{"title":"Richmond 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/richmond","name":"Richmond","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 Richmond","url":"https://www.richmond.ca"},"short_answer":"In the City of Richmond, every dog over eight weeks old needs a City licence each calendar year. A spayed or neutered dog costs $42, or $28.50 if paid before March 1. A dog that is not costs $95.50, or $68.75 before March 1.","aliases":["dog license richmond","dog tag richmond","renew dog licence richmond","how much is a dog licence in richmond"],"cost":"Spayed or neutered: $28.50 before March 1, $42 after (owners 65 or older $15 before March 1). Not spayed or neutered: $68.75 before March 1, $95.50 after. Dangerous dog: $208 to $340. Replacement tag $8.50. Fees are non-refundable.","how_long":"Licences run for the calendar year and expire December 31, not a year from purchase. Renewal reminders are mailed to previous licence holders.","where":[{"type":"online","label":"Register a new dog or renew online (Visa or Mastercard)","value":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/animals/dogs.htm"},{"type":"in_person","label":"Richmond City Hall (main floor)","value":"6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1","note":"Visa, Mastercard, debit or cheque. No cash."},{"type":"mail","label":"Mail to Dog Licensing","value":"Dog Licensing, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1","note":"Cheque or money order only. A drop box at the City Hall Plaza also takes cheques or money orders."},{"type":"email","label":"Dog Licences","value":"DogLicence@richmond.ca"},{"type":"phone","label":"Dog Licences","value":"604-247-4633"}],"documents":["Veterinarian's written certificate that the dog is spayed or neutered (for the lower rate)","Proof of age, if you claim the 65 or older rate"],"forms":[{"title":"Dog Licences, City of Richmond","url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/animals/dogs.htm"},{"title":"Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138 (PDF)","url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf"}],"related":[{"slug":"how-many-pets","title":"How many dogs or cats you can keep in Richmond","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/how-many-pets/"},{"slug":"dog-leash-rules","title":"Richmond dog leash rules and off-leash areas","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/dog-leash-rules/"},{"slug":"dangerous-dogs","title":"Richmond rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/dangerous-dogs/"}],"nearby":[{"place":"ca/bc/vancouver","name":"Vancouver","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vancouver/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/burnaby","name":"Burnaby","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/north-vancouver","name":"North Vancouver","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/new-westminster","name":"New Westminster","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/delta","name":"Delta","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/delta/dog-licence/"},{"place":"ca/bc/north-vancouver-district","name":"District of North Vancouver","url":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/north-vancouver-district/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 person who owns a dog over eight weeks old must get a licence for it and attach it to a collar or harness (or to a leash attached to the dog), and must show it on request of an Animal Control Officer. Exempt: dogs owned by and kept at a licensed commercial or hobby kennel, and dogs already licensed under the Livestock Protection Act or another jurisdiction's bylaw for the unexpired licence period.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf","title":"Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138 (PDF), City of Richmond","section":"s. 1.1.1, 2.5.1","quotes":["Every person who owns any dog or dangerous dog over the age of eight","obtain a dog licence for such dog or dangerous dog in accordance","Commercial or Hobby Dog Kennels","pursuant to a bylaw of another jurisdiction"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/animals/dogs.htm","title":"Dog Licences, City of Richmond","section":"intro","quotes":["all dog owners who reside in Richmond are required to purchase a licence and register their dog(s) that are over the age of eight weeks"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"issued_by":{"label":"Issued by","value":"The City of Richmond (Animal Protection Services, Dog Licensing), not a regional district. The bylaw lets a Licence Inspector or Animal Control Officer issue licences and take fees for the City.