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Pets & Animals

Dog Licences

Dog Licence Benefits.

  • Provides a dog identification service that allows the City to return your dog if it is lost or stolen.
  • Educates the public and respond to animal emergencies.
  • Provides statistics on the number of dogs within our city to better assess the need for facilities and programs.
  • Licence revenue helps support animal related programs within our community such as the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS).
  • To report a dog in a hot car, contact RAPS at 604-275-2036 or after 6:00 p.m. email bylawrequest@richmond.ca.

The City of Richmond encourages responsible pet ownership through licensing, public education and enforcement. The penalties for an unlicenced dog are up to $325 and up to $525 for an unlicenced dangerous dog. Both are subject to court prosecution for up to $10,000.

PDF Document Information for Dog Owners Brochure

How to License and Register a Dog
City of Richmond Bylaw 7138 states all dog owners who reside in Richmond are required to purchase a licence and register their dog(s) that are over the age of eight weeks.

There is a maximum of three dogs allowed per single-family dwelling and two dogs per multiple-family dwelling unit.

To license your new dog, you can submit your licence application online: 

Register a New Dog

Things to Remember

  • A spayed or neutered document must be provided at the time of licensing to receive the discounted rate.
  • Licence fees are non-refundable.
  • Licences are not transferable.

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Alternatively, applications are accepted through the following methods:   

Dog Licence Renewals
In December, invoices are mailed to all previously licensed dog owners within the city of Richmond. These invoices are for dog licences for the upcoming new calendar year.

Dogs must be licensed for every calendar year. Spayed and neutered dogs that have been previously licensed with the City do not require proof of spaying or neutering when renewing a licence.

To renew dog licences online, the account number and access number from your renewal notice mailed out in early December is needed.

Renew A Dog Licence

How To Update Your Dog Licence
Updating of a dog licence account is required if there is a change of address or contact information.

To update a dog licence account:

How To Cancel Your Dog Licence
A dog licence is required to be cancelled if:

  • Your dog has passed away
  • Your dog has been given to another person
  • You have moved out of the City of Richmond

To cancel a dog licence account, email doglicence@richmond.ca or call 604-276-4345.

Payment Options
If applying for a new dog licence or an annual renewal, pay can be made using one of the following options:

  • By mail to Dog Licensing, Community Bylaws Department, City of Richmond, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1 (Cheque only, do not mail cash)
  • In person at Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road (cash, cheque or debit)
  • In person at Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS), 12071 No. 5 Road (cash, debit, Visa or Mastercard)
  • Online with Visa or Mastercard (Note: for renewals, the account number and access code from your invoice notice mailed out in early December is required). A 2019 decal will be mailed to you once all outstanding fees are paid.

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Register a New Dog

Renew A Dog Licence

Licence Fees
Dogs older than eight weeks of age are required to have a licence purchased for them. The cost of licensing a dog will vary based on whether the dog is spayed or neutered, if it is deemed dangerous and when the licence is purchased.

All licences that are paid before March 1, 2019 are eligible for a discounted rate. For licence renewals, the discounted fee is already reflected on the invoice.

Dog owners aged 65 years or older receive a discounted rate before March 1, 2019. After March 1, 2019, the full licence fee applies. Licence fees below are non-refundable.

Dogs spayed or neutered
Before March 1, 2019 $24.25 (Discounted)
Before March 1, 2019 (seniors rate) $12.25 (Discounted)
On or after March 1, 2019 $36.25
Dogs not spayed or neutered
Before March 1, 2019 $59.75 (Discounted)
On or after March 1, 2019 $83.25
Dangerous dogs spayed or neutered
Before March 1, 2019 $180.00 (Discounted)
Before March 1, 2019 (Seniors Rate) $89.75 (Discounted)
On or after March 1, 2019 $239.00
Dangerous dogs not spayed or neutered
Before March 1, 2019 $239.00 (Discounted)
After March 1, 2019 $297.00
Replacement tag and valid Out-of-Jurisdiction
Any time $7.00

More Information
To inquire about dog licences, call 604-276-4345 or email doglicence@richmond.ca.

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