PET LICENSING

Why license a pet?

• The registration provides legal proof of ownership and allows the animal services team to quickly reunite lost pets with their families. A City of Lethbridge dog license is required by law.

• Animals found roaming wearing an active license number are eligible for a free ride home once a year.

• Registration records provide valuable information on the pet population and its needs.

• Annual registration fees support programs and services for the community.

• Dog Fanciers License, for residents who wish to keep more than two dogs (max. of four), allows the city to ensure that large numbers of dogs kept in one place do not negatively impact the neighborhood, and helps to mitigate cases of animal hoarding and backyard breeding.

Initial pet registration must be done in person at either of the two locations. Your annual renewal can be done online.

• Lethbridge Animal Shelter - 2405 41 St N

M - F  9am to 6pm

Sat   11am to 5pm

Sun and stats closed

• City Hall - 910 4 Ave S (first floor)

     M - F 8:30am to 4:30pm

Closed on stats

You do not need to bring your pet with you in person; however, you will need the following to register your dog.

• Your government-issued ID.

• Documents proving the animal has been spayed or neutered, and the microchip or tattoo number in order to receive the reduced fee.

• You can also submit a digital photo of your pet to be added to the registration record.

It is highly recommended to supplement your pets' tags, with a properly registered microchip.

Dog Fanciers License:

The maximum number of adult dogs (over 6 months old) permitted at a residence is two (2), unless a Dog Fanciers License has been issued. Any person wishing to keep more than two (2) dogs, up to a total of four (4), must first obtain a Dog Fanciers License. Apply online.

Yearly License Fees:

$50.00 – Not fixed and no microchip or tattoo (ID)

$45.00 – Not fixed but has either a microchip and/or tattoo

$25.00 – Fixed but no microchip or tattoo

$20.00 – Fixed and has a microchip and/or tattoo

$20.00 – Fancier’s License (per year) 

$150.00 - Aggressive Dog

Free      -  Service Dog

Your dog license expires yearly on December 31, and must be renewed before January 1. You should receive a renewal notice in the mail in late November. If you need to change any of your registration information, or no longer require a dog license, you must contact us to update or adjust the account. Call 403-320-4099.

RENEW YOUR YEARLY LICENSE ONLINE

Pet licenses and tags are not transferable. If a pet has been rehomed, a new license will need to be purchased by the new owner.

What are fees used for?

It is important that you license your pet and make the annual payment, as these fees are used to support the City of Lethbridge pet programs and services.

• Offset the operating cost of the Lethbridge Animal Shelter.

• Provide education programs to promote responsible pet ownership.

• Support the veterinarian treatment of cats and dogs in the care of the Lethbridge Animal Shelter, including spay and neutering of adoptable pets.

Why register a cat?

• A microchip or license tag provides legal proof of ownership.

• 1 in 3 pets will go missing in their lifetime, ID allows your cat to be returned safely and quickly.

• Registration records provide valuable information on the pet population and its needs.

• City of Lethbridge registration fees support programs and services for the community.

Initial City of Lethbridge pet registration must be done in person at either of the two locations. Cat license tags are a $10.00 one-time fee that does not require annual renewal. 

• Lethbridge Animal Shelter - 2405 41 St N

M - F  9am to 6pm

Sat   11am to 5pm

Sun and stats closed

• City Hall - 910 4 Ave S (first floor)

     M - F 8:30am to 4:30pm

Closed on stats

Microchips:

Microchips are an inexpensive and secure form of pet identification that is quickly and safely implanted into your pet under their skin. Vet clinics and the animal services team are equipped to scan and read the pet registration details on the microchip, including your contact information. Talk to your veterinarian about microchiping options. You can learn more from the ABVMA.

The City of Lethbridge Animal Shelter will soon be offering low-cost microchips to resident cat owners. This program will be launching  in the summer of 2025.

Cat limits:

As outlined in section 12 of the Animal Care and Control Bylaw, the number of cats permitted to be kept at a residential property is limited to six (6) adult cats. Cats owned prior to May 1, 2025, would be considered "legacy cats".