the City of Guelph

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.

Check out the ways you can license your pet below and feel good knowing that 100% of licensing revenue funds are given to the City of Guelph to support important animal welfare initiatives helping to improve your community.

How to License

  • Online
  • In-person
  • Mail
  • Phone

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 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

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 check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet licence form

Download Application Form

If you’re having trouble licensing online and need to get your registration processed in a hurry, you can contact our customer care team and they may be able to process your pet licence over the phone. Note that you must have up to date spay/neuter or rabies documents on file and we can only accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit as payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-855-249-1370
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday (excluding holidays) from 9:00am-9:00pm EST

Guelph Details & Fees

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.

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 $28.56 $21.42
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 $28.56 $21.42

*A microchip number is required at the time of licence purchase/renewal to quality 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 municipal 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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Refunds may be granted for a licence if a pet passes or is returned within 30 days of the licence purchase.

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

FEES AND FINES

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.

Visit this page for licensing options and fees. 

There are no senior rates to licence your pet.

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

PET INFORMATION AND PROFILES

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

Visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

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

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

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

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

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.