---
title: "New Westminster dog licences: fees and how to get one"
question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?"
place: New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/new-westminster
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of New Westminster
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-licence.json"
---

# New Westminster dog licences: fees and how to get one

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

**Short answer:** Every dog in New Westminster must have and wear a current City dog licence, with no minimum age. A first licence is $39 for a dog that is not spayed or neutered and $29 for one that is (proof required). Apply through the City's Animal Services at 420 Boyne Street.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of New Westminster, https://www.newwestcity.ca)  
**Cost:** First licence: $39 (not spayed or neutered), $29 (spayed or neutered, proof required). Renewal: $73 on or before March 1 and $94 after (not spayed or neutered); $29 and $38 after March 1 (spayed or neutered). Certified service dogs $0. Replacement tag $7; transfer from another BC municipality $7. Fees are not refundable or pro-rated.  
**How long:** Licences run January 1 to December 31. Renewal invoices are mailed in early December and are due January 1.  
**Where:**
- Email: Animal Services (send the completed form with proof of spay or neuter), shelter@newwestcity.ca
- In person: New Westminster Animal Shelter, 420 Boyne Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 5K3
- In person: City Hall, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 1H9
- By mail: Mail to the Animal Shelter, 420 Boyne Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 5K3 (Cheque or money order made out to the City of New Westminster.)
- Phone: Animal Services, 604-519-2008

## Key facts

- **Licence required:** Yes. Every dog in New Westminster must have and wear a current City dog licence. There is no minimum age, so a puppy needs one right away.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, intro](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "all dogs in New Westminster are required to have and wear a current dog licence"
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw page, Licensing](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/animal-care-and-control)
  - Official wording: "There is no minimum age so be sure to get your new puppy's licence right away."
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018), s. 4.1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Every owner shall obtain a valid licence for the dog(s)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Issued by:** The City of New Westminster (Animal Services and the Animal Shelter, 420 Boyne Street, and City Hall).
  - Source: [Dog Licences, How to purchase](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Bring your completed form to the Animal Shelter or to City Hall"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Renewal](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "The City’s Animal Services department mails licence renewal invoices"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $29 a year for a spayed or neutered dog (proof required). The same $29 applies to a first-time licence; after March 1 the renewal is $38.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licence Fees](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Sterilized dog (neutered/spayed) *proof required | $29.00 | $29.00 | $38.00" … "First Time Licence | Renewal on or before March 1 | Renewal after March 1"
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 1.0 dog licence fees](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Sterilized Dog $29.00 $38.00 $ 29.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $73 a year for a dog that is not spayed or neutered if renewed on or before March 1; $94 after March 1. A first-time licence is $39.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licence Fees](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Intact dog (not neutered/ spayed) | $39.00 | $73.00 | $94.00"
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 1.0 dog licence fees](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Male/Female Dog $73.00 $94.00 $ 39.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Other fees and discounts:** Late: the higher after-March 1 rate applies ($94 or $38). Replacement tag $7. Transfer of a valid licence from another BC municipality $7. Certified service dogs $0; therapy and service dogs no charge. Licence fees are not refundable or pro-rated.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Replace lost tag](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "The cost is $7."
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licence Fees](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Certified service dog *documentation required | $0 | $0 | $0"
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 1.0 dog licence fees](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Replacement License Tag $7.00" … "Transfer of Valid Dog License $7.00" … "Therapy Dog - No No Charge No Charge No Charge"
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018), s. 4.4](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Licence fees are not refundable or pro-rated."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** All dog licences are valid January 1 to December 31 and expire December 31. Renewal invoices are mailed in early December and are due January 1; a late penalty applies after March 1.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, How to renew](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "All dog licences expire on December 31 each year." … "A late payment penalty is applied after March 1."
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licence Fees](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Valid from January 1 to December 31."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to get one:** Renew online any time with your account number and access code (Visa or Mastercard). First-time: email the form (with proof of spay/neuter) and pay online, bring it to the Animal Shelter (420 Boyne Street) or City Hall for a tag right away, or mail it with a cheque or money order.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, How to purchase](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Bring your completed form to the Animal Shelter or to City Hall with proof of neuter/spay (if applicable). You will receive your tag(s) right away." … "Mail your completed form to the Animal Shelter"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, How to renew](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "You can renew online at anytime with your Account Number and Access Code."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine, unlicensed dog:** Bylaw notice: $250 for a dog not licensed ($150 if paid within 14 days; $275 late). Municipal ticket information: $1,000. A licence not worn is $100 by bylaw notice ($75 early, $125 late).
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 7318, 2009 (consolidated July 29, 2026), Sch. A Part 1, s. 4.1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Dog not licensed 250.00 150.00 275.00" … "Licence not worn 100.00 75.00 125.00"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 8077, 2019 (consolidated July 29, 2026), Sch. B Part 1, s. 4.1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Dog not licensed 1,000.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 7586, 2013 (licence rules); fees are in the Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013, Part 1.0.
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018), s. 1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This bylaw may be cited as “Animal Care and Control Bylaw NO. 7586, 2013”"
  - Source: [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 1.0 dog licence fees, s. 1](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf)
  - Official wording: "This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as “Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw No. 7553, 2013.”"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The City issues dog licences itself, through Animal Services, which also runs the animal shelter. Under the [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586](<https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf>), every dog must have and wear a current licence. There is no minimum age, so a puppy needs one right away. Fees are set in the [Engineering Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553](<https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf>) and are not refundable or pro-rated.

