{"title":"Highlands dog licences: fees and how to get one","question":"How do I get a dog licence in Highlands, and what does it cost?","slug":"dog-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/highlands","name":"Highlands","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"regional","owner_label":"Regional district","owner_body":{"name":"Capital Regional District","url":"https://www.crd.ca"},"short_answer":"In Highlands, dog licences are sold by the Capital Regional District (CRD), which does animal control for the District under contract. Every dog over four months old needs one each calendar year. The animal bylaw lists $25 for a spayed or neutered dog and $45 for one that is not, but the CRD's own page lists higher fees, so confirm the price when you apply.","aliases":["dog licence highlands","dog tag highlands bc","renew dog licence highlands","crd dog licence highlands"],"cost":"Bylaw 1465: $25 a year spayed or neutered, $45 not. The CRD page (fees in effect June 11, 2025) lists $35 / $55 if renewed before December 31, $40 / $60 regular, and $60 / $80 after March 1. Replacement tag $5. No fee for guide dogs and police dogs.","how_long":"A licence is for the calendar year and expires December 31. The new year's licence is due by the last day of February.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"CRD online dog licence application form","value":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs"},{"type":"phone","label":"CRD Animal Care Services","value":"250-478-0624"},{"type":"email","label":"CRD Animal Care Services","value":"animalservices@crd.bc.ca"},{"type":"in_person","label":"CRD Animal Care Services","value":"212-2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Langford"}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District","url":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs"},{"title":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)","url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Highlands dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Highlands","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Highlands rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dangerous-dogs/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Highlands bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/langford","name":"Langford","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/langford/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/view-royal","name":"View Royal","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/central-saanich","name":"Central Saanich","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/colwood","name":"Colwood","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/esquimalt","name":"Esquimalt","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/saanich","name":"Saanich","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/dog-licence/"}],"topic":{"title":"Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence/"},"facts":{"required":{"label":"Licence required","value":"Yes. The owner of each dog over four months old must get a licence for the calendar year, on or before the last day of February (or right away if the dog is acquired after that). No fee for guide dogs and police dogs.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434","title":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)","section":"s. 3, s. 5(6), s. 1 'Dog'","quotes":["The owner of a dog shall obtain a license for the calendar year, January 1 to","over the age of four (4) months","No licence fee shall be charged for Police Dogs and Guide Dogs."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"issued_by":{"label":"Issued by","value":"Capital Regional District (CRD Animal Care Services), under contract to the District of Highlands.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/animals-wildlife/animal-control-licensing","title":"Animal Control & Licensing, District of Highlands","section":"Animal Control & Licensing","quotes":["The District of Highlands has contracted the Capital Regional District for Animal Bylaw Issues."]},{"url":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs","title":"Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District","section":"Licensing for Dogs","quotes":["CRD Animal Care Services provides dog licencing for Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosin, Highlands"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee_altered":{"label":"Fee, spayed or neutered","value":"Bylaw 1465 Schedule A: $25 a year. The CRD licensing page (fees in effect June 11, 2025) lists $35 if renewed before December 31, $40 regular and $60 after March 1.","short":"$25 a year (CRD page lists $40 regular)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434","title":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, items (b) and (d)","quotes":["Female Dog (spayed) 25.00*","Male Dog (neutered) 25.00*"]},{"url":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs","title":"Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District","section":"Licensing Fees (CRD web page)","quotes":["Spayed/neutered","(altered) | $35 | $40 | $60"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"CONFLICT: the CRD's own licensing page (fees in effect as of June 11, 2025) lists $35 early (renewed before December 31), $40 regular and $60 late (after March 1) for a spayed or neutered dog. The Highlands copy of the bylaw (consolidated to May 21, 2024) still shows $25. Value follows the bylaw; the CRD sells the licence so the web fees are probably what is charged. A free first-year licence is also given if the dog was neutered or spayed in the 12 months before applying (s. 5(2))."},"fee_unaltered":{"label":"Fee, not spayed or neutered","value":"Bylaw 1465 Schedule A: $45 a year. The CRD licensing page (fees in effect June 11, 2025) lists $55 if renewed before December 31, $60 regular and $80 after March 1.","short":"$45 a year (CRD page lists $60 regular)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434","title":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, items (a) and (c)","quotes":["Female Dog (not spayed) $ 45.00*","Male Dog (not neutered) 45.00*"]},{"url":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs","title":"Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District","section":"Licensing Fees (CRD web page)","quotes":["Unspayed/unneutered","(unaltered) | $55 | $60 | $80"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"},"sources_differ":"CONFLICT: the CRD's licensing page (as of June 11, 2025) lists $55 early, $60 regular and $80 late for an unaltered dog. The Highlands bylaw copy shows $45. Value follows the bylaw."