City of Waterloo pet licensing

Why license?

In accordance with local laws, pet licences are mandatory in the City of Waterloo. 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 City of Waterloo 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 the City of Waterloo 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.

Waterloo City Hall
100 Regina St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 4P9

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 living in the City of Waterloo. 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	Late Fee
Sterilized Dog Licence	$35.35	$18.43
Sterilized Dog Licence (55+)	$26.78	$14.14
Unsterilized Dog Licence	$54.63	$27.85

A replacement tag is available for a $12.85 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.
Residents of the City of Waterloo are allowed to own a maximum of 3 dogs.
Licences are required for all dogs over 12 weeks of age and 30 days from when they came into possession.

Frequently asked questions

PROGRAM AND PARTNERSHIP

Why does the system say my address is not valid?

You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact the City of Waterloo directly if you believe you reside within their jurisdiction but your address is not being accepted by the system.

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

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.

Where can I licence in person?

You may licence in person at the Waterloo City Hall located at 100 Regina St. S in Waterloo.

When can I renew my pet's licence?

It makes sense to renew your pet's licence early! You may renew your pet's licence within 60 days of your pet's current licence expiration 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.

What jurisdictions does the City of Waterloo provide licensing services for?

The City of Waterloo provides licensing services for the following areas: City of Waterloo

Do licences need to be renewed annually?

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

I need a kennel licence, what do I do?

Please visit the City of Waterloo in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 100 Regina St. S in Waterloo.

FEES AND FINES

Why am I being charged a late fee?

Late fees come into effect if a licence is not renewed within 30 days of the original expiration date.

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

Please visit the City of Waterloo 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 fee for licensing?

Visit this page for licensing options and fees.

What is the older citizen age requirement?

Pet owners must be 55 or older to qualify for older citizen rate.

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

Where can I find information about the pet licensing bylaw?

Visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

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

Please get in touch with the Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society at 519-745-5615.

Is there a limit to the number of pets I'm allowed to have?

You are allowed for a maximum of 3 dogs per dwelling.

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.

What species are required to be licensed?

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs.

HELP DESK

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

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.