Dog Licences
- Benefits of Licensing your Dog
- How to License a Dog
- Dog Licence Renewals
- Update your Contact Information
- Payment Options
- Register or Renew Online
- Licence Fees
- More Information
- Provides a dog identification service that allows the City to return your dog if it is lost or stolen.
- Educates the public and responds to animal emergencies.
- Provides statistics on the number of dogs within Richmond to better assess the need for facilities and programs.
- Helps support animal related programs within Richmond such as the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA).
The City of Richmond encourages responsible pet ownership through licensing, public education and enforcement. Failure to pay your dog licence or dog licence renewal fee by Jan 1 may result in a violation notice being issued.
Information for Dog Owners Brochure
How to License and Register a Dog
Submit an application online:
The 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 old.
There is a maximum of three (3) dogs per one or two family dwelling and two (2) dogs per multiple family dwelling unit.
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:
- Download and complete the Dog Licence Application Form or pick up the application form at City Hall (6911 No. 3 Road).
Dog Licence Renewals
Invoices are mailed to all previously licensed dog owners within Richmond in December for 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 the renewal notice mailed out in early December is needed.
Dog Licence Updating
Updating of a dog licence account is required if there is a change of address or contact information.
To update a dog licence account:
- Email: doglicence@richmond.ca
- Phone: 604-276-4345
Dog Licence Cancellation
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 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, payment 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)
- Online with Visa or Mastercard (Note: For renewals, the account number and access code from the invoice notice mailed out in early December is required). A 2021 decal will be mailed to you once all outstanding fees are paid.
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Licence Fees
Dogs older than eight weeks of age are required to have a licence. The cost of licensing a dog varies based on if the dog is spayed or neutered, if it is deemed dangerous and/or when the licence is purchased.
All licences that are paid before March 1, 2021 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, 2021. After March 1, 2021, the full licence fee applies. Licence fees below are non-refundable.
| Dogs spayed or neutered | |
|---|---|
| Before March 1, 2021 | $24.75 (Discounted) |
| Before March 1, 2021 (seniors rate) | $12.50 (Discounted) |
| On or after March 1, 2021 | $37.00 |
| Dogs not spayed or neutered | |
|---|---|
| Before March 1, 2021 | $61.00 (Discounted) |
| On or after March 1, 2021 | $85.00 |
| Dangerous dogs spayed or neutered | |
|---|---|
| Before March 1, 2021 | $184.00 (Discounted) |
| Before March 1, 2021 (Seniors Rate) | $91.75 (Discounted) |
| On or after March 1, 2021 | $244.00 |
| Dangerous dogs not spayed or neutered | |
|---|---|
| Before March 1, 2021 | $244.00 (Discounted) |
| After March 1, 2021 | $303.00 |
| Replacement tag and valid Out-of-Jurisdiction | |
|---|---|
| Any time | $7.25 |
More Information
To inquire about dog licences, call 604=276-4345 or email doglicence@richmond.ca.