Licensing Your Dog

Woof! All dogs in Ladysmith over 6 months of age must be licensed, except those registered with a recognized kennel organization, such as the Canadian, American, or British Kennel Club.

Dogs that are licensed in Ladysmith will receive a tag, which must be always be attached to their collar, as per the Town’s Dog Licensing, Control & Pound Bylaw 1995, No. 1155.

Annual dog licences can be purchased at:

  • City Hall – 410 Esplanade (during regular office hours)
  • Frank Jameson Community Centre – 810 6th Avenue
  • For Pet’s Sake Pet Store – 416 1st Avenue

No more than three dogs over the age of four months are allowed in a household in Ladysmith.

For more information on owning a dog in Ladysmith, visit our FAQs.

Dog Licence Fees

Licences for the upcoming year are available for renewal starting December 1.

Renewals are discounted until January 31.

Licence Period Neutered/Spayed Not Neutered/Spayed
December 1 – January 31 $31 $49
February 1 – December 31 $41 $59
Lost tag?

If you lose your current tag, you can buy a replacement for $5.00 at City Hall (410 Esplanade) or the Frank Jameson Community Centre (810 6th Avenue).

Restricted Dogs

In Ladysmith, certain dog breeds are classified as restricted. This includes:

  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Staffordshire Terrier
  • English Bull Terrier
  • Staffordshire Terrier

This also applies to any dog over four (4) months old that is of mixed breeding and includes one of the breeds listed above.

Restricted dogs must be leashed (the least must be no longer than six feet) and muzzled when off their own property.

A dog is not considered “restricted” if both the dog and its owner have successfully completed the tests required for Canine Good Neighbour (CGN) or Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification.

Owners of restricted dogs must also show the Animal Control Officer that their dog has a secure containment area on their property (this cannot be inside the owner’s dwelling). If a suitable containment area is not provided within 14 days of notification, the dog will be impounded. The owner will be responsible for daily maintenance fees while the dog is in impound.

For more information, consult the Town’s dog licencing and control bylaw.