Checked October 14, 2026

Dog licences and park rules in Saanich

Saanich, British Columbia, Canada

Dog licences and park rules in Saanich. Saanich dogs over four months old need an annual licence.

Key information

Saanich dogs over four months old need an annual licence. The permanent tag stays with the dog, but payment must be renewed each calendar year. Park, beach and playground restrictions still apply even when a dog is licensed.

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Key facts and next steps

Dog licences and park rules in Saanich. Facts checked October 14, 2026.
Question	Answer
When does a Saanich dog need a licence?	The Animals Bylaw requires a valid licence for dogs over four months old. The licence is valid for the January-to-December calendar year and must be renewed annually.
How can I renew online or in person?	Renew online by credit card using the invoice account number, or pay at Municipal Hall by the listed counter methods. The city does not take phone payments. Its 24-hour drop slot accepts cheque payments only.
What applies at fenced baseball diamonds?	Dogs are not permitted inside fenced baseball diamonds from March 1 toOctober 31. The rule is seasonal and applies even where another part of the same park has a different dog-access category.

Sources: Dog Licences · Dogs in Parks FAQs

Register and renew

When does a Saanich dog need a licence?

The Animals Bylaw requires a valid licence for dogs over four months old. The licence is valid for the January-to-December calendar year and must be renewed annually.

Source: Dog Licences

Does a permanent tag mean the licence never expires?

No. Saanich introduced permanent tags in 2023 so the tag number remains the same. Owners still renew the annual licence; keeping the metal tag is not a substitute for payment.

Source: Dog Licences

What are the listed dog licence fees?

Before February 1, an unfixed dog is $35 and a spayed or neutered dog $25. After that date the fees are $40 and $30. A replacement tag is $5. Check staff about the stated service-dog and recent-sterilization exceptions.

Source: Dog Licences

Sources: Dog Licences · Dogs in Parks FAQs

Fees and permanent tags

How can I renew online or in person?

Renew online by credit card using the invoice account number, or pay at Municipal Hall by the listed counter methods. The city does not take phone payments. Its 24-hour drop slot accepts cheque payments only.

Source: Dog Licences

What if I am registering more than two dogs?

The new-licence page directs owners with more than two dogs to call 250-475-5484 to register. Use that route instead of assuming the ordinary online form covers every household situation.

Source: Dog Licences

Can dogs enter a playground?

Dogs are prohibited from the play-equipment surface and must be leashed within 10 metres of a playground. A leash-optional park designation does not remove the playground restriction.

Source: Dogs in Parks FAQs

Sources: Dog Licences · Dogs in Parks FAQs

Park and beach responsibilities

What applies at fenced baseball diamonds?

Dogs are not permitted inside fenced baseball diamonds from March 1 toOctober 31. The rule is seasonal and applies even where another part of the same park has a different dog-access category.

Source: Dogs in Parks FAQs

What does under control mean in a leash-optional park?

The FAQ requires direct continuous charge, clear line of sight and an immediate return on recall or signal. Leash-optional does not mean a dog can wander outside the handler's view.

Source: Dogs in Parks FAQs

Are beaches all leash-optional?

No. Beaches and accesses within the Victoria Migratory Bird Sanctuary are on-leash. The FAQ also gives May-to-August restrictions at Cordova Bay, Whitehead and the PKOLS beach area. Check the specific beach before visiting.

Source: Dogs in Parks FAQs

Who handles animal complaints?

Saanich contracts enforcement to CRD Animal Care Services. The city gives animalservices@crd.bc.ca, 250-478-0624 for the office and 1-833-931-3585 for after-hours emergencies. Provide the actual location and circumstances.

Source: Dogs in Parks FAQs

Sources: Dog Licences · Dogs in Parks FAQs