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Dog Control
The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) encourages responsible pet ownership through licensing, public education and enforcement.
Bylaw No. 376 requires all dog owners living in Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, mainland of West Howe Sound (and Keats Island), and the shíshálh Nation Government District to register, number and license their dog(s) over the age of three months by January 31 of each year.
The Town of Gibsons and the District of Sechelt provide dog control services to citizens living in those municipalities.
Dog Licenses
2025 dog licences go on sale on December 1 and are valid from January 1 to December 31.
For your convenience, we encourage you to renew your dog licence online.
If you are purchasing a new dog license tag or you have lost an existing tag and need a replacement, you will have to go to the Administration office so that staff can help you through this process. Our Field Road office is located at 1975 Field Road, Sechelt.
If you live in Halfmoon Bay, Roberts Creek, Elphinstone, mainland of West Howe Sound (and Keats Island), and the Sechelt Indian Government District, you may purchase dog licences at the Sunshine Coast Regional District at 1975 Field Road, Sechelt, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Town of Gibsons residents must purchase their dog licenses from the Town of Gibsons.
District of Sechelt residents must purchase their dog licenses from the District of Sechelt.
Fees
| Category | Before January 31 | After January 31 |
|---|---|---|
| Spayed or neutered | $25 | $50 |
| Spayed or neutered (with 25% seniors discount)* | $18.75 | $37.50 |
| Unspayed or unneutered | $50 | $100 |
| Unspayed or unneutered (with 25% seniors discount)* | $37.50 | $75.00 |
| Replacement Tag | $10 | $10 |
* Seniors discount applies to individuals aged 65 or older. You may be required to provide proof of age.
Impounded Dogs
Dogs found running at large can be impounded by the SCRD and taken to the Sunshine Coast Branch of the BC SPCA located at 4376 Solar Road, off Field Road in Sechelt. Please contact 604-740-0301 and leave a message.
Impoundment fees in one calendar year
| Infraction | Fee |
|---|---|
| First impound | $60 plus board |
| Second impound | $120 plus board |
| Third impound | $240 plus board |
| Each additional impound | $300 plus board |
Impoundment fees for vicious dogs
| Infraction | Fee |
|---|---|
| First impound | $250 plus board |
| Second impound | $500 plus board |
| Third impound | $1,000 plus board |
| Additional impounds | $1,500 plus board |
The SCRD may apply for destruction of a vicious dog that causes injury to a person or another domestic animal. Impounding fees for vicious dogs shall be cumulative over time and not follow the calendar year.
By licensing your dog, we can help with the following:
- Reunite lost and found dogs with their owners.
- Respond to complaints, educate the public, and enforce the Dog Control Bylaw.
- Help to resolve neighbourhood issues with nuisance dogs.
- Provide shelter, food, care and comfort through a contract with the BCSPCA, for lost, found or surrendered dogs.
To report a dog running at large or to file a complaint, please call 604-885-6817 or fill out the online bylaw complaint form.
Please check with the Sunshine Coast Branch of the BC SPCA at 604-740-0301 or a local veterinarian.