New year, new hair of the dog — and maybe a new collar if Fido was good this holiday season.
Current and new pet owners with dogs are being encouraged to buy or renew their dog licence as soon as possible as it expired on Dec. 31, 2021, in places like Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
And by doing so before the end of January, you'll save some money.
Each discounted period in the following communities ends on Feb. 1:
COQUITLAM
A licence in Coquitlam is as low as $28, earmarked for owners with dogs six months and older that are spayed or neutered. A certificate of proof is required to qualify for the amount.
Aaron Hilgerdenaar, city manager of bylaw enforcement and animal services, explains it's important for dog owners to register their four-legged friend(s) as it can be very helpful during the worst-case scenario.
"A dog licence is a valuable tool to help protect your pet by providing an easy-to-identify dog tag and registration with the Coquitlam Animal Shelter," Hilgerdenaar says in a statement, noting bylaw fines may be issued if a dog is found unlicenced.
"If your dog gets out or is lost, the fastest way to be reunited with your family is to make sure it is validly licensed and wearing a licence tag on its collar."
Coquitlam's rate after Feb. 1 is $45 per pooch.
If a dog is not spayed or neutered, the fee is $57 before the deadline and $74 afterwards.
Owners can ether pay online, mail a cheque payable to the city hall or Coquitlam Animal Shelter, or in person at either facility during regular businesses hours.
"Dog licence fees help fund the Coquitlam Animal Shelter which houses stray, abandoned and injured animals while staff work to find forever homes for them," adds Hilgerdenaar.
"Fees also help pay for animal control and regulatory services associated with pet ownership."
For more information, you can visit the dogs page on the City of Coquitlam's website.
PORT COQUITLAM
PoCo dog owners can pay as low as $32 for their spayed or neutered hound six months and older before Feb. 1, $47 after the deadline passes.
The city also requires a certificate of proof to receive the discount.
A new dog tag will be given to first-time applicants, while renewals can keep the tags as the city says they'll still be "valid for multiple years."
Port Coquitlam licences are free for seeing eye or hearing assistance dogs (proof is also required), and for new residents trading a valid licence from another jursidiction.
Unspayed and unneutered dog licences are $80 before Feb. 1 and $95 afterwards.
You can visit the dog licensing page of the City of Port Coquitlam's website for more information, including payment options.
PORT MOODY
The City of the Arts is also offering discounts on dog licence purchases and renewals as those that are spayed and neutered are to pay $45 before Feb. 1 — $50 after the deadline.
Port Moody's requirement for a tag starts at four months old, according to the city's website.
Residents are also required to sign up via the myPortMoody online portal to receive a renewal reminder as the city is going paperless with the program moving forward.
More information is available on the city's website.
Port Moody's remaining prices and discounts on dog licence fees are as follows:
- Dog under one year old = $20 (first time only)
- Seniors' rate (65+) = $30 (spayed or neutered)
- Unfixed dog
- $71 before Feb. 1
- $79 after Feb. 1
- Aggressive dog = $268
- Vicious dog = $551
- Replacement of lost tag = $16
