---
title: "Salt Spring Island dog licences: fees and how to get one"
question: "How do I get a dog licence on Salt Spring, and what does it cost?"
place: Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/salt-spring-island
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: regional
owner_body: Capital Regional District
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salt-spring-island/dog-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salt-spring-island/dog-licence.json"
---

# Salt Spring Island dog licences: fees and how to get one

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

**Short answer:** Salt Spring Island is not a municipality. Dog licences come from the Capital Regional District (CRD), not Islands Trust. Every dog over four months old needs one each calendar year, bought by the last day of February. Bylaw 1465 sets $25 (spayed or neutered) and $45; the CRD web page lists higher fees, so confirm.

**Who handles it:** Regional district (Capital Regional District, https://www.crd.ca)  
**Cost:** Bylaw 1465 Schedule A: $25 a year for a spayed or neutered dog, $45 for one that is not. The CRD web page (fees in effect as of June 11, 2025) lists $40 and $60 regular. Confirm with CRD Animal Care Services. Replacement of a lost licence $5. Dangerous dog licence $100.  
**How long:** A licence covers the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and must be bought again each year, by the last day of February.  
**Where:**
- Online: CRD dog licence application, https://crd.checkbox.ca/CRD-Dog-Licence-Application
- In person: CRD Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Office, 108-121 McPhillips Avenue, Salt Spring Island, BC
- Phone: CRD Animal Care Services, 250-478-0624
- Email: CRD Animal Care Services, animalservices@crd.bc.ca

## Key facts

- **Licence required:** Yes. Every dog over four months old needs a licence for the calendar year, bought by the last day of February (or at once if you get the dog after February). No fee for police dogs and guide dogs.
  - Source: [CRD Bylaw No. 1465, Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw (consolidated June 2023), s. 3, s. 5(6)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b)
  - Official wording: "The owner of a dog shall obtain a licence for the calendar year, January 1 to December 31" … "No licence fee shall be charged for Police Dogs and Guide Dogs."
  - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Why does my dog need a licence](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs)
  - Official wording: "Licences are mandatory for all dogs four months or older in the Capital Regional District (CRD)."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Issued by:** The Capital Regional District (CRD Animal Care Services), not Islands Trust. The CRD's Animal Control Officer, or a person the CRD appoints, issues the licence.
  - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, intro](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs)
  - Official wording: "CRD Animal Care Services provides dog licencing for Langford, Colwood, Sooke, Metchosin, Highlands, View Royal, Juan de Fuca Electoral Area, Southern Gulf Islands, Salt Spring Island and Songhees First Nation."
  - Source: [CRD Bylaw No. 1465, Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw (consolidated June 2023), s. 4(1)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b)
  - Official wording: "The licence shall be issued by the Animal Control Officer or such other person as he or she appoints from time to time"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $25 a year for a spayed or neutered dog (Schedule A). Free if the dog was spayed or neutered in the 12 months before applying (one free licence per dog). (Sources differ: The bylaw copy read is 'Consolidated for Convenience June 2023' and Schedule A lists $25. The CRD web page (fees 'in effect as of June 11, 2025') lists $40 regular, $35 early (renewed before December 31) and $60 late (after March 1) for a spayed or neutered dog. The bylaw value is given as the rule says bylaw wins, but the web page is the newer document and may reflect a later amending bylaw not in this consolidation. Check before publishing.)
  - Source: [CRD Bylaw No. 1465, Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw (consolidated June 2023), Sched. A (b), (d); s. 5(2)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b)
  - Official wording: "Female Dog (spayed) $25.00" … "Male Dog (neutered) $25.00" … "a licence shall be issued free of charge for a dog which has been neutered or spayed during the 12-month period immediately preceding the application"
  - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees table](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs)
  - Official wording: "Spayed/neutered (altered) | $35 | $40 | $60"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $45 a year for a dog that is not spayed or neutered (Schedule A). (Sources differ: The CRD web page (fees as of June 11, 2025) lists $60 regular, $55 early and $80 late for an unaltered dog. See the note on fee_altered: the bylaw copy is dated June 2023.)
  - Source: [CRD Bylaw No. 1465, Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw (consolidated June 2023), Sched. A (a), (c)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b)
  - Official wording: "Female Dog (not spayed) $45.00" … "Male Dog (not neutered) $45.00"
  - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees table](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs)
  - Official wording: "Unspayed/unneutered (unaltered) | $55 | $60 | $80"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Other fees and discounts:** Bylaw: $5 early purchase discount, $10 late application penalty (fee unpaid after the last day of February), $5 for a lost-licence replacement, $100 dangerous dog licence. A new owner may get a licence free if the old tag and receipt are surrendered. (Sources differ: The web page's late fee is $20 over the regular fee ($60 vs $40 altered); the bylaw's late penalty is $10. Breeding kennel $75 (four or fewer dogs) or $150 (five or more); boarding kennel $200 (Schedule A). The web page also describes a Petiquette Perks rewards card with partner discounts.)
  - Source: [CRD Bylaw No. 1465, Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw (consolidated June 2023), Sched. A (e)-(g), (k); s. 8](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b)
  - Official wording: "Replacement of Lost License $5.00" … "Early Purchase Discount $5.00" … "Late Application Penalty $10.00" … "Dangerous Dog License $100.00" … "the new owner may apply for a new licence at no cost provided that the old licence tag and receipt are surrendered to the Animal Control Officer"
  - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, Licensing Fees](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs)
  - Official wording: "Replacement tags are $5 each." … "Dangerous dog license | $95 | $100 | $120"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** The licence runs for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and must be bought again each year, by the last day of February.
  - Source: [CRD Bylaw No. 1465, Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw (consolidated June 2023), ss. 3, 6](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b)
  - Official wording: "shall expire on the 31st day of December next following the date on which the licence takes effect"
  - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, How often do I need to renew](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs)
  - Official wording: "Your dog's licence is valid for the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31. You must renew your licence once a year."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to get one:** Apply to the CRD with its dog licence application form; staff set up an account number. Renew or pay by online banking, phone (250.478.0624), email (animalservices@crd.bc.ca), or in person at the CRD Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Office, 108-121 McPhillips Ave.
  - Source: [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District, How do I apply; Where to get a licence](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs)
  - Official wording: "If you live in one of the above municipalities, please complete the CRD dog licence application form:" … "By phone (250.478.0624 or 1.800.665.7899 extension 0) with a credit card" … "By email at animalservices@crd.bc.ca" … "CRD SSI Electoral Area Office: 108-121 McPhillips Ave, Salt Spring Island"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine, unlicensed dog:** $100 for no licence; $50 if the dog is licensed but not wearing the tag (ticket under CRD Bylaw 1857, Schedule 9).
  - Source: [CRD Bylaw 1857, Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw, Sched. 9 (Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw), items 5 and 6](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1857-consolidated-capital-regional-district-ticket-information-authorization-bylaw-1990b)
  - Official wording: "No licence 3 $100.00" … "No licence on dog 7 $50.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw No. 1, 1986 (CRD Bylaw No. 1465)
  - Source: [CRD Bylaw No. 1465, Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw (consolidated June 2023), title](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b)
  - Official wording: "ANIMAL REGULATION AND IMPOUNDING BYLAW NO. 1, 1986"
  - Source: [Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw No. 1, 1986 (CRD bylaw directory)](https://www.crd.ca/government-administration/bylaw-directory/animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986-consolidated)
  - Official wording: "To regulate the keeping of animals within the Electoral Areas of the Capital Regional District."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

