Animal Licensing & Registration

Before you purchase a licence online please note:

• There is a $1.92 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.
• A credit will be placed on the dog's licence file if the documentation is received within 30 days of the on-line licence purchase.
• Refunds for the difference in price will NOT be provided.

Documentation may be sent by:

• Fax to Animal Licensing staff at 905-546-4044
• Electronic copies to animalcontrol@hamilton.ca
• 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 (ODSP or CPPD 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 within 30 days from another municipality to the City of Hamilton and are purchasing a licence qualify for a discounted rate.  (Paperwork showing a current dog licence from your previous municipality 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 by-law, which provides for a fine of not less than $235 and up to $10,000.

Benefits of a City of Hamilton Pet Licence or Registration

• A tag provides for a free ride home, once every 365 days, from Animal Services staff, should we find your pet straying from your property. This saves you the cost of impound and boarding fees.
• A tag allows staff to contact you in case of emergency in order for you to make vital decisions regarding the care of your pet.
• A tag allows your pet to be returned to you without it entering the animal shelter, should your pet be found by a member of the public.
• A tag means your pet 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 pet owner;
• Name, colour, breed and sex of the pet;
• Address where the animal 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 your name and address.

3.    Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig Licences
Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs are only permitted in rural areas.  Any Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pig Owners that legally had their pigs (licensed) prior to February 8, 2012 are permitted to keep their pigs, but may not obtain any new pigs.

Permitted Vietnamese Pot Bellied Pigs are required to have a City of Hamilton Licence in accordance with By-law 12-031.

• Online;
• By mail with your payment to 247 Dartnall Road, Hamilton ON L8W 3V9;
• By phone Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 905-574-3433 ext 4
• 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.