Buy or manage a dog licence

On this page:

• Benefits of a dog licence
• Buy or renew a dog licence
• Replace a lost dog tag
• Update your dog licence information
• Cancel your dog licence
• Return a found dog tag

Benefits of a dog licence

Being a responsible pet owner has its perks – not just for your dog, but for other dogs in Vancouver, too!

1. You're more likely to get your dog back if it goes missing. Did you know that 97 per cent of lost, licensed dogs are returned to their owners?
2. If we pick up your missing dog, it gets a free ride home once per calendar year.
3. Your dog goes on the emergency pet registry so emergency responders know to look for your dog in an emergency.
4. Lost and injured animals get cared for and pets get adopted with funding from your dog licence fee.
5. Dog facilities and services like off-leash dog parks are assessed using dog licensing statistics.
6. We respond to hurt or stray animals in emergencies, educate the public, and enforce pet rules with funding from your dog license fee.

Buy or renew a dog licence

A dog licence costs $43 (no tax) per dog, per year. It is valid until the renewal date specified on the dog license receipt. Is your dog a service dog? The dog licence is free. See the section "Licence your service dog" on this page for details.

Renew your licence before it expires to avoid the $10.00 late penalty.

 Do you live on the Musqueam Indian Reserve or the University Endowment Lands? Buy your dog licence in person or by phone.

Get a dog licence online

We accept VISA, Mastercard, and American Express credit cards.

Online dog license form Use the VanConnect app

Renew your dog licence online

Online dog license renewal form Use the VanConnect app

Phone 3-1-1

Pay by credit card.

In person

Pay by credit card, debit card, cheque, money order, or cash.

Replace a lost dog tag

When you licence your dog you will be issued a lifelong tag. A replacement dog tag costs $5.00 (tax included). Request a tag by in person or online when renewing your dog licence and a tag will be mailed out to you in 3-5 business days.

You can also request a replacement tag at any time online or in person. Once the request is received, Animal Services will contact you to process the payment before mailing the tag.

Request a tag online

Update your dog licence information

Please update your information with us if you:

• Moved within the City of Vancouver
• Changed your telephone number or email address
• Would like to add a family member to your account
• Have microchip or tattoo information
• Recently spayed or neutered your dog

Update your dog licence online

Cancel your dog licence

You will need to cancel your dog licence if:

• Your dog has passed away
• You gave your dog to another family
• You don't live in the City of Vancouver anymore

Cancel your dog licence online

Return a found dog tag

If you find a dog tag, please drop it off at Animal Services, Vancouver City Hall, or any community centre or public library branch in Vancouver. It will be returned to the owner.