If you need to report a lost or found dog with a City of Sarnia tag, please click here.

How to Purchase a Dog Tag (Licence)

Dog tags (licenses) can be purchased one of these four convenient ways:

Onlinewww.sarnia.docupet.com
Sarnia & District Humane Society Office 131 Exmouth Street Sarnia, ON
City HallCustomer Service Department, First Floor
By phoneCall 1-855-249-1370

Dog Licence Fees

Dog owners in the City of Sarnia are required to licence their dogs, over the age of 6 months, annually in accordance with Regulation of Dogs and Cats By-Law.
Residents of the City of Sarnia are allowed to own a maximum of two dogs.

Standard FeeLate Fee
Altered dog (spayed or neutered) $38.50 $66.50
Unaltered dog (not spayed or neutered) $88.00 $118.00

Dog tag fulfillment processing time is 2-5 business days. Licenses expire 365 days after the date of purchase.

Failure to license your dog each year may result in a fine of $150.00.

Service Dogs

Contact Customer Service if licensing a Guide Dog or Service Dog. The license does have to be obtained within City hall as the option is not available online. For a first time licence you will be asked to provide acceptable Guide Dog and Service Animal documentation. This includes:

  • Documentation from a regulated health professional
  • An identification card from the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General for people who are blind and use a guide dog.

Please note: The City of Sarnia does not charge individuals for dog licenses related to Guide and Service Dogs.

About DocuPet

The City’s dog licensing program has been done in partnership with DocuPet since 2020. Benefits of the DocuPet program include a FREE Lost Pet Service, the ability to upgrade to a designer tag of your choice, and personalization options.

DocuPet’s customer care team provides support for pet owners between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday, holidays excepted. Pet owners may reach out to DocuPet’s customer care team via email at info@docupet.com, via the chat widget on the DocuPet website, or via phone at 1-855-249-1370.

Your DocuPet tag(s) can be used for multiple years until needing replacement, however each dogs licence will need to be renewed annually.

Dog Licence Information Change

Please update your online account with any information changes:1-855-249-1370, info@docupet.com, sarnia.docupet.com, or contact City Hall Customer Service.

Why are Dogs Licensed?

Licensing of your dog through any municipality comes with benefits. Licensing lets people know that your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations protecting you as well as the public if an incident occurs. If your dog goes missing, having it licensed drastically improves your chances of getting your dog back though the assistance of the public, By-law Officers or the Humane Society.   

Licensing fees go into offsetting animal control costs, with the major expense incurred by the city for animal control being the contracting out of pound services to the Humane Society.  The Humane Society is a non-profit organization that provides services to the city including pound keeping, spay and neutering programs, adoption services and Vet care for injured animals.

Animal Distress or Abuse

  • Unlike humans, dogs have a very limited ability to sweat. Even a short period in a hot environment can cause suffering and distress, which could result in brain damage or death.
  • Excessive panting, drooling, listlessness, collapsing or seizures are all examples of visible signs of heat stress in animals. If you witness these signs in your pet, move the animal to a cool area and seek veterinary attention immediately.
  • Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario. If you think an animal is in distress or being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).

If you see an animal in a hot car and are concerned the animal’s life is in immediate danger, dial 911. Members of the public should not attempt to enter a vehicle in these situations.