--- title: "Abbotsford dog licences: fees and how to get one" question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?" place: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada place_path: ca/bc/abbotsford category: Pets, animals and wildlife owner: regional owner_body: Fraser Valley Regional District sources_read: 2026-11-05 review: machine_checked canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/dog-licence/" json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/dog-licence.json" --- # Abbotsford dog licences: fees and how to get one **Question:** How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost? **Short answer:** In Abbotsford, dog licences are issued by the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), not the City. Every dog four months or older needs one each year. The FVRD fee is $33 for a spayed or neutered dog and $83 for one that is not. You can also buy one at the Cashiers counter at City Hall. **Who handles it:** Regional district (Fraser Valley Regional District, https://www.fvrd.ca) **Cost:** FVRD fees: $33 spayed or neutered; $83 not spayed or neutered. Nuisance dog $148 and $177; aggressive or dangerous dog $295 and $354. Transfer $5; replacement tag $7. A 30% late penalty applies if the fee owed before January 1 is not paid by then. A dog acquired after July 1 pays half (minimum $10), except aggressive or nuisance dogs. No seniors or early-payment discount is listed. Fine for an unlicensed dog: $200. **How long:** Every licence expires on December 31 and the fee is paid each year. The tag is permanent and is not replaced each year. **Where:** - Online: FVRD online services (MyFVRD account), https://myfvrd.ca/TempestApps/eApply/Dogs/Welcome.aspx - In person: Cashiers counter, Abbotsford City Hall, 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC - By mail: FVRD Animal Control, 1-45950 Cheam Avenue, Chilliwack, BC - Phone: FVRD Animal Control, 1-844-495-CARE - Email: FVRD Animal Control, animalcontrol@fvrd.bc.ca ## Key facts - **Licence required:** Yes. Every dog four months or older kept in Abbotsford needs a valid FVRD licence for the current licence year, and the tag must be worn on the dog at all times. Not issued to anyone under 18. Exempt: dogs used by a government law enforcement agency. - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A per Bylaw 1854, 2026), Part E, s. 1, 4, 8, 14](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf) - Official wording: "A person must not keep or allow to be kept on any real property any dog unless a valid" … "dog licence for the current licence year has first been obtained for that dog from the Regional District." … "Every dog owner must ensure that a valid dog licence tag is displayed on the dog at all" … "A dog licence must not be issued to, or in the name of, any person under the age of 18" … "Any owner of a dog used by a government law enforcement agency is exempt from" - Source: [Dog Licences, intro](https://www.abbotsford.ca/city-services/permits-licences/dog-licences) - Official wording: "All dogs in Abbotsford, 4 months or older, must be licensed." - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, intro](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - Official wording: "All dogs four months or older must have a current licence." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Issued by:** The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), not the City of Abbotsford. City Hall cashiers also sell licences. - Source: [Dog Licences, intro](https://www.abbotsford.ca/city-services/permits-licences/dog-licences) - Official wording: "The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) provides Animal Control services for the City of Abbotsford" … "In person from the Cashiers counter of Abbotsford City Hall" - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, intro](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - Official wording: "The FVRD manages dog licensing for Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Harrison Hot Springs, Kent, and Mission." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $33 a year. The owner must give a veterinarian's certificate at the time of application showing the dog is spayed or neutered. - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A per Bylaw 1854, 2026), Schedule A (Bylaw 1854, 2026); s. 11](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf) - Official wording: "Altered Dog (each) $33" … "The owner of a dog that is not an aggressive dog or a nuisance dog who provides a veterinarian" - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, Licence Fees table](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - Official wording: "Dog Licence - spayed or neutered" … "$33" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $83 a year. - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A per Bylaw 1854, 2026), Schedule A (Bylaw 1854, 2026)](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf) - Official wording: "Unaltered Dog (each) $83" - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, Licence Fees table](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - Official wording: "Dog Licence - NOT spayed or neutered" … "$83" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Other fees and discounts:** Late: 30% penalty if the fee is owed before January 1 and not paid by then. Dog acquired after July 1: fee cut by 50% (minimum $10), but not for aggressive or nuisance dogs. Licence transfer $5. Replacement tag $7. No seniors or early-payment discount is listed. - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A per Bylaw 1854, 2026), s. 10(a), 10(b); Schedule A](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf) - Official wording: "shall, notwithstanding the provisions of" … "pay a late penalty of an additional 30%" … "reduced by 50% to a minimum of $10" … "Licence Transfer $5" … "Licence Tag Replacement $7" - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, Renewals; Licence Fees](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - Official wording: "A 30% penalty fee will apply to payments received after December 31." … "Licence Transfer" … "Licence Tag Replacement" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Renewal:** Every licence expires on December 31 and the fee must be paid each year. The tag is permanent and is not replaced each year. - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A per Bylaw 1854, 2026), s. 3](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf) - Official wording: "Every dog licence issued under this bylaw will expire on the 31st day of December in" - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, Renewals](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - Official wording: "The licence fee must be paid annually." … "The dog tag is permanent and will not be replaced each year." