online through the City’s secure website using your Visa, Mastercard, and American Express if you have an existing account for your dog licence. If you have just made an online application, you will need to wait until you receive a reference number for your new account before you can make an online payment.
   
   
4. Buy by mail
   Print out the application form (75kb), fill it out, don't forget to include your spay or neuter certificate. Please do not enclose a cheque at this time, your first licence is pro-rated to your location. We will mail you a bill showing the amount owing.
   
   Mail it to:
   Vancouver Animal Control
   1280 Raymur Avenue
   Vancouver, BC V6A 3L8
   
   
5. Renewing by phone or replacement tags
   Call Vancouver Animal Control at 3-1-1 or outside Vancouver 604.873.7000 and renew your licence or purchase replacement tags and pay by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. The tags will be mailed to you.

All tags being mailed should be received no later than two to three weeks of our receiving your payment. Please keep in mind that licences have lifetime tags. New applications will receive a tag with their first payment. If you require a replacement tag please contact Vancouver Animal Control at 604.873.7000.

Dog Licence Fees

Male or female dog: $70.00
Neutered male or spayed female: $37.00

(Note: Proof of neutering/spaying is required for first time applications)

A late penalty of $10 will be applied to each licence that is one month past due.

First Time Applications
First time fees are based on the date of application and your local neighbourhood area. Please contact the Vancouver Animal Control within Vancouver at 3-1-1 or outside Vancouver by dialing 604.873.7000 to find out your fee.

 

Updating Your Information

Have you moved, placed your dog with another family, lost your dog tag or your dog has passed away? If you need to update the information on your dog licence please contact our office either by sending us an email, fax, visiting the shelter or by giving us a call. Please contact Vancouver Animal Control within Vancouver at 3-1-1 or outside Vancouver by dialing 604.873.7000

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