Clarington pet licensing

Why license?

In accordance with local laws, pet licences are mandatory in the Municipality of Clarington. 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 the Municipality of Clarington 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.

How to license

Online

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 Clarington before.

License now

In-person

In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:

Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.

Clarington Animal Shelter:
33 Lake Road, Bowmanville, ON L1C 4P8

Municipal Administrative Centre (Town Hall):
40 Temperance Street, Bowmanville, ON L1C 3A6

Municipal Law Enforcement (Fire Station 4):
2611 Trulls Road, Courtice, ON L1E 2N3

Mail

If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!

Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the cheque should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet licence form

Download Application Form

Phone

If you're unable to complete your pet's licence online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licences are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-855-249-1370
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST (excluding holidays)
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST

Licence fees & details

Pet licences are required for all dogs and cats living in the Municipality of Clarington. 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
Dog Licences	Fee
Non-Spayed/Neutered Dog	$45.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog - No Microchip	$30.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog - with Microchip	$20.00

Cat Licences
Cat Licences	Fee
Non-Spayed/Neutered Cat	$45.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat - No Microchip	$30.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat - with Microchip	$20.00

A replacement tag is available for a $12.42 fee.
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.
Late fees apply 30 days following licence expiration.
Pet owners must be 55 or older to qualify for older citizen rates.
Licences are required for all dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age and 30 days from when they came into possession.

Frequently asked questions

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

I need a kennel license, what do I do?

Please visit the Municipality of Clarington in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 40 Temperance St. in Bomanville.

What is the refund policy on licenses?

Refunds may be granted if your pet has passed away, provided the request is submitted within 30 days of the license purchase date. After this period, we’re unfortunately unable to process a refund.

Where can I license in person?

You may license in person at the Municipality of Clarington located at 40 Temperance St. in Bomanville.

When does my pet's licence expire?

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.

When can I renew my pet's license?

You may renew your pet's license within 31 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

Do licences need to be renewed annually?

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

What jurisdictions does the Municipality of Clarington provide licensing services for?

The Municipality of Clarington provides licensing services for the following areas: The Municipality of Clarington

FEES AND FINES

What is the fee for licensing?

Visit this page for licensing options and fees.

Can I receive a seniors discount?

There are no senior rates to license your pet.

My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?

Please visit the Municipality of Clarington 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.

Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?

No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee.

What is the fine for not licensing a pet?

A fine up to $5000 may be charged for failing to comply.

PET INFORMATION AND PROFILES

Does my licence transfer if I am moving?

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

Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)

Please get in touch with the Municipality of Clarington at 1-800-563-1195.

Are there any restricted breeds?

Unless your dog was obtained prior to DOLA coming into place, the following breeds are banned: Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers.

Where can I find information about the pet licensing bylaw?

Visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

What species are required to be licensed?

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

HELP DESK

Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.