PET LICENSING
Pet registration is the foundation of responsible pet ownership and befits all pet owners as a whole. The Dog Control Bylaw 5235 for the City of Lethbridge requires that all dogs 6 months of age and older are to be registered by the owner and renewed yearly. Any person found to be in the care or control of an unlicensed dog is subject to fines starting at $150.
What is the purpose of a pet license?
The registration provides legal proof of ownership and allows the animal services team to quickly reunite lost pets with their families.
Animals found stray with an active license tag 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), allow the city to ensure that large numbers of dogs kept in one place do not negatively impact the neighborhood, and help to mitigate cases of animal hoarding and back yard breeding.
Registering a pet:
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 8am 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 cat or 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.
An owner wishing to keep more than two dogs, to a maximum of four, must first apply for 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
$10.00 - One-time cat license.
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.
What are license fees used for?
It is important that you license your pet and make the annual payment, as these fees are used to support City of Lethbridge programs and services.
Offset the operating cost of the Lethbridge Animal Shelter.
Provide education programs to promote responsible pet ownership.
Support veterinarian treatment of cats and dogs in the care of the Lethbridge Animal Shelter including spay and neutering of adoptable pets.
Questions? Email info@communityanimalservices.ca
