---
title: "Qualicum Beach dog licences: fees and how to get one"
question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?"
place: Qualicum Beach, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/qualicum-beach
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: Town of Qualicum Beach
sources_read: 2026-11-06
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-licence.json"
---

# Qualicum Beach dog licences: fees and how to get one

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

**Short answer:** In Qualicum Beach, every dog over 8 weeks old needs a current-year licence tag from the Town. The fee is $25 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $45 for one that is not. Buy it in person at Town Hall.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (Town of Qualicum Beach, https://www.qualicumbeach.com)  
**Cost:** $25 a year for a spayed or neutered dog (a veterinarian certificate may be required); $45 for one that is not. $5 discount if bought by January 31, within 30 days of becoming the owner, or within 30 days of moving to Qualicum Beach. Guide dogs: no charge. Replacement tag $5. Unlicensed dog reclaimed from the pound: the licence fee plus a $20 penalty. Ticket for no licence: $75 ($50 if paid within 5 business days).  
**How long:** Tags expire every December 31. Renewal notices are mailed at the end of November.  
**Where:**
- In person: Town Hall (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), #201 - 660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1S7
- Phone: Town Hall, 250-752-6921
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement, 250-738-2205

## Key facts

- **Licence required:** Yes. Every dog over 8 weeks old kept in the Town needs a current-year licence tag. Exception: a dog kept in the Town less than one month in a calendar year that has a valid licence from another jurisdiction.
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009, s. 3-4](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "No person shall keep any dog over the age of 8 weeks in the Town" … "does not apply to a dog that is kept in the Town for less than one month in a calendar year"
  - Source: [Dog Licences](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "all dogs over the age of eight weeks must wear a current-year dog tag."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Issued by:** The Town of Qualicum Beach, at Town Hall (the bylaw also allows the Town's agent or contractor to take applications).
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Licence Fees](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "To purchase a dog licence, visit Town Hall at 201-660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC"
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009, s. 5](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "to the Town, or to the Town's agent"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $25 a year
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Licence Fees](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Dog licence tags expire annually on December 31st. Renewal notices are mailed out at the end of November. ### Licence Fees - Spayed/neutered: $25 annually - Un-spayed/un-neutered: $45 annually -"
  - Source: [Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009, consolidated, Sched. C, s. 1(a)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009%20(Consolidated%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Spayed female or neutered male dog" … "$25.00/year"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $45 a year
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Licence Fees](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Spayed/neutered: $25 annually - Un-spayed/un-neutered: $45 annually - Guide Dog (as defined by Guide Animal Act): no charge"
  - Source: [Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009, consolidated, Sched. C, s. 1(b)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009%20(Consolidated%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Unspayed female or unneutered male dog" … "$45.00/year"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Other fees and discounts:** $5 discount if bought by January 31, within 30 days of becoming the owner, or within 30 days of moving to Qualicum Beach. If a dog is spayed or neutered in a year you paid the higher fee, a rebate of $20 (certificate to the Town before July 1) or $12.50 (after July 1). Guide dogs: no charge. Replacement tag: $5. Unlicensed dog reclaimed from the pound: added $20 penalty plus the licence fee.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Licence Fees](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Receive a $5 discount if you purchase a dog licence:" … "Replacement Dog Tag: $5 each" … "you receive a rebate of $20.00 (if submitted before July 1st) or $12.50 (if submitted after July 1st)"
  - Source: [Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009, consolidated, Sched. C, s. 1(c)-(e), 3(b)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009%20(Consolidated%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "shall be subject to a discount of $5.00 if paid on or before the 31st day" … "Guide Dog as defined in the Guide Animal Act" … "An added penalty for unlicensed dogs plus the"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** Tags expire every December 31. Renewal notices are mailed at the end of November.
  - Source: [Dog Licences](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "Dog licence tags expire annually on December 31st. Renewal notices are mailed out at the end of November."
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009, s. 6](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "shall expire on the 31"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to get one:** In person at Town Hall, 201-660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach. Town Hall is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Licence Fees](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "To purchase a dog licence, visit Town Hall at 201-660 Primrose Street, Qualicum Beach, BC"
  - Source: [Contact Us](https://qualicumbeach.com/government/contact-us/)
  - Official wording: "Town Hall Hours: 9am-4pm Monday to Friday."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine, unlicensed dog:** Municipal ticket: $75, or $50 if paid within 5 business days. Failing to affix the tag: the same amounts.
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, consolidated to 626.07, Sched. 2, items 1-2](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07%29.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No Dog Licence" … "$75.00 or $50 if" … "Fail to Affix Dog Tag"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Fines](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
  - Official wording: "No Dog Licence: $75 ($50 if paid within 5 business days)"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Town of Qualicum Beach Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009 (fees in Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009, Schedule C)
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009, s. 1](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009"
  - Source: [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009, s. 5](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf)
  - Official wording: "Schedule "C" of Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The Town issues dog licences under its [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649](<https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf>). Every dog over 8 weeks old kept in the Town needs a licence tag for the current year. The one exception is a dog kept in the Town for less than one month in a calendar year that already has a valid licence from another jurisdiction. The Town's agent or contractor may also take applications.