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf","title":"Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138 (PDF), City of Richmond","section":"s. 1.2.1","quotes":["A Licence Inspector or an Animal Control Officer, has the authority to:","issue dog licences and replacement dog licences"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/animals/dogs.htm","title":"Dog Licences, City of Richmond","section":"Payment Options","quotes":["Online with Visa or Mastercard.","Dog Licensing, Animal Protection Services, City of Richmond"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_altered":{"label":"Fee, spayed or neutered","value":"$42 a year for a spayed or neutered dog. $28.50 if paid before March 1 of the licence year. Owners aged 65 or older pay $15 if paid before March 1 (spayed or neutered dog; proof of age and spay/neuter certificate needed). A veterinarian's written certificate is needed for the spayed/neutered rate.","short":"$42 a year ($28.50 if paid before March 1)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8636_Consolidated_with_ABLs_10699__10702_and_10720_11102578073.pdf","title":"Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Schedule Dog Licencing (PDF)","section":"Schedule - Dog Licencing, s. 2.1, 2.3","quotes":["Dog – Neutered or spayed Normal Fee $42.00","Prior to March 1st of the year for which the application is made $28.50","For seniors who are 65 years of age or older that have paid prior to March 1st $15.00"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf","title":"Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138 (PDF), City of Richmond","section":"s. 1.3.1, 2.1.2","quotes":["must present written certification from a licenced veterinarian","every dog licence fee paid by an owner who is of the age of 65 or older, will be reduced by 50%"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fee_unaltered":{"label":"Fee, not spayed or neutered","value":"$95.50 a year for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. $68.75 if paid before March 1 of the licence year. No senior discount.","short":"$95.50 a year ($68.75 if paid before March 1)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8636_Consolidated_with_ABLs_10699__10702_and_10720_11102578073.pdf","title":"Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Schedule Dog Licencing (PDF)","section":"Schedule - Dog Licencing","quotes":["Dog – Not neutered or spayed Normal Fee $95.50","Prior to March 1st of the year for which the application is made $68.75"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf","title":"Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138 (PDF), City of Richmond","section":"s. 2.1.2","quotes":["(b) the dog or dangerous dog is neutered or spayed."]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"other_fees":{"label":"Other fees and discounts","value":"Replacement tag (lost or stolen) or replacement for a valid licence from another jurisdiction: $8.50. Dangerous dogs: $208 to $340 (see dangerous-dogs). The brochure says failing to pay a licence or renewal fee 'will incur a late charge'. Fees are non-refundable and licences are not transferable.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8636_Consolidated_with_ABLs_10699__10702_and_10720_11102578073.pdf","title":"Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Schedule Dog Licencing (PDF)","section":"Schedule - Dog Licencing","quotes":["*Fee for a replacement tag for each dog tag lost or stolen; or for","$8.50 each dog licence to replace a valid dog licence from another jurisdiction"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/animals/dogs.htm","title":"Dog Licences, City of Richmond","section":"Things to Remember","quotes":["Licence fees are non-refundable.","Licences are not transferable."]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/dog_owners_info11507.pdf","title":"Information for Dog Owners brochure (PDF)","section":"p. 2","quotes":["Failure to pay your dog licence or renewal"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"renewal":{"label":"Renewal","value":"A licence is valid for the calendar year and expires December 31, not a year from purchase. Dogs must be licensed every year. Renewal reminders are mailed to previous licence holders; the lower rate applies if paid before March 1.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf","title":"Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138 (PDF), City of Richmond","section":"s. 2.2.1","quotes":["Every dog licence expires on the thirty-first day of December"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/animals/dogs.htm","title":"Dog Licences, City of Richmond","section":"Dog Licence Renewals","quotes":["Dogs must be licensed for every calendar year.","Renewal reminders are mailed to all previously licensed dog owners within Richmond in December"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/dog_owners_info11507.pdf","title":"Information for Dog Owners brochure (PDF)","section":"p. 2","quotes":["A dog licence is valid for a calendar year and"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"how_to_get":{"label":"How to get one","value":"Online at richmond.ca/DogLicence (Visa or Mastercard); in person at City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road (main floor; Visa, Mastercard, debit or cheque); by mail to Attention: Dog Licensing, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC V6Y 2C1 (cheque or money order only); or the drop box at the City Hall Plaza (cheque or money order only). No cash. Email DogLicence@richmond.ca or call 604-247-4633.