Aggressive dog licence

Dogs are not necessarily aggressive because of their breed. Some of the most loveable and friendly dogs are breeds that are commonly assumed to be aggressive.

When a dog is considered aggressive

In Vancouver, a dog is considered aggressive if it has bitten or attacked a person or another domestic animal, without being provoked.

When an aggressive dog licence is required

• When our Animal Services considers a dog to be aggressive
• A dog is deemed aggressive by the Provincial Court of BC
   

Animal Services staff may issue an aggressive dog licence after investigating an unprovoked incident.

Responsibility as a dog owner

As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to licence your aggressive dog annually and have the dog wear the licence on their collar.

Fee

• Annual fee: $200

Important note Any fees for a current dog licence that have already been paid will be credited toward the aggressive dog licence fee. 

Important note If you are experiencing hardship, community associations may be able to assist.  

Renew aggressive dog licence

Important note You need to renew your licence each year.

As a responsible pet owner you are required to: 

• Maintain full control of your dog with a leash at all times when in public areas
• Obey all conditions that are placed on your dog as part of the aggressive dog licence

Conditions placed on an aggressive dog licence

Depending on the severity of your dog’s aggression, we may place various conditions on your licence, such as: 

• Wearing a muzzle when it's out in public or at a dog park
• Placing signs at your residence warning the public of an aggressive dog on the premises
• Other conditions as needed

Mistakes happen. As a dog owner, it's your responsibility to train and rehabilitate your dog to be a safe member of their community.

Our Aggressive Dog Licensing Program provides a second chance for some aggressive dogs.

Email animal.services@vancouver.ca to:

• Find out more about the rehabilitation process
• The option to apply for the removal of an aggressive dog licence and its conditions

Eligibility

You may be eligible to apply for the one-time removal of an aggressive dog licence if:

• Your dog is free of any complaints or unprovoked incidents in a 12-month period
• Your dog has completed an acceptable behavioural modification course or was assessed by a qualified professional as being no longer aggressive
• You have complied with all requirements and conditions of your aggressive dog licence, including:
  • Paying your dog licence fee annually
  • Muzzling your dog when they are away from their home and out in public
  • Following all additional conditions, as required by Animal Services 

Dogs not eligible to have their aggressive dog licence removed

• A dog deemed aggressive by the Provincial Court of BC
• An aggressive dog with more than one incident

To apply:

1. Email animal.services@vancouver.ca
2. Attach to your email: 

• Your name and contact information (address, telephone, email)
• Your dog’s information:
  • Name
  • Dog licence account number

Important note Animal Services staff will advise of the next steps.

Important note If your dog is approved to no longer be required to have an aggressive dog licence but has another unprovoked incident at any time, the aggressive dog licence will be reinstated indefinitely.