## Steps

1. For a first licence, fill in the Dog Licence application form.
2. Email it to shelter@newwestcity.ca with proof of spay or neuter if you want the lower fee, and pay online by Visa or Mastercard.
3. Or bring the form to the Animal Shelter (420 Boyne Street) or City Hall and get your tag right away, or mail it with a cheque or money order.
4. To renew, pay online with the account number and access code from your renewal notice, or pay in person or by mail.

## Good to know

- Renewal invoices are mailed in early December and are due January 1. After March 1 the higher renewal rate applies.
- A lost tag costs $7 to replace.
- The bylaw also lets a dog too old or unfit for surgery get the spayed or neutered rate with a veterinarian's certificate.
- Dangerous dogs pay higher fees (see the dangerous dogs answer).
- An unlicensed dog: a bylaw notice is $250 ($150 if paid within 14 days); a municipal ticket is $1,000. A licence not worn is $100 by bylaw notice.

## What you'll need

- Completed Dog Licence application form (first licence)
- Proof of spay or neuter for the lower fee
- Documentation for a certified service dog
- Account number and access code (from your renewal notice) to renew online

## Official forms and pages

- [Dog Licences, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences)
- [Dog Licence application form 2026 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Dog_Licence_Application_2026.pdf)
- [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586 (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf)

## Related questions

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

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/dog-licence.md)
- [Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/dog-licence.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/dog-licence.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/dog-licence.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/dog-licence.md)
- [Surrey](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/surrey/dog-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Dog Licences, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/dog-licences) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Animal Care and Control Bylaw page, City of New Westminster](https://www.newwestcity.ca/services/animal-services/animal-care-and-control) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 7586, 2013 (consolidated July 12, 2018) (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/7586_Animal.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Engineering User Fees and Rates Bylaw 7553, 2013, Part 1.0 dog licence fees (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7553__2013_Engineering_User_Fees_and_Rates__2025_12_15_consolidation_.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw 7318, 2009 (consolidated July 29, 2026) (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_7318__2009_Bylaw_Notice_Enforcement__2026_07_29_consolidation_.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw 8077, 2019 (consolidated July 29, 2026) (PDF)](https://www.newwestcity.ca/database/files/library/Consolidated_Bylaw_8077__2019_Municipal_Ticket_Information__2026_07_29_consolidation_(1%29.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 City of New Westminster. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-licence/_