---
title: "West Kelowna dog licences: fees and how to get one"
question: "How do I get a dog licence, and what does it cost?"
place: West Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/west-kelowna
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: regional
owner_body: Regional District of Central Okanagan
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-licence/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-licence.json"
---

# West Kelowna dog licences: fees and how to get one

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

**Short answer:** In West Kelowna, dog licences are issued by the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), not the City. Every dog three months or older needs one. The fee is $40 a year if spayed or neutered and $80 if not, or $20 and $60 if paid by the last day of February. Register or renew online.

**Who handles it:** Regional district (Regional District of Central Okanagan, https://www.rdco.com)  
**Cost:** $40 spayed or neutered; $80 not. $20 and $60 if paid by the last day of February (buy or renew Dec. 16 to Feb. 28). Registered service dogs $0; licence from another local government transfers free; replacement tag $5; hobby or service kennel permit $125. Unlicensed dog: $300 ticket.  
**How long:** A licence is good for the calendar year and expires December 31. Renew on or before the last day of February. A new licence bought after Sept. 30 lasts to the end of the next year.  
**Where:**
- Online: RDCO online services portal (register or renew), https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/
- In person: City of West Kelowna City Hall (listed by RDCO as a licence location), 3731 Old Okanagan Highway, West Kelowna, BC V4T 0G7 (Phone 778-797-1000. Call first to confirm licences are sold there.)
- In person: RDCO dog licences office, 1450 KLO Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 3Z4
- Phone: RDCO dog licences, 250-469-6344

## Key facts

- **Licence required:** Yes. Every dog three months or older must be licensed and wear its tag at all times, if its owner has lived in the Central Okanagan more than 30 days. Guide and service dogs still need a licence but pay no fee.
  - Source: [RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated), ss. 10, 11, 12, 15](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Every person who owns a dog and resides in the Regional District for more than 30" … "An Owner shall ensure that the dog tag is attached to the collar or harness worn by his" … "shall obtain a license but not be"
  - Source: [Dog licences, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Dog licences page](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/)
  - Official wording: "All dogs over three months old must have a licence and wear a tag." … "Licences are required for dogs living in Peachland, West Kelowna, Kelowna, Lake Country"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Issued by:** The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO), not the City. Licences are sold online and at the RDCO office (1450 KLO Road), and West Kelowna City Hall (3731 Old Okanagan Highway) is listed as a place to get one.
  - Source: [Dog licences, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Where to get a dog licence](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/)
  - Official wording: "Register your dog(s) and pay through our online services portal." … "West Kelowna City of West Kelowna 3731 Old Okanagan Highway 778-797-1000"
  - Source: [Bylaw Compliance, Dogs](https://www.westkelownacity.ca/city-services/bylaw-compliance/)
  - Official wording: "For all dog related matters including control and licensing, please:" … "Call 250-469-6284 for Regional District of Central Okanagan Dog Control."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, spayed or neutered:** $40 a year for a spayed or neutered dog (proof from a vet required). $20 if paid by the last day of February.
  - Source: [RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated), Schedule B (a), (c)](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(a) For each spayed or neutered dog $40.00" … "License fees for (a) and (b) are discounted by $20.00 if paid by the"
  - Source: [Dog licences, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Fee categories](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/)
  - Official wording: "Dogs - spayed/neutered $40" … "Must provide proof of spay/neuter."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fee, not spayed or neutered:** $80 a year for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. $60 if paid by the last day of February.
  - Source: [RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated), Schedule B (b), (c)](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(b) For each unspayed or unneutered dog $80.00" … "License fees for (a) and (b) are discounted by $20.00 if paid by the"
  - Source: [Dog licences, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Fee categories](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/)
  - Official wording: "Dogs - not spayed/neutered $80"
  - Source: [Renew your 2026 dog licence early and save, RDCO, News post, Jan. 5, 2026](https://www.rdco.com/news/posts/renew-your-2026-dog-licence-early-and-save/)
  - Official wording: "If the dog isn't spayed or neutered the fee is $60."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Other fees and discounts:** Save $20 if you buy or renew between Dec. 16 and Feb. 28. Replacement tag $5. Licence from another local government transfers free. Registered service dogs $0. Hobby or service kennel permit $125. New dog licences bought after Sept. 30 last to the end of the next year.
  - Source: [Dog licences, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Dog licences page](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/)
  - Official wording: "Save $20 on your renewal or purchase of a new dog licence between December 16 and February 28." … "Replacement tags $5" … "Valid out of area licence transfer $0" … "Registered service dogs $0" … "Licences purchased for new dogs after September 30 are valid for the remainder of the year and the next calendar year."
  - Source: [RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated), Schedule B (e), (f)](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf)
  - Official wording: "(e) A Kennel Operation Permit for a Hobby or Service Kennel $125.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Renewal:** A licence is good for the calendar year and expires December 31. Owners must renew on or before the last day of February each year (the $20 discount applies Dec. 16 to Feb. 28).
  - Source: [RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated), ss. 11, 17](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf)
  - Official wording: "annually on or before the last day of February in each year, or as soon" … "will expire on the thirty-first (31st) day of December of the year in which"
  - Source: [Dog licences, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Dog licences page](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/)
  - Official wording: "Licences are good for a calendar year and expire December 31."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to get one:** Online through the RDCO online services portal (payments.rdco.com), or in person at the RDCO office (1450 KLO Road), West Kelowna City Hall, other municipal offices or the Kelowna SPCA (by appointment). New licences need vet proof of spay/neuter for the lower fee. Phone 250-469-6344.
  - Source: [Dog licences, Regional District of Central Okanagan, How to register/renew; Where to get a dog licence](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/)
  - Official wording: "Register your dog(s) and pay through our online services portal." … "Newly spayed/neutered? You will need the vet receipt to verify your dog has been spayed/neutered for the discounted rate." … "Dog licences 1450 KLO Road Kelowna, BC, V1W 3Z4 Send an email to dog licences Phone: 250-469-6344"
  - Source: [Renew your 2026 dog licence early and save, RDCO, News post, Jan. 5, 2026](https://www.rdco.com/news/posts/renew-your-2026-dog-licence-early-and-save/)
  - Official wording: "stop by the RDCO offices, municipal offices in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country and Peachland, or the Kelowna SPCA at 3785 Casorso Road"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine, unlicensed dog:** RDCO bylaw notice $300 (early payment discount $150; $25 late payment penalty). Municipal ticket $300.
  - Source: [RDCO Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1538 (consolidated), Bylaw 1538, Schedule A, Appendix 1](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/vovoh2ok/bl1538-bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No dog license 10 & 11 300.00 150.00 25.00 Y"
  - Source: [RDCO Ticket Information and Utilization Bylaw No. 1537 (consolidated), Bylaw 1537, Schedule B, Appendix 1](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/fknipfoc/bl1537-ticket-information-and-utilization-consolidated.pdf)
  - Official wording: "No dog license 10 & 11 300.00"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Regional District of Central Okanagan Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343, 2014
  - Source: [RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated), s. 2](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf)
  - Official wording: "Regional District of Central Okanagan Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343, 2014"
  - Source: [Dog licences and control, RDCO, RDCO dogs page](https://www.rdco.com/dogs)
  - Official wording: "The RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership | Bylaw No. 1343 guides dog licenses and dog control programs within the Central Okanagan."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

