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Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Licensing

Links on this page:

General Licensing FAQ's
.
Renewals
.
Refunds
.
Dangerous Dog Licenses
.
License Tags
.
Unlicensed Dogs

Related Links
Dog Licensing Information
.
.
Dangerous Dog Licensing
.

General Licensing FAQ's

Renewals

Refunds

Dangerous Dog Licenses

License Tags

Unlicensed Dogs

General Licensing FAQ's

Can I buy a license online?
Yes. You can now purchase or renew your dog license online.

What information will I need to provide to purchase a NEW License online?
Instructions will be provided to you online. Please read these instructions carefully as incorrect or missing information will delay the license issuing process.

You will be asked to provide (* required):

  • Dog owners name, address, postal code, and contact phone numbers.*
  • E-mail Address (required for e-payment receipt)
  • Dog’s name *
  • Dog’s birth year and month *
  • Breed of dog *
  • Dominant Colour *
  • Gender *
  • Is your dog spay or neutered  *
  • Does your dog require medication? *
  • Tattoo and microchip numbers
  • Date of last rabies vaccination
  • Veterinary Clinic
  • Would you like to add an additional 12 months at a 10% discount in the second year? *
  • Your Visa, MasterCard, American Express credit card information. *

Where can I get a Dog License Application form?
The Dog License Application form is available on our web site.

How much does a new license cost?
Your first license is pro-rated and is determined by the first letter of your last name.  It can cover a period of between 7 and 18 months.  There is a reduced fee for having your dog spayed or neutered.

For a twelve month period:

  • Regular license (unsterilized dog) $62.00
  • Reduced fee for sterilized dog $27.00
  • 2 Year Licenses offer a 10% discount in the second year
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Why is my first license pro-rated?
Spreading the renewal months throughout the year by establishing a pro-rated licensing system provides better service to our customers.

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Why should I buy a dog license?
The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 17. (a) requires you to license your dog.

Dog licenses offer cheap insurance for the safe return of your dog should it become lost.  A lost dog wearing its license tag is almost always re-united with its owner when found.  Also, if we find your dog and it is wearing the license tag, the first ride home is free.

Licensing reduces the high number of unclaimed dogs in the City of Winnipeg and the resulting needless euthanasia.

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What are the benefits to buying a dog license?
The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 17. (a) requires that you license your dog.

There are benefits to licensing your dog:

  • You will not face legal action for failing to license your dog under the City of Winnipeg Pound By-law, thereby avoiding the time spent attending Provincial Court and the financial burden of paying the fine assessed by the magistrate.

  • A lost dog wearing its license tag is almost always re-united with its owner when found.

  • If we find your dog and it is wearing the license tag, the first ride home is free.

  • The dog license tells strangers that your lost dog is not homeless and is only one phone call away from going home.

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Where does the money I pay you for my dog license go?
100% of dog license fees stay with the Animal Services Agency to help offset the Agency costs. Your license fee allows Animal Services Agency to:

  • feed and shelter your dog if it becomes lost until it can be re-united with you
  • transport lost dogs that require emergency care to a veterinarian
  • educate the public about responsible pet ownership
  • help neighbours resolve their problems related to dogs
  • return lost dogs to their owners
  • reduces funding from taxes for the above and other animal related services designed to protect the public’s health and safety
  • operate a Dog Adoption Program
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I have a service dog.  Do I need a license?

Your service dog will be provided an annual license at no charge, as provided for under Section 18.(1) of the City of City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 . Contact the Animal Services Agency at 986-2155 for further information on eligibility.

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What does Animal Service classify as a service dog?
Contact Animal Services Agency at 986-2155 for further information on service dogs or visit the Animal Services Agency at 1057 Logan Avenue.

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Will you send me an invoice when it’s time to renew my dogs license?
Yes.  Animal Services Agency will send an invoice to you in the month prior to your license expiring.

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Can I get a license for more than 1 year?
Yes.  You can license your dog for two years.  This offers you a 10% discount on the second year’s license.

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What happens if my dog dies before the license expires?
The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 17. (b) allows, upon application and satisfactory evidence, for a portion of a dog license to be refunded in the event of the death or sale of the licensed dog or if the dog owner leaves the City before the expiration of the license.  The refund is calculated on a quarterly pro rata basis.  Call Animal Services Agency at 986-2155 to request a refund.

