All residents living within City limits are required to purchase a dog licence for all dogs over six months. Dog licences may be purchased at the Animal Shelter or at City Hall (3215 Eby Street). 

Costs for annual dog licences:

• Spayed/neutered dog: $20.00 per year
• Not spayed or neutered dog: $50.00 per year
• Dangerous Dog: $100.00 per year

Seniors' rates are half price.

Bylaws to provide for animal control, licencing, protection of and protection from domestic animals are in place and any contravention of same can result in fines.

Read the bylaw here

Please contact Animal Control at 250-615-4031 or shelter@terrace.ca.

When the weather warms up and we’re out and about with our pets—for a big road trip or a few errands around town—it’s important to keep them safe! Here are some top reminders from ICBC and the BC SPCA:

1. Use safety restraints when travelling with a pet. Use a harness or safety belt, or a hard-shell crate that’s secured. Loose animals can escape, fly forward in your vehicle, or get hurt in a crash. In a crash, loose and disoriented animals can pose a safety risk for first responders or run into traffic.
2. Section 72 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act prohibits the transport of an unsecured pet in the back of a pickup truck (our Animal Control bylaw reiterates this message). It’s not only illegal, but also extremely dangerous for your pet. Please, use a secured crate in the centre of your truck box.
3. Keep your dog out of the front seats, even if secured. Airbags can be very dangerous for animals, just as they are for children under 12.
4. Ensure you don’t get distracted by your pets while you’re driving; distraction is a leading cause of car crashes. Driving without due care and attention can net a $368 fine, plus 6 penalty points that result in a $360 Driver Penalty Point Premium.
5. Keep windows lowered for ventilation, but be sure to disable power windows and don’t allow your pet to hang its head out the window for some sniffs. Dogs can get corneal ulcers from flying debris like dust or get hit by objects coming close to the vehicle.
6. Don’t forget food, water, dishes, bedding, and toys for your pet, especially on long trips. Keeping a well-stocked first aid kit in your vehicle is also a great idea (for both human and pet use!).
7. Remember how quickly a parked vehicle can heat up in the summer, even when it’s in the shade. Please don’t keep dogs in vehicles while you shop, run errands, or similar activities. Our Animal Control bylaw prohibits it. Dogs can get heatstroke or die in a much shorter time than you’d expect—even as short as 15-20 minutes. Please, leave your dog at home if you plan to be away from your vehicle for any reason.

If you see an animal in a parked vehicle and are concerned: note the license plate and vehicle colour/make/model, then ask managers of nearby businesses to page the owner to return to the vehicle. If the animal is showing clear signs of heatstroke or distress, call the animal shelter (250-615-4031), RCMP, or BC SPCA Animal Helpline (1-888-622-7722) as soon as possible.

Further reading:

• Riding in Cars with Pets (ICBC)
• Travelling with Your Pet (ICBC)
• Spread the Word: Don't Leave Your Pet in a Hot Car (BC SPCA)
• Prevent Pet Fatalities (RCMP)