Licensing your dog with the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth ensures that they will be returned to you if they’re ever lost. Our bylaw requires all dogs to be licensed annually.
On this page:
- License your dog
- 2024 licensing fees
- Why license your dog?
- Humane Society services
- Dog designation appeal
- Report animal cruelty
License your dog
Dogs in Kitchener are licensed by the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth. Licensing fees directly fund the Humane Society, not the City of Kitchener.
Dog owners must license their pet every year. We partner with Ren’s Pets to offer a $20 voucher when you purchase your license online.
Buy online
You can order a dog licence online through the Humane Society's website.
Buy in person
You can licence your dog in person at the Kitchener Waterloo Animal Centre located at 250 Riverbend Drive in Kitchener.
2024 licensing fees
Pet overpopulation is a serious issue. Our licensing fees are higher for unsterilized dogs to encourage spaying and neutering. Licensing fees are also lower for dogs owned by seniors.
Spayed or neutered dog
- new dog: $37.36
- before expiry: $37.36
- puppy six months old and younger: $37.36
- after expiry: $55.45
Spayed or neutered dog – senior owner
- new dog: $31.34
- before expiry: $31.34
- puppy six months old and younger: $31.34
- after expiry: $49.43
Non-spayed or neutered dog
- new dog: $73.53
- before expiry: $73.53
- puppy six months old and younger: $37.36
- after expiry: $110.95
Non spayed or neutered dog – senior owner
- new dog: $67.51
- before expiry: $67.51
- puppy six months old and younger: $31.34
- after expiry: $104.93
Designated dogs
- before expiry: $98.89
- after expiry: $147.13
All dogs
- transfer from another jurisdiction: $9.63
- replacement tag: $8.45
Why license your dog?
Licensed dogs found by a member of the public and collected by the Humane Society are returned immediately to their owner without a trip to the shelter.
Annual license renewal ensures that the Humane Society has your current contact information and address. Because of this, 100% of licensed dogs are returned to their home when found.
Humane Society services
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth is contacted by the City to carry out many animal services.
Report a dead or dangerous animal
The Humane Society runs an after-hours service to report injured, dead or dangerous animals. Visit their website for details or call 519-745-5615.
If you see a sick or injured animal or an animal that is dead on the road, call the Humane Society at 519-745-5615.
Animal services
The human society performs several services in Kitchener. Visit their website for details or call 519-745-5615.
- animal bylaw services
- animal control services
- stray dogs/dogs at large
- stray cats (confined)
- injured domestic animals
- injured wildlife
- after hours emergency service
- animal sheltering services
- dog licensing
- dog bite reports
Dog designation appeal
To file an appeal to your dog designation, complete the online form, which must be received by the City Clerk within five working days of receiving the Notice of Dog Designation from the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth.
Appeals received more than five working days after you have received the designation will not be processed and will not be heard by the committee.
Report animal cruelty
To report cases of animal cruelty, abandonment or neglect, please call the Province of Ontario’s 24/7 Hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). In an emergency, you can also contact the police.