Salt Spring Island is an unincorporated electoral area, so dog licensing is run by CRD Animal Care Services under the CRD's [Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw 1465](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b), not by Islands Trust. Every dog over four months old needs a licence for the calendar year. Police dogs and guide dogs pay no fee.

## Steps

1. Apply to the CRD with its dog licence application form. Staff set up an account number for you.
2. Pay or renew by online banking, by phone (250.478.0624), by email (animalservices@crd.bc.ca), or in person at the CRD Salt Spring Island Electoral Area Office, 108-121 McPhillips Ave.
3. Buy your licence by the last day of February each year. If you get a dog after February, buy one at once.
4. The CRD mails the tag free of charge.

## Good to know

- Fees differ between sources. Bylaw 1465 Schedule A says $25 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $45 for one that is not. The CRD's licensing web page (fees as of June 11, 2025) lists $40 and $60. Confirm with CRD Animal Care Services before you pay.
- Bylaw 1465 also lists a $5 early purchase discount, a $10 late application penalty and $5 to replace a lost licence. A dog spayed or neutered in the 12 months before you apply can get one free licence. A new owner may get a licence free by surrendering the old tag and receipt.
- Permanent tags are not replaced each year; only the payment is renewed. The CRD page says it cannot accept Interac e-transfers.
- Tickets under [CRD Bylaw 1857](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1857-consolidated-capital-regional-district-ticket-information-authorization-bylaw-1990b): $100 for no licence, $50 if the dog is licensed but not wearing its tag.

## What you'll need

- Dog's name, breed, sex, colour and age, and your address and phone number
- Proof the dog is spayed or neutered, if you want the lower fee

## Official forms and pages

- [Licensing for Dogs (CRD)](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs)
- [Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw No. 1465 (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b)

## Related questions

- [Salt Spring Island dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salt-spring-island/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Salt Spring Island rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salt-spring-island/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in Salt Spring Island](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salt-spring-island/how-many-pets.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Licensing for Dogs, Capital Regional District](https://www.crd.ca/programs-services/animals-pets/licensing-dogs) (read 2026-11-05)
- [CRD Bylaw No. 1465, Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw (consolidated June 2023) (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1465-consolidated-animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986b) (read 2026-11-05)
- [CRD Bylaw 1857, Ticket Information Authorization Bylaw (PDF)](https://www.crd.ca/media/file/1857-consolidated-capital-regional-district-ticket-information-authorization-bylaw-1990b) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Animal Regulation and Impounding Bylaw No. 1, 1986 (CRD bylaw directory)](https://www.crd.ca/government-administration/bylaw-directory/animal-regulation-and-impounding-bylaw-no-1-1986-consolidated) (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 Capital Regional District. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/salt-spring-island/dog-licence/_