Dog licences and control

Purchase or renew a dog licence

Dog licences

About licensing

Dogs who have reached 3 months of age are required to be licensed
The cost of licensing your dog will vary based on whether the dog is spayed or neutered, if it is deemed dangerous, aggressive or nuisance and when you purchase the licence
All licences expire annually on December 31
Licence fees are non-refundable
Dog licence tags are transferable (for re-homed dogs)
Licences purchased for new dogs after September 30 in any year are valid for the remainder of the year and the next calendar year (then they expire on December 31)

First-time dog licence

There are three ways to get a dog licence:

Renew your dog licence

There are three ways to renew your dog licence:

Purchase a replacement dog tag

Replacement tags cost $5. You must visit a location in-person to get a replacement tag. Find the location closest to you. You can also get one in-person at the dog pound and SPCA.

View our list of places to get a replacement tag.

Update your information

If you need to update your address or other contact information including your email address, you have a few options:

Update through the My Dog Matters app
Use your online bill account
Call 250-763-4918 or email

My Dog Matters rewards program

This program has been created to reward dog owners who licence their dog(s) and provide them with benefits for licensing. Licensed dog owners will receive discounts from participating businesses by simply showing their ‘My Dog Matters' rewards card at the time of purchase. Dog owners will be able to quickly recover the cost of licensing by using their card to receive discounts on products and services offered by the many proud partners participating in the rewards program.

Learn more about the program by visiting the official My Dog Matters website.

Download the My Dog Matters app

Or use the online plugin (no phone app needed).

Reasons to licence your dog

It helps protect your pet
It is easier to be reunited with your pet if it goes missing
Accurate dog licence data helps with future service needs, like leashed and unleashed dog parks
Public safety – including investigation of dog attacks and protection from dangerous dogs
You can save money if you purchase an annual licence early
There is a $300 fine for unlicensed dogs (Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343)
Fees help support the Central Okanagan SPCA's spay and neuter program, public education initiatives and dog adoption services
Fees contribute to the operation of the local dog pound so that food, shelter and veterinary care can be provided for lost and homeless dogs

First Nation lands in the Central Okanagan

Residents on Westbank First Nation (WFN) land are required to purchase a dog licence from WFN:

515 Highway 97 South, Kelowna

Location map

Website

Residents on Okanagan Indian Band IR No. 7 in the Lake Country area are not required to purchase a dog licence from the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

Dog kennel licences

Whether you're looking for a hobby or service kennel, you are required to apply for a kennel licence using the Kennel Licence application form.

Dog control and responsible dog ownership

Bylaw

The Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw No. 1343 outlines the regulation, licensing and control of dogs in the Regional District of Central Okanagan.

File a dog barking complaint

If you wish to make a complaint about a dog in your area you may contact our office from Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed statutory holidays).

Please visit our webpage on filing a dog complaint for further instructions.

Report a dog in a hot vehicle

Please call the Kelowna SPCA at 250-861-7722 in the event you spot a dog left in a hot vehicle. In an emergency situation, call 9-1-1.

Report lost/found dogs

In response to public health orders, the dog pound is open to one person at a time. Please call or email about your lost or found dog before visiting in person. We are still providing pre-arranged pickup or drop off for dogs.

Call the dog pound at 250-469-6284

Email the dog pound

Open Monday to Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed statutory holidays).

More information on lost/found dogs