{"title":"Merritt dog licences: fees and how to get one","question":"How do I get a dog licence in Merritt, and what does it cost?","slug":"dog-licence","place":{"path":"ca/bc/merritt","name":"Merritt","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":"City of Merritt","url":"https://www.merritt.ca"},"short_answer":"In Merritt, a dog over three months old needs a City dog licence, bought at City Hall. The 2026 fee is $24 for a spayed or neutered dog and $80 for one that is not. The City's web page says six months; the bylaw says three, so confirm with the City.","aliases":["dog license merritt","dog tag merritt","renew dog licence merritt","how much is a dog licence merritt"],"cost":"2026: $24 spayed or neutered; $80 not spayed or neutered; aggressive dog $350; dangerous dog $1,250; lost tag replacement $11.50. Licence fees are not refundable. Assistance dogs are free.","how_long":"The bylaw says renew no later than 365 days after the licence was issued. The City's web page says licences run for the calendar year, January 1 to December 31. Confirm your renewal date with City Hall.","where":[{"type":"in_person","label":"Merritt City Hall","value":"2185 Voght Street, Merritt, BC V1K 1B8","note":"Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed 12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. and on statutory holidays."},{"type":"phone","label":"City Hall","value":"250-378-4224"},{"type":"email","label":"City Hall","value":"info@merritt.ca"}],"documents":["A veterinarian's certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered (for a dog new to the City's records)","Documentation for an assistance dog, to get the licence and tag at no charge"],"forms":[{"title":"Dog Licences, City of Merritt","url":"https://www.merritt.ca/residents/dog-licences/"},{"title":"Animal Control Bylaw 2241 (PDF)","url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2241-Animal-Control-CONSOLIDATED.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Merritt","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Merritt dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Merritt rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/logan-lake","name":"Logan Lake","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/logan-lake/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/kamloops","name":"Kamloops","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kamloops/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/princeton","name":"Princeton","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/princeton/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/ashcroft","name":"Ashcroft","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/ashcroft/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/peachland","name":"Peachland","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/west-kelowna","name":"West Kelowna","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/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. No one may keep a dog over three months old unless it has a City dog licence and the fee is paid. Assistance dogs are licensed at no charge.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2241-Animal-Control-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2241, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Bylaw 2425, 2026, City of Merritt","section":"s. 15, 22","quotes":["No person may keep, harbour or permit to be kept on a parcel of property any Dog over the age of three (3) months unless a Dog Licence has been issued","A Dog Licence and a Dog Licence tag will be provided at no charge to the owner of a registered Assistance Dog"]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/residents/dog-licences/","title":"Dog Licences, City of Merritt","section":"Dog Licencing","quotes":["The City of Merritt’s Animal Control Bylaw mandates that all dogs over six months of age must be licenced"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City web page says dogs over six months; the bylaw (s. 15, as amended by Bylaw 2299, 2021) says over three months. Bylaw followed. Note s. 11 (dog limit) counts dogs over six months."},"issued_by":{"label":"Issued by","value":"The City of Merritt (or its designate), at City Hall.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2241-Animal-Control-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2241, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Bylaw 2425, 2026, City of Merritt","section":"s. 3 definition of Dog Licence","quotes":["“Dog Licence” means a Licence issued by the City or their designate"]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/residents/dog-licences/","title":"Dog Licences, City of Merritt","section":"Dog Licencing","quotes":["MUST be renewed annually at City Hall"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_altered":{"label":"Fee, spayed or neutered","value":"$24 a year (2026).","short":"$24 a year (2026)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Fees-and-Charges-Amendments-as-at-December-2025-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2386 (PDF), Schedule M, City of Merritt","section":"Schedule M","quotes":["Neutered or Spayed Dog Licence Fee $24.00 $24.00 $25.00"]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/residents/dog-licences/","title":"Dog Licences, City of Merritt","section":"Pet licence fees 2026","quotes":["Neutered or Spayed dog | $24"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_unaltered":{"label":"Fee, not spayed or neutered","value":"$80 a year (2026).","short":"$80 a year (2026)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Fees-and-Charges-Amendments-as-at-December-2025-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2386 (PDF), Schedule M, City of Merritt","section":"Schedule M","quotes":["Intact Dog Licence Fee $80.00 $85.00 $90.00"]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/residents/dog-licences/","title":"Dog Licences, City of Merritt","section":"Pet licence fees 2026","quotes":["Un-neutered or Un-spayed dog | $80"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees and discounts","value":"Lost tag replacement $11.50 (2026). No charge for a registered assistance dog. Licence fees are not refundable, and a licence or tag cannot be moved to another dog. Aggressive dog licence $350; dangerous dog licence $1,250 (2026).