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

# Saanich dog licences: fees and how to get one

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

**Short answer:** In Saanich, every dog over four months old needs a licence from the District each calendar year. A spayed or neutered dog costs $25 if paid before February 1 ($30 after); a dog that is not costs $35 ($40 after). Saanich sets the fees, but CRD Animal Care Services enforces the rules.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (District of Saanich, https://www.saanich.ca)  
**Cost:** Spayed or neutered dog: $25 before February 1, $30 from February 1. Not spayed or neutered: $35 before February 1, $40 from February 1. Free for a dog spayed or neutered in the 12 months before applying (one free licence per dog), and for certified guide or service dogs. Replacement tag $5. CKC-registered kennel breeders pay $50 for all their dogs.  
**How long:** A licence runs for the calendar year (January to December) and must be renewed every year. Saanich issued permanent tags in 2023, so the tag number stays the same.  
**Where:**
- Online: Dog Licences page (apply, renew or pay), https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html
- In person: Municipal Hall, 770 Vernon Ave., Victoria BC V8X 2W7 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- Phone: Saanich Municipal Hall, 250-475-1775
- Phone: CRD Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624

## Key facts

- **Licence required:** Yes. Every dog over four months old needs a licence, renewed each year (a new licence each calendar year, to be obtained by February 1).
  - Source: [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556, s. 16](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf)
  - Official wording: "shall obtain a dog licence on or before the first day of February in each year" … "any dog over the age of four months"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licences page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "all dogs over the age of four months have a valid licence"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Issued by:** The District of Saanich (apply to its Collector; pay at Municipal Hall, by mail or online). The licence reminder, tag and payment all go through Saanich, not the CRD.
  - Source: [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556, s. 18.1](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf)
  - Official wording: "shall apply to the Collector and shall pay the fees"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licences page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "The District of Saanich issued permanent dog tags to all dog owners in 2023"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $25 if paid before February 1; $30 from February 1. Free for a dog spayed or neutered in the 12 months before applying (one free licence per dog).
  - Source: [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556, s. 19.1(a), 19.2, 19.5](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the sum of $25.00 for each spayed female or castrated male dog" … "if a new licence has not been taken out on or before the first day of February" … "a licence shall be issued free of charge for a dog which has been castrated or spayed during the 12 month period"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Fees table](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "Neutered or spayed dog" … "$25.00" … "$30.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $35 if paid before February 1; $40 from February 1.
  - Source: [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556, s. 19.1(b), 19.5](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf)
  - Official wording: "the sum of $35.00 for each female dog which is not spayed or male dog which is not castrated" … "shall be increased by the amount of $5.00"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Fees table](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "Fee before February 1 | Fee after February 1 | Unfixed dog | $35.00 | $40.00" … "Fee after February 1 | Unfixed dog | $35.00 | $40.00 | Neutered or spayed dog | $25.00 | $30.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Other fees and discounts:** Replacement tag $5. Free licence for certified guide or service dogs. No fee for a newcomer with a current licence from another municipality (they must notify Saanich). Kennel breeders registered with the Canadian Kennel Club pay $50 for all their dogs.
  - Source: [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556, ss. 19.4, 19.6, 19.7, 20](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf)
  - Official wording: "shall pay a replacement fee of $5.00 in respect of the tag" … "a licence shall be issued free of charge for a guide dog" … "shall be exempted from paying a licence fee in the current year" … "shall be $50.00 for all dogs owned by him/her"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licences page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "Replacement Tag" … "Exceptions to licence fees are given to Certified Guide and Service Dogs"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** Licences run for the calendar year (January to December) and must be renewed every year; renew before February 1 to avoid the $5 extra. Saanich issued permanent tags in 2023, so the tag number stays the same each year.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licences page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "Dog licences must be renewed annually and are valid for the calendar year from January to December" … "You will receive a $5.00 discount when you renew before February 1"
  - Source: [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556, s. 17](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf)
  - Official wording: "is for the calendar year in which it was obtained"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to get one:** Renew by mail (cheque to 770 Vernon Avenue, Victoria BC V8X 2W7), the 24-hour drop box at Municipal Hall (cheques only), in person at Municipal Hall (cash, cheque, Interac, credit card), or online (credit card only, using the account number on your invoice). New licences: submit the online application; with more than two dogs call 250-475-5484.
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licences page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "By Mail: Mail your cheque and bottom portion of your dog renewal notice to 770 Vernon Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 2W7" … "In person at the Municipal Hall: You can pay in person at the Municipal Hall using cash, cheque, Interac or credit card" … "Online: You can renew your dog licence online, using the account number on your invoice" … "If you have more than two dogs please contact us at 250-475-5484 to register"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine, unlicensed dog:** Bylaw notice: $150 ($100 if paid within 14 days; $200 if paid more than 28 days after). Municipal ticket: $150 if paid within 30 days, $200 after 30 days.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2018, No. 9525, Schedule 8, s. 16 / Bylaw notice schedule, animal control, section 16](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/bylawnoticeenforcementbylaw.pdf)
  - Official wording: "faeces No dog licence 16 $150.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a Keeping wild animal without a 35 $150.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a" … "habitat of bird or animal Page 15 of 37" … "Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2018, No. 9525 Failure to remove canine 14.1 $150.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a faeces No dog licence 16 $150.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a Keeping wild animal without a 35 $150.00 $50.00 $50.00 n/a"
  - Source: [Ticket Bylaw, 2010, No. 9029, Schedule 8, s. 16 / Municipal ticket schedule, no dog licence](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/ticket-bylaw-2010-no-9029.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No dog licence 16 $150.00 $200.00" … "13.6, 13.8 Dog harming bird or animal or habitat of bird or 13.7 $150.00 $200.00 animal Failure to remove canine faeces 14.1 $150.00 $200.00 No dog licence 16 $150.00 $200.00 Keeping wild animal without a permit 35 $150.00 $200.00 Feeding deer 35.1 $150.00 $200.00"
  - Source: [Dog Licences, Dog Licences page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
  - Official wording: "Owners of unlicenced dogs can be fined up to $200.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556
  - Source: [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556, title](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf)
  - Official wording: "ANIMALS BYLAW, 2004, NO. 8556"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Under the [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf), every dog over four months old in Saanich needs a licence each calendar year. You apply to Saanich (the bylaw's "Collector"), not the CRD, and you can pay at Municipal Hall, by mail or online. The reminder, tag and payment all go through Saanich.

