All dogs over three months old require a licence in Vancouver but potential owners should carefully consider their decision to purchase a pet first.
City of Vancouver spokesperson Pinder Rehal says dog ownership is a "serious lifelong commitment" and animals require full-time care in a safe and loving environment.
"To ensure the safety and humane keeping of dogs and other pets, it is critical that residents follow the regulations as outlined in the Animal Control By-law and also ensure they take serious thought and consideration before embarking on dog ownership," she tells V.I.A.
Once they determine they have the environment and means necessary to care for a dog long-term, Vancouverites are legally required to purchase a dog licence. In 2024, the city had 23,000 canines in its registry.
Animal Law Lawyer Victoria Shroff says dog licensing also ensures owners get their dogs back if they go missing.
"Dog licensing is important because it brings you into compliance with the law but having a licence around the neck is exactly how you get them back," she tells V.I.A.
While sometimes dog identifications are tattooed in the pup's ear, it might not be the best in the event your dog goes missing.
Shroff speaks of a recent case where a dog's ear tattoo was smudged but the owner got them back via the licence.
"Luckily, it was a happy story because we could reunite them and had proved ownership with the licence... they were able to say, 'this is our dog," she explains.
According to the city, 97 per cent of lost dogs are reunited with owners. If the city picks up your lost, licensed dog, they get a free ride home (one per calendar year). Your beloved pooch also goes on an emergency pet registry so first responders look for them in emergencies.
How do I purchase a licence?
Vancouverites may only keep three dogs in any place or property unless the owners are licensed under the licence by-law as a kennel keeper.
You can purchase a dog licence(s) online with the city and pay with a credit card. Each licence is $65, with no tax, and must be renewed annually. Late renewals incur a $10 penalty.
Dog owners can also phone 311 and pay by credit card or pay in person at one of the following three locations:
- Vancouver Animal Shelter office at 1280 Raymur Ave (open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Vancouver Animal Shelter kennel (adoptions and viewings) at 1280 Raymur Ave (open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Revenue Services in the Ground floor of the Development and Building Services Centre at 515 W 10th Ave (open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Licences aren't transferrable to other owners. New owners must apply for a new one.
The city has a licensing system, and owners of all licensed dogs are emailed annually to renew their dog licences.
Will my dog licence from another municipality work in Vancouver?
People residing in another city who plan to move to Vancouver will need to transfer their licence over. They will need to provide proof of the licence from the other municipality. When the City of Vancouver issues a new licence, it will have the same expiration date as the previous one. The cost is $6 per licence with tax included.
Shroff says couples who break up and reside in different municipalities must also buy a second licence. This means two people who share custody of a dog in Vancouver and New Westminster require a licence for each city.
"People who move cities need to get a new licence and people who share custody need licences [for the dog] for both homes," she explains. "I think most people don't realize that."
Is there a different licence for aggressive dogs?
A dog deemed aggressive by the city requires a different tag, identifiable by its bright red, octagon-shaped tag (similar to a stop sign). These tags notify people who may prefer to keep their distance or how to "best interact with the dog," according to the city.
The annual fee for an aggressive dog licence is higher than the regular one at $200. The city deems a dog aggressive if it In Vancouver "has bitten or attacked a person or another domestic animal, without being provoked."
After an unprovoked incident, animal services will investigate and may deem a dog aggressive.
Dog owners may also apply to have their dog's "aggressive" designation removed.
Do I need to register my dog anywhere else in Vancouver?
Shroff says owners should also get their pets signed up with a pet registry, such as the BC Pet Registry. These services provide tattoos and microchips that help identify lost animals.
"You definitely want to have microchip information and get your pet signed up with a pet registry," she notes.
However, these tools shouldn't be considered alternatives to a licence. Instead, they provide multiple ways to have your lost pet returned to you.
How does the keep track of dog licences?
Rehal says it can be "challenging to keep tabs on all potential dog owners" across the city. However, the city focuses on educating the public about the importance of getting a dog licence and other regulations such as leashing.
"The city also employs by-law officers who can issue tickets and investigate reported incidents of potential by-law infractions," she notes.
In 2024, animal control officers conducted 5,722 patrols in Vancouver. The city received 603 complaints for dogs barking and 1,481 complaints for off-leash dogs
If you find a lost dog tag, the city advises you to drop it off at Animal Services, Vancouver City Hall, or any community centre or public library branch in Vancouver. City staff will return it to the owner.
