Animal Licences
Starting June 1, 2025, cat licenses are required. Cat tags purchased in 2025 will be valid from June 1 to December 31 and are offered at 50% of the standard cost.
2025 Dog and Cat Licences available for purchase
Richmond Hill requires all dogs and cats to be licensed. Licence tags are easy to get and cost effective. They are valid from January 1 to December 31 each year.
Where can I buy a Dog and Cat Licence?*
Purchasing or renewing your dog or cat licence is easy:
- Online Dog Licence form
- Online Cat Licence form
- Richmond Hill Municipal Office at 225 East Beaver Creek Road
- Richmond Hill Operations Centre at 1200 Elgin Mills Road East
- Community Centres (except Langstaff CC, Richmond Green and Wave Pool, Ed Sackfield CC)
Lose your dog or cat tag? Purchase a replacement tag online.
Licences for Service Animals and Guide Dogs
There is no fee for licensing a Service Animal. Service Animals are required to be licensed and wear a tag.
Service Animals include those that are:
- Visibly identifiable as supporting a person with a disability like a Guide Dog, or
- Accompanied by documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the need for the animal due to a disability
To obtain a licence for a Service Animal, please contact us at 905-771-0198 or email pets@richmondhill.ca.
Why licence your pet?
- You're supporting Richmond Hill's Animal Services. Sales of pet tags - including 100% of online tag sales - help fund Animal Services.
- You have access to our Free-Ride Home program should your dog or cat get lost.
- Helps you to keep up-to-date with vaccinations.
- For dogs, you're getting access to two off leash dog areas in Richmond Hill.
- For cats, licensing helps reduce the number of unclaimed cats and to manage the community’s stray cat population.
- It's part of being a responsible pet owner.
How much does a pet licence cost?
| Type of Dog | Each dog per household | Reduced fee for seniors 65+ |
| Spayed or Neutered | $29 | $14.50 |
| Not Spayed or Neutered | $55 | $27.50 |
| Puppies, under six months old | $21 | $10.50 |
| Dangerous Dog Designation | $125 | Not applicable |
| Replacement tag | $5 | $5 |
| Type of Cat* | Each cat per household | Reduced fee for seniors 65+ |
| Spayed or Neutered | $10 | $5 |
| Not Spayed or Neutered | $19 | $9.50 |
| Kittens, under six months old | $7 | $3.50 |
| Replacement tag | $5 | $5 |
* Note, 2025 cat licences are half the annual fee for the remainder of the year.
What information do I need to get a licence?
- Dog or Cat owner's contact information (name, address, phone number)
- Details about the dog/cat (name, breed, colour, sex, age)
- Documentation that the dog/cat has been spayed or neutered (if applicable)
- Date of last valid rabies vaccination
Who do I contact if my information has changed, such as my address or phone number?
Please contact the City of Richmond Hill Community Standards Division at pets@richmondhill.ca or call 905-771-0198 to update the contact information associated with your dog or cat licence.