Dog Licences
Last updated on September 28, 2026
Dog Licencing
Dog licences are only valid for the calendar year (January 1 to December 31) and MUST be renewed annually at City Hall. A new dog tag will be provided with every renewal.
If you are registering a new dog for the first time, bring a valid Veterinarian’s Certificate as proof that your dog is spayed or neutered. This information is not necessary if your dog has already been registered with the City of Merritt.
The City of Merritt’s Animal Control Bylaw mandates that all dogs over six months of age must be licenced, with owners required to pay an annual fee for this licence.
Pet licence fees 2026:
| Neutered or Spayed dog | $24 |
| Un-neutered or Un-spayed dog | $80 |
| Aggressive Dog * | $350 |
| Dangerous Dog * | $1,250 |
| Lost tag replacement | $11.50 |
See Animal Control Bylaw
*Aggressive and dangerous dogs must be securely confined or muzzled. View the Animal Control Bylaw for details.
Animal Control
Lost or stray dogs that have come into our care will be kept for 72 hours while we work to reunite them with their owners. Inquiries about adoption should be directed to the SPCA or other animal rescue organizations.
BC SPCA