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Dog Licences

Did you know that all dogs in New Westminster are required to have and wear a current dog licence? The revenue from dog licensing helps fund the operation of the animal shelter, where we care for lost and abandoned animals. And of course, most importantly, your dog’s licence is one of the fastest ways we can get in touch with you if your dog is lost.

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with PetHub to modernize our dog licence system, providing owners with a permanent tag that can act both as a regular dog licence tag and as a digital ID tag. There is no additional cost to you -- just our normal dog licence fee. Upon activation of your dog's new tag on PetHub.com, you will have access to free lost pet recovery tools. You can also choose to upgrade to access even more services. Don’t worry, you have complete control over what personal information is shared with anybody who scans the tag.

96% of PetHub recovered pets are home in less than 24 hours! Our goal is to help get lost dogs back to their families quickly, hopefully without them even having to come to the animal shelter.

To learn more, visit PetHub's website.

  • Dog Licence Fees

      First Time Licence Renewal on or before March 1 Renewal after March 1
    Intact dog
    (not neutered/ spayed)    		 $38.00 $71.00 $92.00

    Sterilized dog
    (neutered/spayed)
    *proof required

    		 $28.00 $28.00 $37.00

    Certified service dog
    *documentation required

    		 $0 $0 $0
    Valid from January 1 to December 31.

  • How to Purchase a Dog Licence for the First Time

    If this is the first time you’re purchasing a licence for this dog in New Westminster, please complete the Dog Licence application form. 

    1. Email your completed form to with proof of neuter/spay (if applicable). We will then contact you once an account has been created, and you can pay online with a Visa or Mastercard. We will mail your tag(s).

      OR
       
    2. Bring your completed form to the Animal Shelter or to City Hall with proof of neuter/spay (if applicable). You will receive your tag(s) right away.

      OR
       
    3. Mail your completed form to the Animal Shelter with proof of neuter/spay (if applicable) and with your payment (money order or cheque made out to the City of New Westminster). We will mail your tag(s).

      New Westminster Animal Shelter
      420 Boyne Street
      New Westminster BC  V3M 5K3

  • How to Renew a Dog Licence

    All dog licences expire on December 31 each year. Animal Services mails licence renewal invoices in early December each year to dog owners. Licences are due by January 1 each year A late payment penalty is applied after March 1.

    If you know your account number and access code, and if nothing has changed on the account, you may renew without the renewal notice here. Simply pay the balance due.

    Since we moved to permanent tags in 2024, a new tag will not be mailed to you unless requested (your previous tag was lost or damaged).

    Please contact Animal Services at  for more information, or if you do not know your account number and access code. We can provide you with the information.

    Important: if there is any change to your account (address change, dog is now spayed/neutered, etc.) please contact us at or 604-519-2008 first. Include your name, phone number, account number, and necessary changes. Proof of spay/neuter will need to be emailed to us before we can apply the discount.

    1. You can renew your dog licence online with Visa or Mastercard.

      Please note that you will need your account number and access code, which is found at the top of your renewal notice. If you do not have your renewal notice, please contact us at 604-519-2008 or . We will provide you with this information. 

      OR
       
    2. Bring the bottom of your renewal notice to the Animal Shelter or to City Hall.

      OR
       
    3. Mail the bottom of your renewal notice with payment (money order or cheque made out to the City of New Westminster).

      New Westminster Animal Shelter
      420 Boyne Street
      New Westminster BC  V3M 5K3
       

  • How to Replace a Lost Licence Tag

    If your dog has lost their licence tag, you will need to purchase a replacement tag. The cost is $6. you can purchase a replacement tag in person at the Animal Shelter or at City Hall. You will need your account number, which can be found on the invoice.

    You may also pay online for the replacement tag to have the replacement tag mailed to you, but first, please contact us at . Please provide the account number, the owner's name on the account, the mailing address, and the dog's name.

  • Dog Licence Account Updates/Closing

    If you need to advise us of any changes, or if you need to close your dog licence account, please email us at  with your account number in the subject line. If you don't have email, please leave a message at 604-519-2008.

    Examples of information that may need to be updated:
    • Your dog is now spayed/neutered (you will need to submit proof)
    • Your dog now has permanent identification (tattoo or microchip)
    • You have moved to another New Westminster address
    • You have a new phone number


    Reasons you may need to close your account:

    • You have moved out of New Westminster
    • Your dog has passed away
    • Your dog has been rehomed