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Markham pet licensing

Why license?

In accordance with local laws, pet licences are mandatory in the City of Markham. In fact, licences are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licences help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the City of Markham to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.

How to license

Online

The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You’ll create a profile for your pet, process your licence registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it’s super easy!

Renew my pet’s licence

My pet has a licence, but it has expired or will very soon.

Renew now

License a pet for the first time

I’ve never licensed a pet with the City of Markham before.

License now
In-person

In-person licensing is available at the following location; it’s important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail.

Don’t forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.

Markham Civic Centre
101 Town Centre Blvd, Markham, ON L3R 9W3

Mail

If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!

Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the cheque should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet licence form

Phone

If you're unable to complete your pet's licence online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licences are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-855-249-1370
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST (excluding holidays)
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST

Licence fees & details

Pet licences are required for all dogs and cats over 3 months of age living in the City of Markham. Licences follow a calendar-year cycle and expire annually on December 31. You will receive reminders about upcoming licence expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Dog Licences
Dog LicencesFee
New Dog Licence$40.00
Renewal Dog Licence$36.00
Cat Licences
Cat LicencesFee
New Cat Licence$30.00
Renewal Cat Licence$25.00
  • A replacement tag is available for a $6.00 fee.
  • When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • A late fee of $11.50 will apply 15 days following licence expiration.
  • Licences are required for all dogs and cats over 3 months of age.

Frequently asked questions

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

When can I renew my pet's licence?

Licences are available for renewal each year on November 1. 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.

When does my pet's licence expire?

All licences expire each year on December 31. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will still start on January 1.

FEES AND FINES

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. 

What is the fee for licensing?

Visit this page for licensing options and fees. 

What is the processing fee?

For all online orders a processing fee is applied on licence purchases at a rate of $2.00 per licence.

My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?

Please contact Markham Animal Services at (905) 477-7000 to verify your designation. Once verified, you will be able to renew online in future years.

Can I receive a seniors discount?

There are no senior rates to license your pet.

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

How do I notify DocuPet that my pet has passed away?

We're sorry for your loss. You can update a pet's profile via your online account by editing your pet's profile and selecting 'Remove this Pet'.

My pet is no longer with me, but I’m still receiving renewal reminders?

We’re sorry! Unfortunately, unless you update your account to reflect that a pet is no longer in your care, we have no way of knowing. Have you already told us? You may have a duplicate account. Get in touch with your licensing organization or our DocuPet customer service team to update your record.

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

Where can I find information about the pet licensing ordinance/bylaw?

Visit this page for information on licensing ordinances/bylaws.

What species are required to be licensed?

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs and Cats.

Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)

Please get in touch with Markham Animal Services at (905) 477-7000. 

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.

How old does my pet need to be for me to license them?

All dogs and cats over the age of 3 months are required to be licensed.

Is there a limit to the number of pets I'm allowed to have?

You are allowed a maximum of four dogs and cats combined per dwelling, with no more than two dogs permitted.

HELP DESK

Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.