Your Licensing Guide

Why License?

In accordance with state and local laws, pet licences are mandatory in the Town of Fort Erie. 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 Humane Society of Greater Niagara 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 Humane Society of Greater Niagara 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 Humane Society of Greater Niagara 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.

Humane Society of Greater Niagara
160 Fourth Avenue, St. Catharines, ON L2S 0B6

Ruffins Pet Centres
1117 Concession Rd, Fort Erie, ON

Thor’s Healthy Pet Foods
3-3840 Dominion Road, Ridgeway, ON

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 licence 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

Town of Fort Erie Details & Fees

Pet licences are required for all dogs living in the Town of Fort Erie. 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.

Dog Licences 1 Year Fee
Altered Dog Licence $31.20
Unaltered Dog Licence $41.60
Service Animal $0.00
Altered Dog Licence
1 Year Fee $31.20
Unaltered Dog Licence
1 Year Fee $41.60
Service Animal
1 Year Fee $0.00

A replacement Town of Fort Erie tag is available for a $5.20 fee or at no additional charge when you licence your pet.

When licensing a Service Animal for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.

A fine of $250 may be charged for failing to comply.

A late fee of $20.80 will apply immediately following licence expiration.

Residents of the Town of Fort Erie are allowed to own a maximum of 3 dogs (unless a registered kennel or foster).

Licences are required for all dogs over 4 months of age and 10 days from when they came into possession.

Frequently Asked Questions

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LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

Lincoln County Humane Society provides licensing services for the following areas: Town of Fort Erie

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.

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.

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

Please visit the Lincoln County Humane Society in person as kennel licensing is not processed through DocuPet. They are located at 160 Fourth Ave in St. Catharines.

You may license in person at the Lincoln County Humane Society located at 160 Fourth Ave in St. Catharines.

FEES AND FINES

Late fees come into effect immediately following licence expiration.

For all online orders a processing fee is applied on license purchases at a rate of 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.

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

Please visit the Lincoln County 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.

Visit this page for licensing options and fees. 

There are no senior rates to licence your pet.

A fine of $250 may be charged for failing to comply.

TAGS

Please visit in person at the Lincoln County Humane Society located at 160 Fourth Ave in St. Catharines and they will be able to assist you.

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

Please get in touch with the Lincoln County Humane Society at 905-682-0767.

You are allowed for a maximum of 3 dogs per dwelling.

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs.

Visit this page for information on licensing 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.

HELP DESK

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.