Guelph pet licensing

Why license?

In accordance with local laws, pet licences are mandatory in the City of Guelph. In fact, licences are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licences help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the City of Guelph to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.

How to license

Online

The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You'll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your licence registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it's super easy!

Renew my pet's licence

My pet has a licence, but it has expired or will very soon.

Renew now

License a pet for the first time

I've never licensed a pet with the City of Guelph before.

License now

In-person

In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:

Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.

Guelph Humane Society:
190 Hanlon Creek Blvd. Guelph, ON N1C 1C1

Service Guelph:
1 Carden Street, Guelph, ON N1H 3A1

Mail

If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!

Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the cheque should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet licence form

Download Application Form

Phone

If you're unable to complete your pet's licence online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licences are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-855-249-1370
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST (excluding holidays)
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST

Licence fees & details

Pet licences are required for all dogs and cats living in the City of Guelph. They must be renewed every year prior to the expiration date. Licences expire exactly 365 days from the start date of the licence. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming licence expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licences
Dog Licences	Licence Fee	2+ Pets
Spayed/Neutered and Microchipped Dog*	$45.76	$34.32
Spayed/Neutered Dog*	$54.42	$42.92
Intact Dog	$76.06	$60.13

Cat Licences
Cat Licences	Licence Fee	2+ Pets
Cat	$28.56	$21.42

*A microchip number is required at the time of licence purchase/renewal to qualify for the discounted rate.
*Spayed/Neutered licences are available for purchase for dogs under six months of age, provided there is an intention to neuter the dog once they reach six months or older.
A replacement tag is available for a $16.76 fee.
Licence fees vary based on the spay/neuter status of your pet.
When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
A fine up to $150 may be charged for failing to comply.
Licences are required for all dogs and cats over four months of age.
Multi-Pet discount is available on all subsequent pets in the same order so long as the licence product is the same on each subsequent pet. Note that the single pet rate always applies for the first pet, even if licensing multiple pets.
Those eligible for the Affordable Bus Pass Program receive a 50% discount on all pet licensing fees (must be purchased at a vendor location to qualify). To find out more please contact the City of Guelph.

Frequently asked questions

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

When does my pet's licence expire?

Licences expire exactly 365 days from the licence start date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?

All pets over the age of 4 months are required to be licensed.

I licensed at a third party location like a pet store or vet's office, why don't you have my record?

Partners typically receive licensing records from third party locations on a monthly basis. Once the licensing records have been picked up a member of your community's licensing team will upload the license record within 14 business days. Please reach out to your community directly to check on the status if you purchased a license and don't see the records reflected in your online account within 60 days of the purchase date.

I need a kennel license, what do I do?

Please visit the City of Guelph in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 1 Carden St in Guelph.

When can I renew my pet's license?

You may renew your pet's license within 45 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

Where can I license in person?

You may license in person at Service Guelph located at 1 Carden St in Guelph.

Do licences need to be renewed annually?

Licences are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.

What is the refund policy on licenses?

Refunds may be granted if your pet has passed away, provided the request is submitted within 30 days of the license purchase date. After this period, we’re unfortunately unable to process a refund.

What jurisdictions does the City of Guelph provide licensing services for?

The City of Guelph provides licensing services for the following areas: City of Guelph

FEES AND FINES

My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?

Please visit the City of Guelph in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.

What is the fee for licensing?

Visit this page for licensing options and fees.

Can I receive a seniors discount?

There are no senior rates to license your pet.

Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?

Yes, if you are licensing multiple pets at the same time under the same account, you will recieve a discount.

PET INFORMATION AND PROFILES

Does my licence transfer if I am moving?

If you are moving please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current licence may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.

MUNICIPAL INFORMATION AND BYLAWS

Where can I find information about the pet licensing bylaw?

Visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

What species are required to be licensed?

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs and Cats.

What is the fine for not licensing a pet?

The fine for failing to license a pet is $150.

Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)

Please get in touch with the City of Guelph at 519-822-1260.

Are there any restricted breeds?

Unless your dog was obtained prior to DOLA coming into place, the following breeds are banned: Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers.

HELP DESK

Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.