---
title: "Chilliwack dog licences: fees and how to get one"
question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?"
place: Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/chilliwack
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/chilliwack/dog-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/dog-licence.json"
---

# Chilliwack dog licences: fees and how to get one

**Question:** How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?

**Short answer:** In Chilliwack, 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.

**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 / $177. Aggressive or dangerous dog $295 / $354. Licence transfer $5; replacement tag $7. A 30% late penalty applies if the fee is not paid before January 1. A dog acquired after July 1 pays half (minimum $10), except aggressive or nuisance dogs. Fine for an unlicensed dog: $200.  
**How long:** A licence is valid only for the calendar year paid and expires December 31. The tag is permanent. 2027 licences went on sale October 28, 2026.  
**Where:**
- Online: New licence (FVRD online form), https://myfvrd.ca/TempestApps/eApply/Dogs/Welcome.aspx
- Online: Renew with a MyFVRD account, https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/online-services.html
- In person: FVRD office (the FVRD page does not say where the in-person form is handed in; ask first), 45950 Cheam Avenue, Chilliwack, BC
- Phone: FVRD Animal Control, 1-844-495-2273 (Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

## Key facts

- **Licence required:** Yes. FVRD bylaw: every dog four months or older kept in Chilliwack must have a valid FVRD licence for the current licence year, and the tag must be worn on the dog at all times. Exempt: dogs used by a government law enforcement agency. Licence fees are waived for certified guide dogs and dogs in the temporary care of a registered non-profit rescue society.
  - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A fees per Bylaw 1854, 2026), s. 1, 4, 14, 15](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" … "Any owner of a dog used by a government law enforcement agency is exempt from" … "A dog is being used as a certified guide animal pursuant to the Guide Dog and"
  - 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."
  - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A fees per Bylaw 1854, 2026), s. 8, Definitions](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf)
  - Official wording: "A dog licence must not be issued to, or in the name of, any person under the age of 18 years."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05
- **Issued by:** The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), not the City of Chilliwack.
  - 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."
  - Source: [Animal Control, intro](https://www.chilliwack.com/main/page.cfm?id=2044)
  - Official wording: "The Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) is now managing all Animal Control enforcement, which includes:"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05
- **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $33 a year (FVRD) for a spayed or neutered dog, with a veterinarian's certificate at the time of application. Not available for aggressive or nuisance dogs.
  - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A fees per Bylaw 1854, 2026), Schedule A; 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" … "who provides a veterinarian’s certificate at the time of application certifying that the dog has been" … "altered may pay the licence fee set out in Schedule A of this Bylaw for altered dogs."
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, Licence Fees](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 2026-11-05
- **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $83 a year (FVRD) for a dog that is not spayed or neutered.
  - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A fees per 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](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 2026-11-05
- **Other fees and discounts:** FVRD: a 30% late penalty if the fee is not paid before January 1. A dog acquired after July 1 gets 50% off the fee (minimum $10), but not for aggressive or nuisance dogs. Licence transfer $5; replacement tag $7. Nuisance dog $148 (spayed or neutered) or $177 (not); aggressive or dangerous dog $295 or $354. Fees are waived for certified guide dogs and for dogs in the temporary care of a registered non-profit rescue society. If a dog is altered after licensing, the fee difference may be refunded on request with a veterinarian's certificate, but only if requested before 4 months of the licence expiry (s.12). If the dog dies, a prorated refund may be requested with a veterinarian's certificate, only if requested within 4 months of the expiry (s.13). No senior discount found.
  - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A fees per Bylaw 1854, 2026), s. 10, 12, 13, 15; Schedule A](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf)
  - Official wording: "pay a late penalty of an additional 30%." … "If an owner acquires a dog after July 1st of the current licence year, the" … "applicable licence fee will be reduced by 50% to a minimum of $10." … "reduction does not apply to aggressive or nuisance dogs." … "Licence Transfer $5" … "Licence Tag Replacement $7" … "Nuisance Altered Dog (each) $148" … "Nuisance Unaltered Dog (each) $177" … "Aggressive Altered Dog (each) $295" … "Aggressive Unaltered Dog (each) $354" … "licence fees may be refunded to the owner of the dog, upon request" … "Refunds under this section will be prorated" … "section will only be considered if the request is made before 4 months of the" … "considered if the request is made within 4 months of the expiration date of the current"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, Dog Licence Renewals](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."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05
- **Renewal:** Each FVRD licence expires on December 31 of the year it was issued and must be renewed every year. 2027 licences went on sale October 28, 2026, and existing licence holders get a renewal invoice by the end of November. The tag is permanent and is not replaced each year.
  - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A fees 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" … "the calendar year in which the licence was issued."
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, Dog Licence Renewals](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "NOTICE: 2027 Dog Licences are available to purchase as of October 28, 2026." … "Existing licence holders will receive a renewal invoice with payment instructions by the end of November." … "The dog tag is permanent and will not be replaced each year."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05
- **How to get one:** Through the FVRD. New licences: apply online, or in person using the FVRD's in-person form. Renewals: online (a MyFVRD account is suggested) or in person using the renewal form. Applicants are asked to give the information on the FVRD form and pay the Schedule A fee; the FVRD then issues a numbered tag.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Fraser Valley Regional District, New Dog Licences](https://www.fvrd.ca/EN/main/services/animal-control/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "Dog owners who have not previously licensed their dog must apply for a new licence online, or in person [PDF - 1 MB]." … "Please consider creating a MyFVRD account to renew your licence online" … "Renewals can also be purchased online or in person [PDF - 1 MB]."
  - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A fees per Bylaw 1854, 2026), s. 2](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Every owner of a dog must make application to the Regional District for a dog licence" … "on the form provided by the Regional District and pay the fee set out in Schedule A of"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05
- **Fine, unlicensed dog:** $200 under the FVRD bylaw notice schedule (Schedule A-3, 'No Dog Licence'); $190 if paid early (within 14 days) and $210 if paid late (after 28 days).
  - Source: [FVRD Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, Schedule A-3 Animal Control (consolidated)](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Other/CONSOLIDATED%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "1 No Dog Licence $200 $190 $210 Yes"
  - Source: [FVRD Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, Schedule A-3 Animal Control (consolidated), s. 5.2, 5.3](https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Other/CONSOLIDATED%20Bylaw%20Notice%20Enforcement%20Bylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the early payment penalty set out in columns A2 of each of the Schedules to this bylaw" … "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 2026-11-05
- **Bylaw:** FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw No. 1206, 2013 (licence fees in Schedule A, as replaced by FVRD Bylaw 1854, 2026).
  - Source: [FVRD Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206, 2013 (consolidated, Schedule A fees per Bylaw 1854, 2026), title](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”."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-05

