Your Licensing Guide

Why License?

In accordance with local laws, pet licences are mandatory in Owen Sound. 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 Owen Sound 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 Owen Sound to support important animal welfare initiatives helping to improve your community.

What will you need?

Licensing your pet will require specific information and proof. Having these items at the ready allows for the fastest experience. You have the option to upload a document as a saved or scanned file, or you may take a photo directly from your device on our upload page.

Payment

We securely process payment online and accept all major credit and debit cards as forms of payment.

Documents

Spay/neuter certificate

This document only needed once and will be saved to your pet’s profile upon upload for future renewals. This proof declaring that your pet has been spayed or neutered may be in the form of a statement or receipt from the veterinarian, shelter, or clinic that performed the procedure.

How to License

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 Owen Sound before.

License now

City of Owen Sound Details & Fees

Pet licences are required for all dogs and cats living in Owen Sound. 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 Fee
Spayed/Neutered Dog $25.00
Not Spayed/Neutered Dog Licence $40.00
Cat Licences (Lifetime) Fee
Spayed/Neutered Cat $35.00
Not Spayed/Neutered Cat $50.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog Licence
Fee $25.00
Not Spayed/Neutered Dog Licence
1 Year Fee $40.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat Licence (Lifetime)
Fee $35.00
Not Spayed/Neutered Cat Licence (Lifetime)
Fee $50.00

A replacement Owen Sound tag is available for a $10.00 fee or at no additional charge when you license 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.

Residents of the City of Owen Sound are allowed to own a maximum of 3 dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP

You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Owen Sound directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.

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 animals over the age of 12 months are required to be licenced.

You may licence in person at Owen Sound City Hall located at 808 2nd Ave E Owen Sound ON N4K 2H4.

No refunds are provided on licenses purchased regardless of circumstances.

As you are required to provide documentation to demonstrate proof that your pet has been spayed/neutered, our customer care team members are not able to review this documentation and therefore cannot process new licences for spayed/neutered pets over the phone. You must licence online where you can upload the required documentation, or present it in person at a Owen Sound located at 808 2nd Ave E Owen Sound ON N4K 2H4. Once we have documentation on file, we do not require it again, and thus, renewals can be processed over the phone.

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

FEES AND FINES

Please visit Owen Sound 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.

Late fees come into effect if a licence is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.

Visit this page for licensing options and fees. 

The fine for failing to licence a pet is $20.00.

For all online orders, a processing fee is applied on licence purchases at a rate of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.

Please visit Owen Sound in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 808 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound ON, N4K 2H4. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.

Late fees come into effect if a licence is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.

If your community requires proof of spay/neuter for your pet in order to receive a discounted licensing rate, you will need to upload the appropriate documentation stating that your pet has been spayed/neutered to your online account. Once the documentation has been approved by Owen Sound, you will be eligible to receive the new discounted rate. Otherwise, you can visit Owen Sound in person at 808 2nd Ave E Owen Sound ON N4K 2H4 and show proof of spay/neuter there.

TAGS

Please visit in person at Owen Sound located at 808 2nd Ave E Owen Sound ON N4K 2H4 and they will be able to assist you.

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

You are allowed a maximum of 3 pets per dwelling.

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

 

Please get in touch with Owen Sound at 519-376-1440.

DOCUMENT SUBMISSION

Spay/Neuter documentation is required to be provided the first time you license your spayed/neutered pet. Proof of spay/neuter is required to receive the discounted rate. Documentation requirements help to ensure that pet information is accurate which is critical for identification reasons.

If you can’t locate the document you received after the procedure was done, you will need to contact your vet to obtain your pet's records. Be sure to specify any and all pets you require documentation for.
Once you’ve got the paperwork in your hands, take a look to ensure:

  • The document provided is the right type of proof required.
  • Pet and pet owner account data matches your own.
  • The document is clear and legible.

HELP DESK

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.