Getting a dog licence

Buying a licence online

Important information If you live on the Musqueam Indian Reserve or the University Endowment Lands, buy your dog licence in person or by phone.

Licensing a service dog for free

A service dog must have a dog licence. 

To get a free licence for your service dog, you must provide a valid copy of the Guide Dog and Service Dog Certification from the Province of British Columbia upon licensing.

• Guide Dog and Service Dog Act External website, opens in new tab
• Guide Dog and Service Dog Regulation External website, opens in new tab

Benefits of licensing your dog

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% 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.

Returning 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.