Departments & Services

AdministrationFinanceEngineering, Public Works, and OperationsPlanning and Development ServicesAirportCemeteriesAnimal ControlBusiness LicensingHighway 16 Regional Transit ServiceBylaw Enforcement

Animal Control

Home  /  Departments & Services  /  Animal Control

Dog Licencing

All dogs over the age of 6 months within the the District of Houston must be licensed. The basic fee for an annual dog license is only $17.00, which buys peace of mind that your dog can be returned to you if it is found. If your dog is picked up by the District Employees, having a licence will reduce the first impoundment fee and will avoid costly ticket fines.

Licenses may be purchased at the District Office at 3367 - 12th Street. A maximum of four dogs may be licensed on any property within the District of Houston.

Dogs are not permitted to run off leash, except in designated off leash areas. When in public areas, dogs must be on a leash at all times. Dog handlers must also clean up after their pets and must be in possession of bags or a scoop for this purpose whenever walking a dog off the owner's property.

In addition to above the fees, municipal tickets may be issued for too many dogs, dogs at large, unsecured dogs, failing to clean up after your dog, etc.

For a full description of animal regulations including times and locations where dogs are prohibited and where dogs may be allowed to go "off-leash", please refer to the Animal Control Bylaw.

Please call the District Office at 250-845-2238 if you think your dog may have been picked up and impounded.

You must purchase a license prior to January 31, 2024 to qualify for the Early Bird discount of 25%.

The fee for a dog license is as follows:

Type of Licence	After Jan 1, 2024
Neutered or spayed animal	$17.00
Non-neutered or not spayed	$45.00
Kennel Licence	$169.00
Replacement Licence Tag	$6.00 plus tax
Licence Transfer Fee	$6.00 plus tax

Lost Animals / Animal Adoption

If you have lost your dog, please contact the Municipal Office (250.845.2238) during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.

Every effort is made to contact the owner if the pet can be identified or the owner is known, but this is not always possible. Pursuant to the Pound & Animal Regulations Bylaw, all impounded animals are eligible for adoption 72 hours after impoundment (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays), upon payment of applicable fees.

Outdoor Dog Brochure

See the below resource available: a brochure to counsel individuals with behaviourally challenged dogs on how to bring them indoors. Click here to check out our Outdoor Dog Brochure.