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My dog never gets out of the yard?  Why should I buy a license?
You must buy a license because it is the law.  Many of the dogs that are brought into Animal Services Agency are dogs that have never run loose before.  Perhaps someone has opened your gate without your noticing or perhaps during a high wind your fence has blown down.  During a thunder storm or fire works, many dogs who have never been frightened before become frightened and run away from their home.  Expect the unexpected and protect your dog with a dog license.

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Can I buy my license on-line or through the internet?
Yes, you can now purchase or renew your license online.

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Why aren’t cats licensed?
There is no provision in the Pound By-law at this time for the licensing of cats.

Renewals

What information will I need to provide to RENEW a license online?
Instructions will be provided to you online. Please read these instructions carefully as incorrect or missing information will delay the license issuing process.

You will be asked to provide:

  • Dog owners name which appears on the dog license invoice received in the mail.*
  • The account number which is located on the license invoice (bottom left corner). *
  • If you do not have your invoice, please call the Animal Services Agency at 986-2155.
  • Is your dog spay or neutered? *
  • Does your dog require medication? *
  • Would you like to add an additional 12 months at a 10% discount in the second year? *
  • Visa, MasterCard, American Express credit card information.*

I renewed my license at the vet clinic a couple of weeks ago.  Why did I get a renewal notice?
Veterinary clinics and retail outlets forwards your renewal to Animal Services Agency as quickly as possible.  There are times when there is a delay in processing your renewal and a license invoice is mailed.  If you have any questions regarding your renewal notice, please call Animal Services Agency at 986-2155.

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Why didn’t I get new dog license tags with my renewal?
The dog tags that were originally issued to you are kept for the life of the dog.  If you lose your dog tags, replacement tags can be issued for a $5.00 charge.  Call Animal Services Agency at 986-2155 for more information on replacement tags.

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Can I renew my old dog’s license and put the dog tags on my new dog?
No.  The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 17. (b) states that dog licenses are not transferable from one dog to another.  You will have to purchase a new dog license for your dog.

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I have changed my last name.  Will that effect the month I’m renewing my license?
Yes.  Your license renewal month is dependent on the first letter of your last name.  Advise the vendor that you are changing your last name and they will pro-rate your renewal to the correct renewal month.

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I lost my renewal notice.  What do I do?
Call Animal Services Agency at 986-2155 and renew over the phone or call your local vendor and ask what information they will require to renew your license without an invoice.   Animal Services Agency would be pleased to provide all necessary information.

My name has changed since my last license renewal.  Can I still renew online?
If you have had a name change, please call 986-2155 prior to renewing online.

If I purchase a NEW license online how will I get my dog tag?
If you have purchased a new license you will receive your dog tag and license certificate in the mail.

Why didn’t I get a new dog tag when I RENEWED my dog license online?
The dog license tag originally issued to your dog is carried over from year to year.  A new tag is not issued each year.  If your dog tag has been lost or damaged, it can be replaced for an additional fee. There is a field online for you to indicate that a new license tag is required.

 

Refunds

How do I request a license refund?
To request a license refund, contact Animal Services Agency at 986-2155.

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What is the process for getting a refund?
Animal Services Agency will require a letter from the licensed dog owner requesting a license refund.

  • If your dog is deceased, Animal Services Agency will require proof of euthanasia.  If that is not available to you, your letter of request should include the name of the veterinarian clinic that cared for your dog and the date that your dog was euthanized.
  • If you have moved from the City of Winnipeg, your letter of request must indicate your new address and phone number.
  • If you have sold or given away your dog, your letter of request should indicate the name, address and phone number of the new dog owner.
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My dog died 8 months ago.  Can I still get a refund?
Please provide a certificate of death for your dog or letter from your veterinarian.  Animal Services Agency will review your refund request and process any refund that may be owing

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When will I receive my refund cheque?
It takes approximately 6 weeks for your refund to be processed.

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How do you calculate my refund?
Refunds are calculated on a quarter pro rata basis.

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Is my City of Winnipeg License good in another municipality?
No. Contact your municipal office for information on their licensing by-law.

Dangerous Dog Licenses

What is a “dangerous dog”?
A “dangerous dog” is a dog which has been declared to be dangerous pursuant to Section 20.1 of Pound By-law 2443/79.

