Niagara SPCA and Humane Society pet licensing
Frequently asked questions
LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS
I need a kennel license, what do I do?
Please visit the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 60 Provincial St. in Welland.
Where can I license in person?
You may license in person at the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society located at 60 Provincial St. in Welland.
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.
Do licences need to be renewed annually?
Licences are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.
What is the refund policy on licenses?
Refunds may be granted if your pet has passed away, provided the request is submitted within 30 days of the license purchase date. After this period, we’re unfortunately unable to process a refund.
What jurisdictions does the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society provide licensing services for?
The Niagara SPCA & Humane Society provides licensing services for the following areas: Haldimand County, Town of Lincoln, City of Niagara Falls, City of Welland, Wainfleet Township, West Lincoln Township, Town of Pelham, and City of Port Colborne
When does my pet's licence expire?
- Halidmand County: All licences expire each year on December 31st. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will still start on January 1st.
- Lincoln: All licences expire each year on December 31st. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will still start on January 1st.
- Niagara Falls: 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.
- Pelham: All licences expire each year on December 31st. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will still start on January 1st.
- Port Colborne: All licences expire each year on December 31st. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will still start on January 1st.
- Wainfleet: All licences expire each year on December 31st. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will still start on January 1st.
- Welland: All licences expire each year on December 31st. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will still start on January 1st.
- West Lincoln: All licences expire each year on December 31st. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will still start on January 1st.
I licensed at a third party location like a pet store or vet's office, why don't you have my record?
Partners typically receive licensing records from third party locations on a monthly basis. Once the licensing records have been picked up a member of your community's licensing team will upload the license record within 14 business days. Please reach out to your community directly to check on the status if you purchased a license and don't see the records reflected in your online account within 60 days of the purchase date.
FEES AND FINES
What is the fine for not licensing a pet?
A fine for failing to licence your pet varies for each licensing community. Please visit this page for more informaiton on fines in your community.
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.
My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?
Please visit the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society 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.
My pet has been designated as a dangerous dog and needs to pay a special rate. What do I do?
Please visit the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. They are located at 60 Provincial St. in Welland. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.
What is the fee for licensing?
Visit this page for licensing options and fees.
Why am I being charged a late fee?
Late fees vary for each licensing community. Please visit this page for more informaiton on licensing fees in your community.
TAGS
Will my pet receive a new free tag with every order?
No, each pet will only receive one free tag with their first licence via DocuPet. This tag doesn’t expire. If you’ve already received a DocuPet tag, your furry friend is good to go! If you’d like a new tag, you can purchase a standard replacement tag or a new designer tag during the licence order process or in our store.
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
Is there a limit to the number of pets I'm allowed to have?
The amount of pets allowed differs per city. Please see your local bylaws, or call the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society directly by calling 905-735-1552, option 3. The team is available Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Where can I find information about the pet licensing bylaw?
- Halidmand County: visit this page for information on licensing bylaws
- Lincoln: visit this page for information on licensing bylaws
- Niagara Falls: visit this page for information on licensing bylaws
- Pelham: visit this page for information on licensing bylaws
- Port Colborne: visit this page for information on licensing bylaws
- Wainfleet: visit this page for information on licensing bylaws
- Welland: visit this page for information on licensing bylaws
- West Lincoln: visit this page for information on licensing bylaws
What species are required to be licensed?
The following species are required to be licensed:
- Haldimand County: Dogs
- Lincoln: Dogs
- Niagara Falls: Dogs
- Pelham: Dogs
- Port Colborne: Dogs
- Wainfleet: Dogs
- Welland: Dogs and cats
- West Lincoln: Dogs
Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)
Please get in touch with Niagara SPCA & Humane Society at 905-735-1552.
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.
HELP DESK
Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?
Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.