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Fees-and-Charges-Amendments-as-at-December-2025-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2386 (PDF), Schedule M, City of Merritt","section":"Schedule M","quotes":["Lost Tag Replacement $11.50 $12.00 $12.50","Aggressive Dog Licence Fee $350.00 $400.00 $450.00","Dangerous Dog Licence Fee $1,250.00 $1,500.00 $1,550.00"]},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2241-Animal-Control-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2241, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Bylaw 2425, 2026, City of Merritt","section":"s. 15, 18, 22","quotes":["Dog Licence fees are not refundable.","A Dog Licence and Dog Licence tags are not transferable to another Dog.","A Dog Licence and a Dog Licence tag will be provided at no charge to the owner of a registered Assistance Dog"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"Renew no later than 365 days after the licence was issued, each year the dog is kept in Merritt.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2241-Animal-Control-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2241, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Bylaw 2425, 2026, City of Merritt","section":"s. 16","quotes":["The owner of a Dog licenced under section 15 must renew that Licence no later than 365 days after it has been issued"]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/residents/dog-licences/","title":"Dog Licences, City of Merritt","section":"Dog Licencing","quotes":["Dog licences are only valid for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and MUST be renewed annually at City Hall."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"},"sources_differ":"The City web page says licences are valid for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and a new tag comes with every renewal; the bylaw (s. 16) says renew within 365 days of issue. Bylaw followed."},"how_to_get":{"label":"How to get one","value":"In person at City Hall, 2185 Voght Street. A first-time registration needs a veterinarian's certificate showing the dog is spayed or neutered (if it is). A new tag is given with every renewal.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/residents/dog-licences/","title":"Dog Licences, City of Merritt","section":"Dog Licencing","quotes":["bring a valid Veterinarian’s Certificate as proof that your dog is spayed or neutered","A new dog tag will be provided with every renewal."]},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/contact/","title":"Contact, City of Merritt","section":"Directory","quotes":["| Address: | City of Merritt 2185 Voght Street PO Box 189 Merritt, BC V1K 1B8"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_unlicensed":{"label":"Fine, unlicensed dog","value":"Bylaw notice: $200 ($150 if paid within 14 days; $250 after 28 days). Failure to renew a licence: $100 ($75 early; $125 late).","short":"Notice $200 ($150 if paid in 14 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BNE-Bylaw-2424-2026.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, City of Merritt","section":"Schedule A, Animal Control Bylaw s. 15","quotes":["No dog licence 15 $200.00 $150.00 $250.00 No","Failure to renew dog licence 16 $100.00 $75.00 $125.00 No"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"City of Merritt Animal Control Bylaw No. 2241, 2018; fees in Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2386, 2024 (Schedule M).","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2241-Animal-Control-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2241, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Bylaw 2425, 2026, City of Merritt","section":"s. 1","quotes":["This Bylaw shall be cited as the “City of Merritt Animal Control Bylaw No. 2241, 2018”."]},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Fees-and-Charges-Amendments-as-at-December-2025-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2386 (PDF), Schedule M, City of Merritt","section":"Schedule M","quotes":["SCHEDULE M TO BYLAW 2386 ANIMAL CONTROL LICENCES, FEES AND CHARGES"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}}},"facts_summary":{"total":9,"stated":9,"matched":9,"none":0,"unknown":0},"body_markdown":"## How it works\n\nUnder the City of Merritt's [Animal Control Bylaw 2241](http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2241-Animal-Control-CONSOLIDATED.pdf), no one may keep a dog over three months old in the City unless it has a City licence and the fee is paid. The City's dog licence page says six months instead. The bylaw is the legal rule, so licence a dog from three months and confirm with City Hall if you are unsure.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Go to City Hall at 2185 Voght Street. The City's page names City Hall only and does not mention an online or mail option.\n2. If you are registering a dog for the first time, bring a veterinarian's certificate showing whether the dog is spayed or neutered.\n3. Pay the fee: $24 if spayed or neutered, $80 if not (2026 rates).\n4. Fasten the tag to a collar or harness the dog wears at all times, except when the dog is penned or enclosed on your own land or premises.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- Renewal: the bylaw says renew no later than 365 days after the licence was issued. The City's page says licences are valid for the calendar year and that a new tag comes with every renewal. Ask City Hall which date applies to you.\n- A licence and tag cannot be moved to another dog, and licence fees are not refundable.\n- If you move within Merritt, tell the City promptly.\n- A lost tag costs $11.50 to replace.\n- A registered assistance dog for a person who is blind or disabled gets a licence and tag free, with documentation shown at City Hall.\n- Aggressive and dangerous dogs cost more and have extra rules. See the answer on dangerous dogs.\n- The City's fee schedule lists no senior, early-payment or late fees.\n- Failing to licence a dog is a $200 bylaw notice ($150 if paid within 14 days, $250 after 28 days). Failing to renew is $100 ($75 within 14 days, $125 after 28 days).","sources":[{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/residents/dog-licences/","title":"Dog Licences, City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.merritt.ca/contact/","title":"Contact, City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2241-Animal-Control-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Animal Control Bylaw No. 2241, 2018 (PDF), consolidated to Bylaw 2425, 2026, City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Fees-and-Charges-Amendments-as-at-December-2025-CONSOLIDATED.pdf","title":"Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 2386 (PDF), Schedule M, City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"http://www.merritt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BNE-Bylaw-2424-2026.pdf","title":"Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 2424, 2026 (PDF), Schedule A, City of Merritt","accessed":"2026-11-05"}],"sources_read":"2026-11-05","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/merritt/dog-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/dog-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/merritt/dog-licence.json"}}