| Dog | Before February 1 | From February 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Spayed or neutered | $25 | $30 |
| Not spayed or neutered | $35 | $40 |

A dog spayed or neutered in the 12 months before you apply gets one free licence. Guide and service dogs are free. A newcomer with a current licence from another municipality pays no fee but must tell Saanich. Kennel breeders registered with the Canadian Kennel Club pay $50 for all their dogs. A replacement tag is $5.

## Steps

1. Go to the [Dog Licences page](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html) or Municipal Hall.
2. Apply and pay before February 1 to avoid the extra $5.
3. Keep your permanent tag; the number stays the same each year.

## Good to know

- Without a licence, a bylaw notice is $150 ($100 if paid within 14 days, $200 if paid more than 28 days after). A municipal ticket is $150 if paid within 30 days and $200 after. A court conviction carries a minimum fine of $100.
- Complaints and enforcement are handled by CRD Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624.

## Official forms and pages

- [Dog Licences, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html)
- [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556 (PDF)](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf)

## Related questions

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

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md)
- [Oak Bay](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/oak-bay/dog-licence.md)
- [Esquimalt](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/esquimalt/dog-licence.md)
- [Victoria](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/victoria/dog-licence.md)
- [View Royal](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/view-royal/dog-licence.md)
- [Central Saanich](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/central-saanich/dog-licence.md)
- [Colwood](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/colwood/dog-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Dogs in Saanich | District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich.html) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Dog Licences, District of Saanich](https://www.saanich.ca/EN/main/community/dogs-in-saanich/dog-licences.html) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Animals Bylaw, 2004, No. 8556 (PDF)](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/animals-bylaw-2004-no-8556.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw, 2018, No. 9525 (PDF)](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/bylawnoticeenforcementbylaw.pdf) (read 2026-11-06)
- [Ticket Bylaw, 2010, No. 9029 (PDF)](https://www.saanich.ca/assets/Local~Government/Documents/Bylaws~and~Policies/ticket-bylaw-2010-no-9029.pdf) (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 District of Saanich. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/saanich/dog-licence/_