Animal Licensing & Registration

Before you purchase a licence online please note:

• There is a $1.86 service fee for all on-line transactions
• You will need to create or login to your portal account
• Buy a New Dog Licence Online
• Renew or Update your Existing Dog's Licence or Information Online

What to do if your dog's licence qualifies for a discounted rate:

• You may purchase a licence online at full price.
• You may send in the necessary documentation or proof and Animal Licensing Staff will update the licence file.
• If your documentation is received within 30 days of the licence purchase online, Animal Licensing Staff will place a credit on your dog's licence file for the difference in price.
• Refunds for the difference in price will not be provided.

Documentation may be sent by:

• Fax to Animal Licensing staff at 905-546-4044
• Mail, or in Person to 247 Dartnall Road, Hamilton ON L8W 3V9

• Sterlization of dog (spay or neuter) (Veterinarian Paperwork must be provided)
• Senior owner status (65 yrs & older) (Government Identification must be provided)
• Government Disability Pension (Documentation must be provided)
• Certified Guide Dog (Certificate from Agency must be provided)
• Police Dog (Certificate from Agency must be provided)

• Owners who have moved from another municipality to the City of Hamilton and are purchasing a licence within 30 days.  In order to get this discounted rate, paperwork from your previous municipality showing a valid licence must be provided. (This licence must be purchased in person).

Any person found owning, having custody of or otherwise harbouring an unlicensed dog may be charged pursuant to the Provincial Offences Act, which provides for a fine of not less than $235 and up to $5000.

Benefits of a City of Hamilton Dog Licence

• A licence provides for a free ride home, once every 365 days, from Animal Services staff, should we find your dog straying from your property. This saves you the cost of impound charges, boarding fees and transportation fees.
• A licence allows staff to contact you in case of emergency in order for you to make vital decisions regarding the care of your pet.
• A licence allows your dog to be returned to you without it entering the animal shelter, should your dog be found by a member of the public.
• A licence means your dog will spend less time in the shelter, reducing the stress it may experience and minimizing the risk of contracting disease.
• Studies show a direct correlation between zero tolerance enforcement of the Animal Licensing By-law and a reduction of euthanasia of unclaimed animals.
• Fees are used to support the City's Animal Services Program, providing for, among other things, the care and feeding of lost or stray pets and the placement of homeless animals.

• Name, address and telephone number of the dog owner;
• Name, colour, breed and sex of the dog;
• Address where the dog is to be situated in the municipality;
• Microchip identification number (if applicable).

Please note that if your application indicates that you qualify for a discounted licence rate, proof must be provided at the time you purchase the licence. Discounts are available for dogs that have been altered (spayed or neutered), owners that are 65 years of age or older, or owners that receive a Government Disability Pension.

• Register your cat with the City of Hamilton Animal Services.
• Have your cat implanted with an identity microchip by a Veterinarian.
• Purchase an identity tag inscribed with the your name and address.

3.    Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig Licences
Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs are required to have a City of Hamilton Licence in accordance with By-law 12-031. Prior to the identification tag being issued the owner must provide proof of the following to the City of Hamilton Animal Services that the Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig:

• has been innoculated against rabies, erysipelas, and leptospirosis
• is not a cross of this breed
• has been detusked

• Online;
• By mail with your payment to 247 Dartnall Road, Hamilton ON L8W 3V9;
• by fax to 905-546-4044;
• Or you may visit one of our many locations:

If you need to purchase a Replacement Tag, please visit one of the above locations.

Cat Registrations and Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig Licences may only be purchased at the Animal Services - Dartnall Road Location.