},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees and discounts","value":"Early-payment discount: the CRD lists lower fees if renewed before December 31 and higher late fees after March 1. Replacement tag $5. Bylaw: $10 late penalty, dangerous dog licence $100, kennel $75, $150 or $200. No senior discount found.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434","title":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, items (e) to (j); s. 5(4); s. 8","quotes":["Replacement of Lost Licence 5.00","Late Application Penalty 10.00","Dangerous Dog Licence 100.00","the new owner may apply for a new licence at no cost"]},{"url":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs","title":"Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District","section":"Licensing Fees","quotes":["Early discounts as well as late fees are in effect.","Replacement tags are $5 each."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Licences are for the calendar year and expire on December 31. The new year's licence is due by the last day of February (the CRD advises buying ahead, before December 31).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434","title":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)","section":"s. 3 and s. 6","quotes":["shall expire on the 31st day of December next following the date","on or before the last day of February in"]},{"url":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs","title":"Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District","section":"How Often Do I Need to Renew","quotes":["Your dog's licence is valid for the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"how_to_get":{"label":"How to get one","value":"Through the CRD: complete the online dog licence application form, then pay online with your account number. Or phone 250-478-0624, email animalservices@crd.bc.ca, or visit CRD Animal Care Services, 212-2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Langford.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs","title":"Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District","section":"Apply for a licence; Where to Get a Licence","quotes":["If you live in one of the above municipalities, please complete the CRD dog licence application form:","By phone (250.478.0624 or 1.800.665.7899 extension 0) with a credit card","By email at animalservices@crd.bc.ca","CRD Animal Care Services: 212 - 2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Langford"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine_unlicensed":{"label":"Fine, unlicensed dog","value":"Bylaw notice: $50 ($40 if paid within 14 days; $60 after 28 days). Municipal ticket: $50. Having no tag on the dog is also $50.","short":"Notice $50 ($40 if paid in 14 days); ticket $50","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, CRD Animal Regulation bylaw, s. 3","quotes":["No Dog License 3 $50.00 $40.00 $60.00","No License Tag on Dog 7 $50.00 $40.00 $60.00"]},{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)","section":"Schedule A, Appendix 2, s. 3","quotes":["No Dog License 3 $50.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (Capital Regional District Bylaw No. 1465), posted by the District as 'Animal Regulations (CRD) Bylaw'.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434","title":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)","section":"s. 36 and title page","quotes":["BY-LAW NO. 1465","This By-law may be cited as the “Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1,"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":9,"stated":9,"matched":9,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nThe District of Highlands has contracted the CRD for animal bylaw issues, so the CRD issues dog licences here under the [Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986](https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434) (CRD Bylaw 1465). The owner of each dog over four months old must have a licence for the calendar year.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Complete the online dog licence application form on the CRD's licensing page.\n2. Pay online with your account number. You can also phone 250-478-0624, email animalservices@crd.bc.ca, or visit CRD Animal Care Services at 212-2780 Veterans Memorial Parkway, Langford.\n3. Renew each year. The CRD advises buying ahead, before December 31.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The bylaw sets $25 and $45; the CRD page lists $35 / $55 if renewed before December 31, $40 / $60 regular and $60 / $80 after March 1 (spayed or neutered / not). The Highlands copy of the bylaw may be out of date, so confirm with the CRD.\n- The bylaw also lists a $10 late application penalty and a $100 dangerous dog licence.\n- A dog without a licence: bylaw notice $50 ($40 if paid within 14 days; $60 after 28 days); municipal ticket $50. A dog with no tag is also $50.\n- Highlands is not on the CRD's list of municipal halls that sell tags in person.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/community-services/animals-wildlife/animal-control-licensing","title":"Animal Control & Licensing, District of Highlands","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs","title":"Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1434","title":"Animal Regulation and Impounding By-law No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw 1465) (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1623","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 475, 2025 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://www.highlands.ca/media/1635","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 478, 2025 (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-08"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-08","review":{"status":"machine_checked","badge":"Checked against official text","label":"Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 9 of 9 facts was matched to the official text."},"urls":{"html":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/highlands/dog-licence.json"}}