Your Licensing Guide

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.

Check out the ways you can license your pet below and feel good knowing that 100% of licensing revenue funds are given to the Municipality of Clarington to support important animal welfare initiatives helping to improve your community.

How to License

  • Online
  • In-person
  • Mail
  • Phone

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 the Municipality of Clarington before.

License now

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

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 check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet licence form

Download Application Form

If you’re having trouble licensing online and need to get your registration processed in a hurry, you can give our customer care team a call and they may be able to process your pet licence over the phone. Note that we can only accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit as payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-855-249-1370
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday (excluding holidays) from 9:00am-9:00pm EST

Clarington Details & Fees

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 Fee
Non-Spayed/Neutered Dog $40.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog - No Microchip $25.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog - with Microchip $15.00
Cat Licences Fee
Non-Spayed/Neutered Cat $40.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat - No Microchip $25.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat - with Microchip $15.00
Non-Spayed/Neutered Dog
Fee $40.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog - No Microchip
Fee $25.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog - with Microchip
Fee $15.00
Non-Spayed/Neutered Cat
Fee $40.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat - No Microchip
Fee $25.00
Spayed/Neutered Cat - with Microchip
Fee $15.00

A replacement municipal tag is available for a $5.00 fee or at no additional charge when you license your pet.

Licence fees vary based on the spay/neuter status of your pet.

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.

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

Discounted licence rates are available for dogs and cats with microchips.

Frequently Asked Questions

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LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

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

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.

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

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.

Refunds may be granted for a licence if a pet passes or is returned within 30 days of the licence purchase.

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

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.

FEES AND FINES

Visit this page for licensing options and fees. 

There are no senior rates to licence your pet.

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.

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

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

PET INFORMATION AND PROFILES

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

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

 

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

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.

Visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

HELP DESK

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.