The City of West Kelowna does not run dog licensing; the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) does, under its [Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf). Every dog three months or older must be licensed and wear its tag at all times, if its owner has lived in the Central Okanagan more than 30 days. Guide and service dogs still need a licence but pay no fee.

## Steps

1. Get proof of spay or neuter from your vet if you want the lower fee.
2. Register or renew online through the RDCO online services portal (payments.rdco.com), or in person at the RDCO office, West Kelowna City Hall, other municipal offices or the Kelowna SPCA (by appointment).
3. Pay the fee. Phone 250-469-6344 with questions.
4. Keep the tag on your dog.

## Good to know

- The lower early rate applies if you pay by the last day of February. RDCO's page shows $40 and $80 with the $20 saving; RDCO's January 2026 news post shows the early prices of $20 and $60.
- No seniors discount is listed on the RDCO page or in the bylaw's fee schedule.
- If the dog is spayed or neutered within six months of buying a licence and you show a vet certificate, the bylaw refunds the difference.
- Not having a licence: an RDCO bylaw notice is $300 (with an early-payment discount of $150 and a $25 late-payment penalty); an RDCO municipal ticket is $300.
- Nuisance, aggressive and dangerous dogs pay higher fees; see the dangerous-dogs answer.

## What you'll need

- Proof of spay or neuter from your veterinarian for the lower fee

## Official forms and pages

- [RDCO Dog licences page](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/)
- [RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated PDF)](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf)

## Related questions

- [West Kelowna dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [How many dogs or cats you can keep in West Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/how-many-pets.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dog licence fees in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dog-licence.md)
- [Peachland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/peachland/dog-licence.md)
- [Kelowna](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/kelowna/dog-licence.md)
- [Lake Country](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/lake-country/dog-licence.md)
- [Summerland](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/summerland/dog-licence.md)
- [Penticton](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/penticton/dog-licence.md)
- [Vernon](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/vernon/dog-licence.md)

## Sources

- [Dog licences, Regional District of Central Okanagan](https://www.rdco.com/living-here/dog-licences-and-control/dog-licences/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Dog licences and control, RDCO](https://www.rdco.com/dogs) (read 2026-11-05)
- [RDCO Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/sueey4fq/bl1343-consolidated-regulate-license-control-responsible-dog-ownership-2023.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Renew your 2026 dog licence early and save, RDCO](https://www.rdco.com/news/posts/renew-your-2026-dog-licence-early-and-save/) (read 2026-11-05)
- [RDCO Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1538 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/vovoh2ok/bl1538-bylaw-notice-enforcement-bylaw-consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [RDCO Ticket Information and Utilization Bylaw No. 1537 (consolidated) (PDF)](https://media-003-ca.cdn.govstack.com/rdco-ca/media/fknipfoc/bl1537-ticket-information-and-utilization-consolidated.pdf) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Compliance, City of West Kelowna](https://www.westkelownacity.ca/city-services/bylaw-compliance/) (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 Regional District of Central Okanagan. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/west-kelowna/dog-licence/_