{"title":"Houston dog licences: fees and how to get one","question":"How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?","slug":"dog-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/houston","name":"Houston","region":{"code":"bc","name":"British Columbia"},"country":{"code":"ca","name":"Canada"}},"category":{"slug":"pets-and-wildlife","name":"Pets, animals and wildlife"},"owner":"municipal","owner_label":"Municipal","owner_body":{"name":"District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca"},"short_answer":"In Houston, every dog over 6 months old must be licensed each year. The District of Houston sells licences at the Municipal Office. The 2026 fee is $14 for a spayed or neutered dog and $37.50 for one that is not, if paid before January 31.","aliases":["dog licence houston","dog license houston bc","dog tag houston","renew dog licence houston"],"cost":"2026: $14 spayed or neutered, $37.50 not spayed or neutered, if paid before January 31. After January 31: $17 and $45. Kennel licence (5 or more dogs): $135 before January 31, $169 after. Replacement tag $6; licence transfer $6. Aggressive dog licence $150; dangerous dog licence $250. Fees are not refundable. The fee schedule lists higher fees for 2027 to 2030.","how_long":"A licence is good for the calendar year it is bought in and expires after December 31.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Municipal Office","value":"3367 12th Street, Houston, BC V0J 1Z0","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed statutory holidays"},{"type":"phone","label":"Municipal Office","value":"250-845-2238","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m."}],"documents":[],"forms":[{"title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/"},{"title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/"}],"related":[{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Houston dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Houston","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Houston rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dangerous-dogs/"},{"slug":"bylaw-fines","title":"Houston bylaw fines and how tickets work","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/bylaw-fines/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/telkwa","name":"Telkwa","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/telkwa/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/smithers","name":"Smithers","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/smithers/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/granisle","name":"Granisle","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/granisle/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burns-lake","name":"Burns Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burns-lake/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-hazelton","name":"New Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-hazelton/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/hazelton","name":"Hazelton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/hazelton/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. Every dog over 6 months old kept in the District must be licensed each year. If the owner cannot prove the dog's age, it is treated as over 6 months.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["All dogs over six (6) months of age kept within the District of Houston must be licensed each year."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Amendment s. 1 (replacing Animal Control Bylaw s. 7)","quotes":["If the owner is unable to rovide roof of age the dog will be deemed to be over the age of 6 months."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Amendment s. 4 (replacing s. 24)","quotes":["A person must not possess or have custody of a dog over the age of 6 months which is not licensed."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"issued_by":{"label":"Issued by","value":"The District of Houston, at the Municipal Office.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"Dog Licensing","quotes":["Licenses may be purchased at the District Municipal Office at 3367 – 12th Street."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee_altered":{"label":"Fee, spayed or neutered","value":"$14 a year if paid before January 31; $17 a year if paid after January 31 (2026 rates).","short":"$14 by January 31 ($17 after January 31)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences, a) Spayed/Neutered Dog","quotes":["026 20 7 2028 2029 2030","Discount Rate (lfpald before January 31) annually 14.00 1500 16.00 17.00 18.00","Standard Rate (lipald after January 31) annually 17.00 18.00 19.00 20.00 21.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fee_unaltered":{"label":"Fee, not spayed or neutered","value":"$37.50 a year if paid before January 31; $45 a year if paid after January 31 (2026 rates).","short":"$37.50 by January 31 ($45 after January 31)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences, b) Unspayed/Unneutered Dog","quotes":["Discount Rate (it paid betore January 31) annually 37.50 39.00 41.00 43.00 4500","Standard Rate (It paid a?er January 31) annually 45.00 4700 49.00 51 .00 53.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees and discounts","value":"Early-payment rate applies if paid before January 31. Kennel licence (5 or more dogs): $135 before January 31, $169 after. Replacement tag $6. Licence transfer $6. Aggressive dog licence $150; dangerous dog licence $250.