Get your pet licensed: Protect your pets and your neighbours

If you have a dog or cat in Mississauga, getting a pet licence is an effective way to protect your pet’s safety and well-being. By getting a pet licence, you show that you care as a responsible pet owner and help protect your pet if they get lost. Additionally, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re following local by-laws and reducing the chances of any fines.

Buying or renewing a pet license

You can easily buy a new pet licence or renew an old one on the city’s website. You can choose either a one-year or two-year licence. If you’d rather speak to someone, you can call Mississauga Animal Services directly at 905-896-5858 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday, to handle purchases with a credit or debit card.

In-person and mail options

If you want to apply in person, you can visit the Animal Services Shelter. For new licences, you’ll need to fill out a Pet Licence Application. If you’re renewing, bring your renewal notice. You can also send your application through the mail, but remember, post-dated cheques are not accepted.

Supporting animal welfare

The money collected from pet licences helps support animal welfare in the city. Here’s how pet licence fees assist Animal Services:

• Care for homeless pets: License fees support shelters and programs that provide food and care for abandoned animals until they find homes.
• Return lost pets: Licensed pets have identifiable tags, allowing Animal Services to reunite lost pets with owners quickly. In 2024, they reunited 466 cats and dogs.
• Veterinary services: Fees cover vaccinations and treatments for animals in shelters. In 2024, 1,258 animals received veterinary care.
• Emergency rescue services: Licensing fees fund 24/7 emergency responses for animals in need. In 2024, staff rescued nearly 6,000 animals.
• Investigate care concerns: Funding allows Animal Services to act on reports of neglect or abuse. Last year, they addressed 135 concerns in the community.
• Safe neighborhoods: A licensing system helps reduce stray animals, making communities safer for residents and pets.
• Community education: Programs promote responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying or neutering to help reduce homeless animal populations.

What happens after you apply

After your application is processed, you’ll get a new pet licence tag mailed to you within ten business days. If you’re renewing, the updates will be made in the city’s system in just one business day, so you won’t need a new tag.

Affordable fees and exemptions

The fees for pet licences are affordable. If you’re 65 or older, there are reduced rates. For example, a spayed or neutered dog costs $25, and a spayed or neutered cat is $10 for one year. Some animals, like certified service animals and therapy animals recommended by doctors, may be exempt from fees.

Get involved

Make sure your pet is licensed and has a visible tag on its collar. This small step can help create a safer and more caring community for pets and their owners. For more information about licensing your pet, contact Mississauga Animal Services or check our website.

Tags

• Animal Services
• Enforcement and Fines
• Wildlife and Pets