## How it works

The FVRD runs animal control and dog licensing for Chilliwack under its [Animal Control Regulation Bylaw 1206](<https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Government/Documents/Bylaws/Animal~Control/CONSOLIDATED%20-%20Animal%20Control%20Regulation%20Bylaw%201206,%202013.pdf>). Every dog four months or older kept in Chilliwack needs a current FVRD licence, and the tag must be worn on the dog at all times. A licence is for one dog and one owner, and it cannot be issued to anyone under 18.

## Steps

1. New dog: apply online through the FVRD form, or use the FVRD's in-person form from the Dog Licences page.
2. Renewal: pay the invoice the FVRD mails by the end of November, or renew online with a MyFVRD account or with the renewal form.
3. For the lower fee, give a veterinarian's certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered when you apply.
4. Fasten the tag to your dog's collar or harness. It stays with the dog from year to year.

## Good to know

- Pay before January 1. After that a 30% late penalty applies.
- A dog acquired after July 1 pays half the fee (minimum $10), but not an aggressive or nuisance dog.
- If you move within the service area, tell the FVRD within 30 days and pay the $5 transfer fee.
- Fees are waived for certified guide dogs and for dogs in the temporary care of a registered non-profit rescue society. Dogs used by a government law enforcement agency are exempt.
- The lower spayed or neutered fee is not available for aggressive or nuisance dogs.
- Refunds on request, with a veterinarian's certificate, if the dog is altered after licensing or dies, but only if you ask within 4 months of the licence expiry.
- An unlicensed dog can bring a $200 ticket ($190 if paid within 14 days, $210 after 28 days).
- A licensed dog picked up for the first time gets a free ride home, according to the FVRD.
- Pet limits and leash rules are in the related answers.

## What you'll need

- Veterinarian's certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered, for the lower fee

## Official forms and pages

- [FVRD Dog Licences page](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

- [Chilliwack dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Chilliwack](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/chilliwack/how-many-pets.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md)
- [Harrison Hot Springs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/harrison-hot-springs/dog-licence.md)
- [Kent](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kent/dog-licence.md)
- [Abbotsford](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/abbotsford/dog-licence.md)
- [Mission](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/mission/dog-licence.md)
- [Hope](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hope/dog-licence.md)
- [Township of Langley](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langley-township/dog-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Animal Control, City of Chilliwack](https://www.chilliwack.com/main/page.cfm?id=2044) (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 fees 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, Schedule A-3 Animal Control (consolidated)](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/chilliwack/dog-licence/_