Pet Licensing
Online pet licensing is available. To use this online service, a specific login is required. This can be found on the renewal letter or provided by contacting Animal Services at 905-832-2281.
If this is your first time registering for a licence, you do not need to call us first and can create an account directly online.
Licensing your pets
All dogs and cats in the City of Vaughan must wear a licence (numbered tag), purchased from the City, at all times. Licences are not transferrable. Dog and cat licences expire annually, and must be renewed prior to the anniversary date of purchase to ensure the pet’s information is kept up to date. Existing registered owners will be notified at renewal time. Failure to license your dog or cat every year may result in a fine. The maximum penalty is $5,000. Be a responsible owner – license your pet today!
How to licence your pet
Notice of Collection Statement
All pet licensing forms will be used to collect personal information as defined under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This information is collected under the legal authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001 c.25, as amended, or its successor act. This information will be used by the City of Vaughan for the administration and enforcement of City of Vaughan by-laws. Questions regarding this collection may be directed to the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, City of Vaughan, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, Ontario L6A 1T1, at bylaw@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281.
Some online features include the ability to:
• Upload documents in pdf and other formats (such as rabies certificates)
• Change account information (such as contact info, pet status, etc.)
• Order replacement tags when originals are lost
• Find existing tag information easily
When applying for a pet licence, please provide proof of your pet’s current rabies vaccine (which includes the rabies tag number, date of vaccination, and name and address of veterinary clinic), and any tattoo or microchip identification. Rabies vaccine must be licensed for use in Canada.
Licensing Fees
| Fees | Dog (2025) | Cat (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Male/Female Pet Licence | $25 per dog | $25 per cat |
| Replacement Tag | $14 per tag | $14 per tag |
| Biting/Menacing Dog or Pit Bull (restricted Pit Bull, if born before 2005) | $55 per dog | Not applicable |
| Service Animal | *No fee (with certificate) | Not applicable |
* There is no annual licence fee for owners who are reliant upon a service animal, “Service Animal” means an Animal identifiable by a harness and trained by a recognized school for service as a Guide Dog for the blind or Visually impaired, a Guide Dog for the deaf or hearing-impaired, or special skills Dog for other disabled persons and includes an Animal used in therapy, registered with a recognized organization for that purpose.
Residents 65 years of age and older are eligible (with proof of age) for a discounted rate of $12.50 per pet licence. The discount does not apply to biting/menacing dogs or Pit Bulls (restricted Pit Bull, if born before 2005).
Why licensing your pet is a good idea
- Helps easily identify and safely reunite lost pets with their owners
- Helps with medical follow-ups of people or animals potentially exposed to infected animals
- Helps supplement and manage the costs of sheltering animals, and providing education, outreach and compliance measures
Contact Information
By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services,
Animal Services
Phone: 905-832-2281
Toll-free: 1-855-227-7297 (PAWS)
Email: animal.services@vaughan.ca
Location:
Department
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Shelter
70 Tigi Crt., Unit 47
Vaughan, ON L4K 5E4