Dog Licence

Why did City of Hamilton Animal Services change its fee structure for 2026?

The fee structure was updated to improve clarity, fairness, and consistency while aligning more closely with practices used by other municipalities. The changes support equity, diversity, and inclusion and make fees easier for the public to understand.

Why were late fees removed?

Late fees were removed to reduce financial barriers and improve compliance. Experience has shown that late penalties can discourage timely action rather than encourage it. Removing late fees supports positive engagement with Animal Services.

Why were senior and disability rates removed?

Separate senior and disability rates were removed to promote equity and consistency. A single, simplified structure ensures that fees are applied fairly and transparently to all residents, while reducing administrative complexity.

What is the new fee structure?

The 2026 fees are now based on a simple two-tier model:

• Altered animals.
• Unaltered animals.

This approach supports responsible pet ownership while keeping fees straightforward.

How does this align with other municipalities?

Many municipalities have moved toward simplified fee models that focus on altered versus unaltered animals rather than multiple exemptions or penalty-based fees. Hamilton’s updated structure brings the city in line with these modern, best-practice approaches.

Dog Licence Fees

Prices are subject to change.

Additional Fees

Prices are subject to change.

Service Animals

Dog who have successfully completed training by a recognized school for service as a guide animal for the visually or hearing impaired or a special skills animal for other disabled persons get a free licence. You must show proof that will be kept on file.

Complete Change of Animal Ownership Form(PDF, 108.81 KB)

Submit by email to [email protected]. 

Current ODSP & CPP-D recipients can renew licences online.

Police Dog, Service Animal licences and new licence applications for the CPP-Disability (CPP-D) Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) discounts are not available online. Please visit Hamilton Animal Services or a Municipal Service Centre with proof of status to complete the application process.  Service Animal licences must be completed with the proper documentation in person at Hamilton Animal Services.

You must obtain a licence for your dog from the City of Hamilton before your dog is three months old and it must be attached to your dog's collar. You must renew the licence every year. If you own, have custody of, or otherwise keep a dog without a licence, you may be charged a fine of no less than $75 and up to $10,000.

Compliance with the Law

You must comply with all federal, provincial and municipal regulations and laws.

All owners must comply with the limit for how many pets you can have. Getting a dog licence is not permission to have more than the allowed number of animals.

Read more about the Responsible Animal Ownership By-law.

Dog Licence Renewal

You are responsible for knowing when to renew your dog licence. All notifications of renewal are a courtesy only.

Refunds and credits for dog licences

Refunds may be requested in the event that an owner pays for their animal licence, and the animal passes away or is euthanized on or before 30 days from the purchase date. The dog tag must be returned with proof that the dog has been euthanized or has passed away. This does not apply to licences that were past due at the time of the renewal. 

You may receive a credit if within 30 days of buying a licence you can show proof that:

• the dog is spayed or neutered

• you become eligible for a senior or disability pension

Submit refund or credit requests in writing to:

Supervisor of Animal Control Services
247 Dartnall Road
Hamilton, Ontario
L8W 3V9

Note: You will not receive a refund if you move out of the city within 30 days of purchase.