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My dog lives at my business and guards my compound.  Does it need a special license?
Yes, your dog will require an annual dangerous dog license.

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How much is a dangerous dog license?
The cost of the license is $77.00 annually.

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What are the requirements of a Dangerous Dog license?
The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 20.1 (9) outlines the requirement of a dangerous dog license.

In part, when a dangerous dog license is issued, the dog owner must:

  • provide proof that the dog has been tattooed;
  • must insure that the dog, while on private property, is securely confined as specified in the Pound By-law;
  • must have the dog muzzled and restrained on a leash not to exceed 6 feet if on public property and under the control of a responsible person;
  • must display the signage provided by Animal Services Agency at each entrance of their property, as specified in the Pound By-law;
  • must keep in affect minimum limit liability insurance of $300,000.
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Can I license my pit bull as a dangerous dog?
No, pit bull dogs are not allowed within the City of Winnipeg.  See the City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 20.2 (3).

Dog License Tags

Lost Dog License Tag
If you have lost your dog’s license tag, contact Animal Services Agency at 986-2155.  A replacement tag will be issued at a cost of $5.00.  Replacement tags can also be issued to you in-person at Animal Services Agency, 1057 Logan Avenue.

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Found Dog License Tag
If you have found a dog tag, contact Animal Services Agency at 986-2155.

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Can you give me the address of who owns the tag and I’ll drop it in the mail box?
Because the information is confidential, Animal Services Agency cannot release the owner’s name and address.  If you drop off or mail the found dog tags to Animal Services Agency we will insure they are returned to the dog owner.

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I found a dog collar with no tags.  What should I do with it?
With no identification on the collar, the collar could be left in a conspicuous location in the hopes that the dog owner will find it themselves.

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Where can I get a replacement dog tag?
When you are renewing your dog license, advise the vendor that you require a replacement tag. There is an addition $5.00 charge for replacement tags. If you do not need to renew your license, a replacement tag can be issued over the phone by calling 986-2155 or in person at Animal Services Agency, 1057 Logan Avenue.

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What are the benefits of my dog wearing its dog license tag?
The City of Winnipeg Pound By-law 2443/79 Section 17. (c) states that all dog owners must keep the dog license tag on a collar around the neck of their dog.

There are benefits to having the dog tag on your dog:

  • A lost dog wearing its license tag is almost always re-united with its owner when found.
  • If we find your dog and it is wearing the license tag, the first ride home is free.
  • The dog license tells strangers that your lost dog is not homeless and is only one phone call away from going home.
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The dog license is too big for my little dog.  Do you have a smaller size tag?
No.  Dog license tags come only in one size.

Unlicensed Dogs

How do I report an unlicensed dog?
To report an unlicensed dog call Animal Services Agency at 311.  You will be asked the following questions:

  • your name, address and phone number
  • the address of where the dog lives
  • a description of the dog.

An Animal Services Agency Officer will investigate your report.

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Why do I have to buy a dog license when my neighbours don’t have a license?
All dog owners within the City of Winnipeg must license their dogs.  To report an unlicensed dog, call Animal Services Agency at 311.

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What are you doing about all the unlicensed dogs in Winnipeg?
Animal Services Agency follows up on all reports of unlicensed dogs.  In addition, Animal Services Agency Officers/Inspectors canvass neighbourhoods and follow-up on delinquent licenses.

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Do I have to leave my name when I report an unlicensed dog?
Yes.  Animal Services Agency cannot respond to anonymous complaints.  Your name will be kept confidential.

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Why did I receive a green notice in my mailbox that Animal Services Agency was at my house?
For detailed information on receiving a green license notice, contact Animal Services Agency at 311.  The notice was left in your mailbox by the License Inspectors who have determined that you have either an unlicensed dog or a dog whose license has expired.

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Can you tell me if my neighbours have a license for their dog?
No.  That information is confidential.  If you suspect your neighbours dog is unlicensed, call Animal Services Agency at 311 and file a report.

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You made me buy a license for my dog.  Why aren’t you making my neighbour buy a license?
Call Animal Services Agency at 311 to report an unlicensed dog.  An Animal Services Agency Officer will investigate.

 

Last update: 18.01.2012

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