Dog Licences expire December 31
Dog licences are only valid for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and must be renewed annually in person at City Hall. New dog tags for the following year typically arrive at City Hall in early November.
If you have not already set-up a City of Merritt account for your dog, bring a valid Veterinarian’s Certificate as proof that your dog is spayed or neutered. This information is not necessary if you already have an account. (All dog licences obtained through Docupet are no longer valid).
DOG LICENCING
The City of Merritt’s Animal Control Bylaw 2241, 2018 mandates that all dogs over six months of age must be licensed, with owners required to pay an annual fee for this licence.
Residents may have up to two (2) dogs per residence (a residence includes any secondary suite). Bylaw Services may, upon request, allow an owner to have more than two (2) dogs in exceptional circumstances. Every resident dog requires a valid licence. Dog licence tags must be affixed to their collar and visible at all times.
Pet licence fees for 2026 are as follows:
| Neutered or Spayed dog | $24 |
| Un-neutered or Un-spayed dog | $80 |
| Aggressive Dog * | $350 |
| Dangerous Dog * | $1,250 |
| Lost tag replacement | $11.50 |
Note that revenue from Dog Licences is used to fund the care and welfare of impounded or unclaimed dogs.
VIEW MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE ANIMAL CONTROL BYLAW
*Aggressive or dangerous dogs must be securely confined or muzzled. View Animal Control Bylaw for details.
VIEW FULL RATES & FEES (Bylaw 2358; Schedule M)
ANIMAL CONTROL FEES |
2026 |
2027 |
| Neutered or Spayed Dog Licence Fee | $24.00 | $24.00 |
| Intact Dog Licence Fee | $80.00 | $85.00 |
| Lost Tag Replacement | $11.50 | $12.00 |
| Aggressive Dog Licence Fee | $350.00 | $400.00 |
| Dangerous Dog Licence Fee | $1,250.00 | $1,500.00 |
IMPOUNDMENT FEES |
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| First Impoundment | $200.00 | $250.00 |
| Second Impoundment | $300.00 | $350.00 |
| Third and Subsequent Impoundment | $550.00 | $600.00 |
AGGRESSIVE DOG |
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| First Impoundment | $550.00 | $600.00 |
| Second and Subsequent Impoundment | $1,250.00 | $1,500.00 |
DANGEROUS DOG |
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| First Impoundment | $1,250.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Second and Subsequent Impoundment | $1,750.00 | $2,000.00 |
*REFERENCE: Bylaw 2358 Schedule M: Animal Control Licences, Fees and Charges
PAY AT CITY HALL
City of Merritt, Box 189, 2185 Voght Street, Merritt, B.C. V1K 1B8
Animal Control
Dog licences must be affixed to the animal’s collar and worn at all times. Dogs must be kept on a leash and under the control of a competent person at all times when in public. If your animal is found running at large, Bylaw Services will bring your dog to the City Pound facility, and while your animal will receive good care (and even veterinary attention if required), you will be subject to fines, impoundment fees and expenses. Impoundment fees start at $150 in 2025.
“Guests” at the pound are kept for 72 hours. If you can be traced as the owner, you will be notified with instructions on how to reclaim your pet and any required fees. After three days, unclaimed pets are sent outside the community to the SPCA for adoption. There is no animal shelter in Merritt. Unadopted pets are put down.
AGGRESSIVE OR DANGEROUS DOGS
Under the City bylaw, if your dog threatens or bites a person or another animal, it may be designated an Aggressive or Dangerous Dog. Under this designation annual licence fees increase to $300 (Aggressive) or $1,000 (Dangerous) and the dog must be kept securely confined and/or muzzled, and meet other conditions. Impoundment fees for aggressive or dangerous dogs range from $500 to $1500 in 2025.
CLEAN-UP
Please clean up after your dog. Our bylaws require that you scoop that poop and dispose of it appropriately. Failure to do so can result in a fine.
CONFINE DOGS IN HEAT
Female dogs in heat must be confined indoors or in an enclosure where she cannot escape or have unwanted visitors.