## Steps

1. Go to Town Hall at #201 - 660 Primrose Street, Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Town's dog licence page names no online or mail option.
2. Pay the fee: $25 for a spayed or neutered dog, $45 for one that is not. A veterinarian certificate may be required for the lower fee.
3. Put the tag on your dog. Renewal notices are mailed at the end of November.

## Good to know

- The $5 discount applies if you buy by January 31, within 30 days of becoming the owner, or within 30 days of moving to Qualicum Beach.
- If your dog is spayed or neutered in a year you paid the higher fee, you can get a rebate of $20 (certificate to the Town before July 1) or $12.50 (after July 1).
- A licence cannot be moved to another dog. When ownership changes, the tag expires on the seventh day and the new owner must get a new one.
- A kennel (four or more dogs) needs a separate kennel licence, from $60 a year for 4 to 8 dogs, and only where zoning allows. See [Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638](<https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009%20(Consolidated).pdf>) for fees.
- A ticket for no licence, or for not putting the tag on, is $75, or $50 if paid within 5 business days. The Town uses municipal tickets under Bylaw 626.
- No senior discount was found.

## Official forms and pages

- [Dog Licences, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences)
- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf)
- [Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009, consolidated (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009%20(Consolidated%29.pdf)

## Related questions

- [Qualicum Beach dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Qualicum Beach](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/how-many-pets.md)
- [Qualicum Beach rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Qualicum Beach bylaw fines and how tickets work](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/bylaw-fines.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md)
- [Parksville](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/parksville/dog-licence.md)
- [Port Alberni](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-alberni/dog-licence.md)
- [Nanaimo](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/nanaimo/dog-licence.md)
- [Sechelt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/sechelt/dog-licence.md)
- [Comox](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/comox/dog-licence.md)
- [Courtenay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/courtenay/dog-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Dog Licences, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/dog-licences) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Animal Control Bylaw No. 649, 2009 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Animal%20Control%20Bylaw%20649%2C%202009%2Epdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Miscellaneous Rates Bylaw No. 638, 2009, consolidated (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009/Miscellaneous%20Rates%2C%20Bylaw%20No.%20638%2C%202009%20(Consolidated%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw No. 626, consolidated to 626.07 (PDF)](https://qualicumbeach.com/preview/?file_path=Bylaws/Municipal%20Ticket%20Information%20Utilization%20Bylaw%20No.%20626%20(Consolidated%20up%20to%20Bylaw%20No.%20626.07%29.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Contact Us, Town of Qualicum Beach](https://qualicumbeach.com/government/contact-us/) (read 2026-11-06)

_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 Town of Qualicum Beach. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/qualicum-beach/dog-licence/_