Animal Control & Licences
Dog licences are an important part of responsible dog ownership. All dogs over the age of four months are required to be licensed in the City of Victoria.
For more information on where to buy a licence or current rates, visit the Victoria Animal Control website.
Why license your dog?
- A dog licence is identification.
- Dog licences are the fastest way to reunite you with your lost dog. Hundreds of dogs are quickly reunited with their owners in the City of Victoria each year because they were found wearing a current licence.
- A dog licence tells others your lost pet is not a stray and needs to be returned to its family.
- Licensing is a mandatory requirement for all dogs over the age of four months. Current year dog tags must be displayed when in a public place, or on private property other than the owner's.
- Dog licences encourage owner accountability
- Dog licence fees help to offset the costs of operating an animal control and pound service, which shelters, feeds and provides care for lost and injured animals. Dog licence fees also offset the costs of providing dog waste bags in City of Victoria parks.
- Owners of licensed dogs avoid paying an additional penalty if your dog is impounded.
- Owners of unlicensed dogs can be fined up to $100 per day for non-compliance.
The City of Victoria contracts Victoria Animal Control Services to enforce the City's Animal Control Bylaw. Officers regularly patrol City parks to ensure dogs, and dog owners, are acting responsibly so all park users can enjoy Victoria parks.
If you have an animal related complaint, call Victoria Animal Control Services at 250.414.0233 or email: vacs@shaw.ca.
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