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **How to get one:** New licence: apply online through the FVRD (MyFVRD), by mail to the FVRD at 1-45950 Cheam Avenue, Chilliwack, or in person at the Cashiers counter at Abbotsford City Hall, 32315 South Fraser Way. Renewals: online with a MyFVRD account, by mail, or in person. - Source: [Dog Licences, intro](https://www.abbotsford.ca/city-services/permits-licences/dog-licences) - Official wording: "New licences and renewals can be purchased online:" … "By mail from the FVRD at 1-45950 Cheam Avenue, Chilliwack, BC V2P 1N6, or" … "In person from the Cashiers counter of Abbotsford City Hall at 32315 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC." - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, New and Renewal](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - Official wording: "Please consider creating a MyFVRD account to renew your licence online" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Fine, unlicensed dog:** $200 (bylaw notice; $190 if paid within 14 days, $210 if paid more than 28 days after receiving it). - Source: [FVRD Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 1415, 2017, Schedule A-3 (consolidated), Schedule A-3, s. 1](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Other/CONSOLIDATED%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "Animal Control Bylaw 1 No Dog Licence $200 $190 $210" - Source: [FVRD Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 1415, 2017, Schedule A-3 (consolidated), s. 5.2, 5.3](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Other/CONSOLIDATED%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw.pdf) - Official wording: "received by the Registry within 14 days of a person receiving or being presumed to have" … "payment is received more than 28 days after a person received or is presumed to have" - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, intro](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - Official wording: "The fine for owning an unlicensed dog is $200." - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 - **Bylaw:** Fraser Valley Regional District Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 (fees in Schedule A, as replaced by Bylaw 1854, 2026) - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A per Bylaw 1854, 2026), Part A and Schedule A](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf) - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited as the" … "Fraser Valley Regional District Animal Control Regulation" … "Bylaw No. 1206, 2013" … "FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL DISTRICT BYLAW NO. 1854, 2026" - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06 ## How it works Under the FVRD [Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206](), nobody in Abbotsford may keep a dog four months or older without a licence for the current licence year. The tag must be worn on the dog at all times. A licence cannot be issued to anyone under 18. ## Steps 1. Choose how to apply. New licence: online through the FVRD (MyFVRD), by mail to the FVRD in Chilliwack, or in person at the Cashiers counter at City Hall. Renewal: online with a MyFVRD account, by mail, or in person. 2. Give a veterinarian's certificate showing your dog is spayed or neutered, to get the lower fee. 3. Pay the fee. A licence expires every December 31. 4. Put the tag on your dog. ## Good to know - If you move within the service area, tell the FVRD within 30 days and pay the $5 transfer fee. - A dog acquired after July 1 pays half the fee (minimum $10). This does not apply to aggressive or nuisance dogs, and they do not get the spayed or neutered rate. - Fees are waived for certified guide animals and for dogs in the temporary care of a registered non-profit rescue society. Dogs used by a government law enforcement agency are exempt. - Refunds of the altered/unaltered difference, or part of the fee if the dog dies, may be requested within 4 months of the licence expiring. - An unlicensed dog can bring a $200 bylaw notice ($190 if paid within 14 days, $210 if paid more than 28 days after you receive it). - The tag is permanent; only the fee is paid each year. Check the FVRD page for this year's renewal dates. ## What you'll need - Veterinarian's certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered, for the lower fee - Owner must be 18 or older ## Official forms and pages - [Dog Licences (FVRD)](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) - [Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, PDF)](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf) ## Related questions - [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Abbotsford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/how-many-pets.md) - [Abbotsford dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/dog-leash-rules.md) - [Abbotsford rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/dangerous-dogs.md) ## The same question elsewhere - [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md) - [Mission](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/dog-licence.md) - [Township of Langley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/dog-licence.md) - [Chilliwack](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/dog-licence.md) - [Langley City](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley/dog-licence.md) - [Maple Ridge](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/maple-ridge/dog-licence.md) - [Pitt Meadows](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/pitt-meadows/dog-licence.md) ## Sources - [Dog Licences, City of Abbotsford](https://www.abbotsford.ca/city-services/permits-licences/dog-licences) (read 2026-11-05) - [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html) (read 2026-11-05) - [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A per Bylaw 1854, 2026) (PDF)](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) - [FVRD Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 1415, 2017, Schedule A-3 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Other/CONSOLIDATED%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-05) _Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 9 of 9 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with Fraser Valley Regional District. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/dog-licence/_