Your Licensing Guide

the City of Sarnia

Why License?

In accordance with local laws, pet licences are mandatory in the City of Sarnia. 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 Sarnia 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.

Check out the ways you can license your pet below and feel good knowing that 100% of licensing revenue funds are given to the City of Sarnia to support important animal welfare initiatives helping to improve your community.

How to License

  • Online
  • In-person
  • Mail
  • Phone

The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You’ll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, 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 Sarnia before.

License now

In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however 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.

Sarnia City Hall:
255 Christina St. N., Sarnia
Note: To license in person, please visit the Customer Service Dept on the 1st Floor.

Sarnia and District Humane Society:
131 Exmouth St., Sarnia

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 check should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet licence form

Download Application Form

If you’re having trouble licensing online and need to get your registration processed in a hurry, you can give our customer care team a call and they may be able to process your pet license over the phone. Note that we can only accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit as payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-855-249-1370
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday (excluding holidays) from 9:00am-9:00pm EST

City of Sarnia Details & Fees

Pet licences are required for all dogs living in the City of Sarnia. They must be renewed every year prior to the expiration date. Licences expire exactly 365 days from the start date of the licence. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming licence expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Licence Type Fee Late Fee
Unaltered Dog $88.00 $30.00
Altered Dog $38.50 $28.00
Licence Type
Unaltered Dog $88.00
Late Fee $30.00
Licence Type
Altered Dog $38.50/td>
Late Fee $28.00

A replacement municipal tag is available at no charge upon request.

Licence fees vary based on the spay/neuter status of your pet.

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 fine up to $150 may be charged for failing to comply.

Late fees apply immediately after licence expiration.

Residents of the City of Sarnia are allowed to own a maximum of two dogs.

Licences are required for all dogs over six months of age.

Frequently Asked Questions

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LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

Refunds may be granted for a licence if a pet passes or is returned within 30 days of the licence purchase.

Licences are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.

The City of Sarnia provides licensing services for the following areas: City of Sarnia

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.

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.

All pets over the age of 6 months are required to be licensed. 

Please visit the City of Sarnia in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 255 Christina St N in Sarnia.

You may renew your pet's license within 45 days of your pet's current license expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new license will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

You may license in person at the City of Sarnia located at 255 Christina St N in Sarnia.

FEES AND FINES

No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee. 

Please visit the City of Sarnia 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.

Visit this page for licensing options and fees. 

There are no senior rates to licence your pet.

A fine up to $150 may be charged for failing to comply.

PET INFORMATION AND PROFILES

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

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.

Please get in touch with the City of Sarnia at 519-332-0330.

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs

Visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

HELP DESK

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.