Pet Regulations and Licences

In the Town of Grimsby, no more than three dogs over the age of 10 weeks can be kept on any premises unless grandfathered under the by-law. All dogs must be licensed according to our animal control by-law, amended by by-law 23-100, and all dogs must be leashed at all times unless they are on their own property or at a designated leash-free dog park. The by-law is available in an alternate format, upon request.

The Town of Grimsby has partnered with DocuPet to provide an enhanced pet licensing experience for residents.

When you register your pet with the Town of Grimsby, you will receive a unique licence tag to attach to their collar. Our new licensing process with DocuPet allows residents to select a standard licence tag at no additional charge or upgrade to one of DocuPet’s colourful designer tag styles for an additional fee.

Previously, all licences expired annually on December 31st but through the new licensing partnership with DocuPet, all licences will be valid for a full 365 days after the date of purchase.

Each DocuPet tag, standard or designer, doubles as a pet’s official Town of Grimsby licence and comes equipped with the HomeSafe™24/7 lost pet service,which relies on a dedicated full time dispatch staff and linked pet profiles to help get lost pets home quickly

Dog licences

You are required to purchase a dog licence every year for your dog(s) as per our Animal Control By-law.

Please see the News Release about our new licensing program here.

Benefits of Licensing

Licensing your pet not only displays responsible pet ownership but it also helps fund local animal welfare initiatives in your community. In addition to your pet’s licence, here are some benefits of your DocuPet online profile:

• Hundreds of unique and colourful designer tag styles to choose from or design your own tag style online
• With full access to HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, upload recent photos of your pet and include important information that will help identify and retrieve them if they become lost
• Gain access to exclusive promotions and discounts
• Add additional pet guardians to your pet's profile
• Skip the trip and easily purchase or renew your pet's licence from the comfort of home
• Upload important new documents for your pet by snapping a photo
• Easily view and download your pet’s licence documentation
• Read up on exclusive pet-focused content
• Manage, or make changes to your account at anytime including updating your contact information and making changes to pet details and status
• View your order status and history

Licence fees

The fees for 2024 are as follows:

• $33 until January 31, 2024
• $78 for late renewal after February 1, 2024
• $33 for new puppy/dog 
• Replacement tags $6

Beginning January 1st, 2025, the fees are as follows:

• $34 for a new puppy/dog
• $34 for a renewal
• $80 for late renewal
• Replacement tags $6.30

Purchase Options:

Dog licences are available for purchase online, by mail, or in person.

For online purchases, please visit the DocuPet portal here.

For in person purchases, please visit Town Hall – 160 Livingston Ave.

For mail in orders, please mail a cheque payable to Docupet to:

2 Gore Street
Kingston, ON
K7L 2L1

Please include your pet's information with the form provided in your renewal letter.

Penalty

The Humane Society of Greater Niagara will fine any dog without a licence. A penalty of $100 under Section 21.9 (a) of the Provincial Offences Act, Town of Grimsby By-law 10-06 will apply.

All dog licence proceeds go to the Humane Society of Greater Niagara to support canine and humane services. You can reach the Humane Society of Greater Niagara at 1-800-263-2469.

Picking up dog waste

Who ever has control of the dog (usually the owner or dog walker) is responsible for picking up after the dog.

Dangerous Dogs 

If you are an owner of a dog that has attacked a person or animal without reason it may be deemed a “dangerous dog”. These steps should be taken to prevent future attacks, including:

• Muzzling
• Tethering
• Pen confinement
• Display of dangerous dog sign.