Get a licence to keep more than two dogs on a property

Keeping more than two dogs

If you live in an urban zone, you need a licence to keep more than two dogs for longer than 30 consecutive days.

This rule applies even if you don't legally own the dogs.

If you are classified as urban residential, you will need a licence.

If you live in a rural zone, you do not need a licence.

To check if you are in an urban zone, enter your property address on the property rates and valuation section and look for property rates.

If your licence was issued before 2019, you may need to apply for a new licence under the Dog Management Bylaw 2019.

For details of the rules, see our Policy on Dogs and the Dog Management Bylaw 2019.

Contact us for more information.

Apply for a licence to keep more than two dogs

​What happens next

We will book in a time for an animal management officer to visit your property and assess if it meets the conditions.

We will also check for any complaints about dogs barking or howling on your property.

When you need to apply again

Once you have the licence, you need to apply for a new one only if you:

• move to a different property
• want more dogs than allowed on the licence.