Dog Licences

You must have a dog licence in the City of Brantford by the time your dog is three months old or within 10 days of obtaining a new dog. Licences must be renewed every year.

Discounted rates

You must show proof of altering (neutering or spaying) to apply for our discounted rates.

Acceptable forms of alteration include:

  1. Certificate from a licenced Ontario veterinarian attesting to the fact that the dog has been altered
  2. Receipt from a licenced Ontario veterinarian showing that the dog has been altered

Renewing your licence

Please have the Customer ID number found on your renewal notice ready before you renew your licence online.

If you have moved, need to update other information or no longer require a dog tag, please notify the City's Clerk's office by completing the Update Dog Licence Renewal Information form.

Renew my Dog Licence

Dog licence renewal fees
Licence renewal typeCost
Altered $45.00 ($30.00 before December 31)
Unaltered $75.00 ($60.00 before December 31)
Senior rate altered $25.00 ($15.00 before December 31)
Senior rate unaltered $30.00 ($20.00 before December 31)
Service dog No charge

Applying for a new dog licence

You can apply for a new Dog Licence using the Online form.

You can also visit City Hall at 58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford for assistance with completing the online form.

Apply for a Dog Licence

New dog licence fees
Dog licence fees by month
TypeJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Altered $45.00 $41.25 $37.50 $33.75 $30.00 $26.25 $22.50 $18.75 $15.00 $11.25 $7.50 $3.75
Unaltered $75.00 $68.75 $62.50 $56.25 $50.00 $43.75 $37.50 $31.25 $25.00 $18.75 $12.50 $6.25
Senior Rate Altered $25.00 $22.92 $20.83 $18.75 $16.67 $14.58 $12.50 $10.42 $8.33 $6.25 $4.17 $2.08
Senior Rate Unaltered $30.00 $27.50 $25.00 $22.50 $20.00 $17.50 $15.00 $12.50 $10.00 $7.50 $5.00 $2.50

Benefits of licensing your dog

If your dog is ever lost, having a dog licence can help in the following ways:

  • A licence is immediately visible to anyone who finds your dog and shows that your dog belongs to someone
  • Provides for one free ride to return should a dog be found straying from their property
  • Reduces the stress a dog may experience from staying at the shelter
  • Licensed dogs found by a member of the public and collected by the animal control provider may be returned immediately to their owner without a trip to the shelter 
  • If your dog is lost or involved in an emergency situation, the licence provides information needed to contact you
  • Provides a way to contact the dog owner in case of emergency so they can make vital decisions regarding care
  • Saves the cost of impound and boarding fees

Restricted and dangerous dogs

We do not allow pit bulls within the City of Brantford. You can contact us to appeal your dog's designation. 

See our Animal Control By-law for the definition of a pit bull, restricted and prohibited animals, and any other requirements.

Current pit bull owners

If you own a pit bull that you've registered with us on or before April 1, 2005, and you've met all other requirements under the By-law, your dog has been designated as a restricted dog.

Restricted dogs can stay with you in the city as long you continue to comply with the Animal Control By-law's requirements.