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A-2, 1. Dog Licences","quotes":["Discount Rate (if paid before January 31) annually 135.00 140.00 145.00 150.00 155.00","Standard Rate (iipald alter January 31) annually 169.00 175.00 181.00 187.00 193.00","d) Replacement Licence Tag per tag 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00","e) Licence Transter Fee per licence 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00","b) Aggressive Dog annually 150.00 155.00 160.00 165.00 170.00","c) Dangerous Dog annually 250.00 258.00 266.00 274.00 263.00"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"ss. 13, 15","quotes":["Any fees paid for a dog license will not be refunded to any person by the District."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"A licence is good for the calendar year it was bought in and expires after December 31 of that year. Renewal is by paying the licence fee again.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 3, s. 15","quotes":["will be effective for the calendar year it was purchased in;","expires after December 31 of the year it was purchased in;","may be renewed by an owner by paying the applicable license fee specified in the Fees"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"how_to_get":{"label":"How to get one","value":"In person at the District Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The application needs a vet certificate of rabies vaccination and, for a sterilized dog, a vet certificate of sterilization.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","section":"Dog Licensing; Lost Animals","quotes":["Licenses may be purchased at the District Municipal Office at 3367 – 12th Street.","regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Part 3, s. 10","quotes":["a certificate from a qualified veterinarian confirming that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies; and","a certificate from a qualified veterinarian confirming that the dog has been sterilized."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"fine_unlicensed":{"label":"Fine, unlicensed dog","value":"Bylaw notice: $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 after 28 days). Municipal ticket schedule: $50.","short":"Notice $150 ($112.50 if paid in 14 days); ticket $50","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, Unlicensed Dog","quotes":["UnliceneDog\" $150 00 $112.50 $187.50"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","title":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","section":"s. 6(1)(b)","quotes":["Early Payment Discount: A 25% discount applies ifthe penalty is paid within 14 calendar days of issuance"]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"Schedule B10, s. 24","quotes":["Unlicensed Dog 24 $50.00"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-08"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018, as amended by Bylaw No. 1165, 2022. Fees are in Comprehensive Fees & Charges Bylaw No. 1094, 2017, as amended (latest dog fee schedule: Bylaw No. 1228, 2026).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"title","quotes":["A bylaw to provide for the control and protection of animals, the licensing of dogs and the operation of impound facilities."]},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","section":"title","quotes":["A bylaw to amend the dog licensing provisions provided under Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018."]}],"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 Houston licenses dogs under its [Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112](https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/), as amended by Bylaw No. 1165. Every dog over 6 months old kept in the District needs a licence each year. If you cannot prove your dog's age, it is treated as over 6 months. Puppies under 6 months may be registered voluntarily. The District will not issue a licence to anyone under 18.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Get a veterinarian's certificate of rabies vaccination. For the lower fee, also get a certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered.\n2. Go to the Municipal Office, 3367 12th Street, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and pay the fee.\n3. Renew each year by paying the fee again, before January 31 for the lower rate.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The District's page says licences \"may be purchased\" at the Municipal Office. It does not mention online or mail-in sales, so call 250-845-2238 to ask.\n- An unlicensed dog can bring a bylaw notice of $150 ($112.50 if paid within 14 days, $187.50 after 28 days). The older municipal ticket schedule lists $50.\n- Kept more than four dogs? See the how-many-pets answer.","sources":[{"url":"https://houston.ca/community/animal-control/","title":"Animal Control, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.ca/contact/","title":"Contact Us, District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145077/","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 1112, 2018 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144983/","title":"Animal Control Amendment Bylaw No. 1165, 2022 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145047/","title":"Comprehensive Fees & Charges Amending Bylaw No. 1228, 2026 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/144929/","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Amendment Bylaw No. 1230, 2026, Schedule A (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145065/","title":"Municipal Ticket Information Amendment Bylaw No. 1129, 2019 (PDF), District of Houston","accessed":"2026-11-08"},{"url":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","title":"https://houston.civicweb.net/document/145566/","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/houston/dog-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/houston/dog-licence.json"}}