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/dog_owners_info11507.pdf","title":"Information for Dog Owners brochure (PDF)","section":"p. 2","quotes":["(Visa or MasterCard)","City Hall (main floor)","Richmond City Hall Plaza","Cash is not accepted at City Hall."]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/animals/dogs.htm","title":"Dog Licences, City of Richmond","section":"Payment Options / Contacting us","quotes":["By mailing a cheque or money order to Dog Licensing, Animal Protection Services","Note that City Hall does not accept cash","Contact Information DogLicence@richmond.ca 604-247-4633"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"fine_unlicensed":{"label":"Fine, unlicensed dog","value":"Bylaw notice (Bylaw 8122 Schedule A): $300 for failing to obtain a valid dog licence ($250 if paid within 28 days; $325 if paid after 60 days). For a dangerous dog: $500 ($450 early; $525 late). Failing to attach the licence: $200 ($150 early; $225 late).","short":"Notice $300 ($250 if paid in 28 days)","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8122_02092678501.pdf","title":"Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw 8122, Schedule A (PDF)","section":"Schedule A - Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138","quotes":["Failure to obtain a valid dog licence for a dog 1.1.1(a) No $ 300.00 $ 250.00 $ 325.00","1.1.1(a) No $ 500.00 $ 450.00 $ 525.00 n/a dangerous dog","1.1.1(b) No $ 200.00 $ 150.00 $ 225.00 n/a"]}],"check":{"result":"matched","text_date":"2026-11-06"}},"bylaw":{"label":"Bylaw","value":"Dog Licencing Bylaw No. 7138 (licence requirement); fees are set in Consolidated Fees Bylaw No. 8636.","status":"stated","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf","title":"Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138 (PDF), City of Richmond","section":"title","quotes":["DOG LICENCING BYLAW NO. 7138"]},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8636_Consolidated_with_ABLs_10699__10702_and_10720_11102578073.pdf","title":"Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Schedule Dog Licencing (PDF)","section":"Schedule - Dog Licencing","quotes":["Dog Licencing Bylaw No. 7138"]}],"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 [Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138](https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf), anyone who owns a dog over eight weeks old in Richmond must licence it and attach the licence to a collar or harness (or to a leash attached to the dog). You must show it when an Animal Control Officer asks. Fees are set in the Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636. Licences are not transferable. Dogs kept at a licensed commercial or hobby kennel are exempt, and assistance dogs (including in training) certified by an acceptable training facility are licensed at no charge.\n\n## Steps\n\n1. Choose how to apply: online at richmond.ca/DogLicence, in person at City Hall, by mail, or at the City Hall Plaza drop box.\n2. For the spayed or neutered rate, give a veterinarian's written certificate. A dog previously licensed as spayed or neutered does not need proof again at renewal.\n3. Pay by Visa or Mastercard online. At City Hall, pay by Visa, Mastercard, debit or cheque. By mail or drop box, pay by cheque or money order. The City does not take cash.\n4. Renew every year. Pay before March 1 for the lower rate.\n\n## Good to know\n\n- The senior rate ($15) is for spayed or neutered dogs only. It applies if the dog was licensed the previous year and you pay before March 1, or if you acquired the dog this year and pay within 30 days.\n- There is no senior discount for a dog that is not spayed or neutered.\n- If a licensed dog changes owner during the year, the original owner must tell the City.\n- The brochure says a late charge applies if you do not pay on time, but the fee schedule gives no amount.\n- Having no licence can bring a bylaw notice of $300 ($250 if paid within 28 days, $325 after 60 days). Not attaching the licence is $200 ($150 early, $225 late).\n- A court can fine up to $10,000 on conviction.","sources":[{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/services/animals/dogs.htm","title":"Dog Licences, City of Richmond","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Bylaw__7138__10231748842.pdf","title":"Dog Licencing Bylaw 7138 (PDF), City of Richmond","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8636_Consolidated_with_ABLs_10699__10702_and_10720_11102578073.pdf","title":"Consolidated Fees Bylaw 8636, Schedule Dog Licencing (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/dog_owners_info11507.pdf","title":"Information for Dog Owners brochure (PDF)","accessed":"2026-11-05"},{"url":"https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/BL_8122_02092678501.pdf","title":"Notice of Bylaw Violation Dispute Adjudication Bylaw 8122, Schedule A (PDF)","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/richmond/dog-licence/","markdown":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/dog-licence.md","json":"https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/richmond/dog-licence.json"}}