Terrace dog licences: fees and how to get one
How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?
Short answer
Every dog over six months old in Terrace needs a City licence each calendar year. Buy it in person at the Animal Shelter or City Hall. The bylaw sets $20 a year for a spayed or neutered dog and $50 for one that is not; seniors pay half.
Key facts
| Licence required | Yes. Every dog over six months old kept in the City needs a valid licence. A person under 19 needs a parent or guardian's written consent.Animal Control Consolidated Bylaw 2159 (to Bylaw 2284-2023), s. 6.1, 6.2 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingNo person shall own, possess or harbour any dog that is over the age of six (6) months within the boundaries of the City unless a valid and subsisting licence has been issued provides the Animal Control Officer with written consent, in the prescribed form, of his or her parent or guardian |
|---|---|
| Issued by | The City of Terrace, through the Animal Shelter (5003 Graham Ave) and City Hall (3215 Eby Street).Animal Control, Animal Control page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingDog licences may be purchased at the Animal Shelter or at City Hall (3215 Eby Street). |
| Fee, spayed or neutered | $20 a year ($10 for seniors).Animal Control Consolidated Bylaw 2159 (to Bylaw 2284-2023), Schedule A · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingNeutered male or spayed female $20.00 $10.00 |
| Fee, not spayed or neutered | $50 a year ($25 for seniors).Animal Control Consolidated Bylaw 2159 (to Bylaw 2284-2023), Schedule A · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingNon-neutered male or non-spayed female $50.00 $25.00 |
| Other fees and discounts | Seniors pay half price. A new licence issued July 1 to Dec. 31 costs 50% of the fee (not renewals, and not seniors already at the reduced rate). Replacement or transfer of a licence $5. Guide dogs and police services dogs $0. Hobby kennel licence $100.Animal Control Consolidated Bylaw 2159 (to Bylaw 2284-2023), Schedule A · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingshall be subject to a fee equal to 50% of the above noted fees Replacement or transfer of licence $5.00 Guide Dog Police Services Dog Hobby Kennel $100.00 |
| Renewal | Licences run January 1 to December 31 of the year issued (or the rest of that year).Animal Control Consolidated Bylaw 2159 (to Bylaw 2284-2023), s. 6.3 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingshall be for the period January 1st to December 31st of the year issued or the remaining portion thereof |
| How to get one | In person at the Animal Shelter (5003 Graham Ave, 250-615-4031) or at City Hall (3215 Eby Street).Animal Control, Animal Control page · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingDog licences may be purchased at the Animal Shelter or at City Hall (3215 Eby Street). 250-615-4031 |
| Fine, unlicensed dog | $100 (municipal ticket, for failing to obtain a dog licence).Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw 1827 (consolidated to 2334-2025), Schedule 3 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingFailing to Obtain Dog Licence $100.00 |
| Bylaw | Animal Control Bylaw No. 2159-2019 (consolidated to Bylaw No. 2284-2023)Animal Control Consolidated Bylaw 2159 (to Bylaw 2284-2023), title · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06Official wordingBYLAW NO. 2159-2019/2284-2023 LICENCING, AND CONTROL OF |
How it works
Under Animal Control Bylaw 2159, no one in Terrace may own, keep or harbour a dog over six months old without a valid licence. Each licence is for one dog, and the tag must stay fastened to the dog's collar or harness. A person under 19 needs a parent or guardian's written consent.
Steps
- Bring the dog's name, breed and age, and the address where it is kept.
- Go to the Animal Shelter (5003 Graham Avenue) or City Hall (3215 Eby Street). The City page lists only these two in-person options; it does not mention online or mail.
- Pay the fee for your dog's status. Say if you qualify for the senior rate.
- Put the tag on the dog's collar or harness. A lost licence is replaced for $5.
Good to know
- A licence expires on December 31. A new licence bought from July 1 to December 31 costs half the fee (this does not apply to renewals, or to seniors already paying the reduced rate).
- Failing to get a dog licence is a $100 municipal ticket.
- Keeping more than three dogs needs a $100 hobby kennel licence (up to five dogs).
- Aggressive and dangerous dogs have their own licence fees; see the dangerous dogs answer.
What you'll need
- Dog's name, breed and age, and the address where it is kept
- Written parent or guardian consent if the owner is under 19
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Kitimat · New Hazelton · Smithers · Telkwa · Hazelton · Port Edward
Sources
- Animal Control, City of Terrace (read 2026-11-05)
- Animal Control Consolidated Bylaw 2159 (to Bylaw 2284-2023) (PDF) (read 2026-11-05)
- Ticket Information Utilization Bylaw 1827 (consolidated to 2334-2025) (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. How answers are checked.