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1. Why should I license my dog, it never leaves the yard?

Dog owners like to believe that their dogs will never go missing. But the chances are that your dog will wander off at some point in its life.

All dogs over the age of 2 months in the City must be licensed for the current year. If your dog is not licensed you could receive a $50.00 fine.

2. Where do my dog license dollars go?

At two months of age all dogs must be licensed in the City of Williams Lake. Dogs’ licenses are their ticket home. Please ensure contact information with the City is up to date. It also lets other citizens know that a dog at large has a home and is not a stray. The money collected for dog licensing goes in to the Williams Lake BCSPCA and the Animal Control Bylaw Services.

3. What are the benefits of a City of Williams Lake dog license?

• Reunites dogs with the owner
  
• Deliver public education programs
  
• Help neighbors resolve their animal related conflicts
  
• Your dog will spend less time in the shelter which reduces stress and minimizing the risk of contracting a disease
  
• Protection from dangerous dogs
  
• Educate dog owners about responsible ownership
  
• Warm shelter and care for the dogs
  
• Investigation of dog attacks
  
• Encourages population control and reduced licensing fees encourage owners to spay/neuter pets
  
• It is a way for the city to get a better understanding of the number of dog owners throughout the city. With accurate information on the number of dogs residing in particular areas, the city may be able to plan and provide for various dog owner needs, such as municipal dog parks and spay/neuter initiatives.
  
• It is a way to prove ownership of your dog. Unfortunately, dogs like any other property can be stolen. Licensing gives you a way to prove that your dog belongs to you. You can increase your chances of having your dog returned to you by providing your dog’s breed, sex and other identifying features (tattoos, microchips etc) when you license.

4. What are the license fees?

• Spayed or neutered dog: $10.00
  
• Unspayed or unneutered dog: $20.00
  
• Late application fee (after March 31st): $10.00 plus regular license fee
  
• Replacement license tag: $5.00
  
• Aggressive dog: $200.00

If your dog is not currently correctly licensed and is impounded a $50.00 fee will be added to your total (this is in addition to the licensing, impounding and boarding fees).

5. How often do I need to renew my license?

Once a year. Your dog’s license is valid for one year from January 1st to December 31st.

You are advised to buy your new license ahead of time but are responsible for purchasing whether or not you receive a renewal notice.

6. Where can I obtain a license?

Licenses may be obtained at the following locations:

• City Hall
  450 Mart Street
  Williams Lake
  250-392-2311
  
• Total Pet
  32 North Broadway
  Williams Lake
  250-398-6300