FAQs
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What is a license?
Several municipalities in the Outaouais have implemented a municipal by-law stipulating that all cat and dog owners must register their animals and renew their licenses annually. The license is valid from January 1st to December 31st and must be renewed each year, before December 31st.
To determine if you live in a municipality where registration of your animals is mandatory, consult the list of Prices and number of animals allowed by municipality on our website.
Does my pet's license need to be renewed every year?
Yes, the registration fee for the license must be paid annually. Your pet's license is valid from January 1 to December 31 and must be renewed annually, before December 31. A $20.00 administration fee will be added for any renewals made after March 31st.
Failure to comply with this by-law will result in penalties. A first offense could result in a fine of between $300 and $2,000.
Do I need a license if my dog is microchipped?
Yes, any dog owner residing in a municipality that has implemented the bylaw must have a valid license, even if the animal is microchipped. Wearing a tag is also mandatory.
Do I need a license if my cat does not go outside?
Yes, owners are required to register each of their animals under the current by-law. An animal's license is valid from January 1 to December 31 of each year. If your pet does not go outside, you can limit the wearing of the tag.
I have a service dog. Do I also need to get a license?
Yes, service dogs must be duly registered and must also wear their tags at all times. However, upon presentation of proof from a recognized official organization (Mira, for example), the license is free for this type of dog.
My pet had a litter. Do I have to get a license for each baby?
When a dog or cat gives birth to puppies or kittens, they may be kept for a period not exceeding four months before they must be registered. After this period, each animal must have a valid license..
Is my pet's license tag replaced every year?
No. As of 2019, the SPCA de l'Outaouais provides permanent medallions. A new medallion is given when purchasing a license for a new case (newly moved to a city with an animal licensing by-law, new adoption, etc.), but only the annual payment is required for the renewal of any existing license.
If you lose your medallion, you can purchase a replacement for $5. The permanent tag is not available for potentially dangerous dogs.
If I lose my tag, can I get another one?
Yes, a replacement tag can be purchased for $5 at the Ville de Gatineau service centers (where applicable) and the SPCA de l'Outaouais.
What is the maximum number of animals allowed per residence?
To find out the maximum number of animals allowed in your municipality, consult the list of Prices and number of animals allowed by municipality on our Website.
Who should I inform of my change of address if I move?
According to municipal by-laws, the owner of the animal is responsible for informing the competent authority, in this case, the SPCA de l'Outaouais, of any change in his or her file (death of the animal, change of address, telephone number, or e-mail, or change in the animal's owner, etc.) as soon as possible.
On the other hand, the move could destabilize your pet and it could take off at the slightest opportunity. By making your change of address, you maximize your chances of finding your pet if it escapes. This is also why wearing a tag is mandatory at all times.
To report a change to your file, visit the Client File Modification page of our website. Make sure you have your client number (P-) and animal number (A-) handy.
My pet died during the year. Do I have to inform the SPCA de l'Outaouais?
Yes, according to the municipal by-laws, the owner of the animal is responsible for informing the competent authority, in this case, the SPCA de l'Outaouais, of any change in his or her file (death of the animal, change of address, telephone number, or e-mail, or change in the animal's owner, etc.) as soon as possible.
This will also save you from receiving a notice for the next renewal.
To report a change to your file, visit the Client File Modification page of our website. Make sure you have your client number (P-) and animal number (A-) handy.
My pet has died or I am no longer the owner. Can I be reimbursed for the cost of the license?
No. The municipalities and the SCPA de l'Outaouais will not issue refunds. However, it is possible, in Gatineau, to transfer the license of an animal that died during the year to an animal acquired by the same owners of the same residence. You will need to provide proof of the death of your animal.
Who sets the cost of the license?
The cost of the license is set by the municipality. Please refer to the by-law in effect in your municipality for all the details.
What happens if I refuse to pay for my pet's license?
Under the by-law, you are required to pay for your pet's license upon receipt of the renewal notice by December 31 of each year, or upon the arrival of a new pet in your household.
Failure to comply with this by-law may result in penalties. A first offense could result in a fine of between $300 and $2,000.
Who can give me a ticket if I do not comply with the by-law?
Animal control officers from your municipality's Animal Control Section or the SPCA de l'Outaouais can issue you a ticket if you violate the municipal by-law. Any other peace officer with the authority to enforce the by-law in the Outaouais region can also issue a ticket.
What do I do if I receive a 48-hour notice of violation stating that I must obtain a license?
If you receive a notice of violation, you are required to obtain a license for your animal within the prescribed time to avoid a fine of $300 to $2,000, or $1,000 to $5,000 for a potentially dangerous dog.
You can purchase your license on our website in the Licenses Purchase section. Be sure to select the form applicable to your municipality.
If you have a dog that has been declared potentially dangerous, you will need to come in person to the SPCA de l'Outaouais office to complete the purchase of your license.
How do I renew or obtain a license for my potentially dangerous dog?
Because of the special status of potentially dangerous dogs, their owners are subject to specific conditions and must obtain a license reserved for this type of dog. This license is only available at the SPCA de l'Outaouais office. The Ville de Gatineau service centers do not sell this type of license and it is not possible to purchase one on our Web site. The purchase must be made in person.
Where can I renew my pet's license?
There are several ways to renew your pet's license:
- on our website (for Gatineau, Hull, Aylmer, Buckingham, and Masson-Angers) - the fastest and most efficient way!
- by mail using the renewal form and a credit card, cheque, or money order;
- by telephone at 819-243-2004, ext. 24, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m;
- in person (check opening hours):
- directly at the SPCA de l'Outaouais at 132, rue de Varennes, Gatineau, QC
- at one of the following City of Gatineau service centers:
- Aylmer - 115 Principale Street
- Buckingham - 515 Charles Street
- Gatineau - 144 de l'Hôpital Blvd.
- Hull - 775 de la Carrière Blvd.
- Masson-Angers - 57 Montreal Road East
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