Dog licences

All dogs must have a valid licence and wear a dog licence tag. This means that both the dog, and its owner, are registered with us.

It is against the law not to have a licence for your dog unless the dog is:

a puppy under six months old and kept by the person who is also the keeper of the mother that gave birth to the puppy
an assistance dog used by a disabled person
a police dog.

If you own a dog, you must make sure it wears the dog licence which the council gives you. You must also make sure it wears an identity tag, with your name, address and contact telephone number, to help us trace you if the dog goes missing.

You can also fit your dog with a microchip.

Find out more about microchipping

Applying for a licence

To apply for a dog licence, complete the form below and send it to us at:

Dog Warden Service
Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BP

Download single dog licence application form (Word - 47 KB)
Download block dog licence application form (Word- 46 KB)

You can also call us on 028 9027 0431 or email dogwardens@belfastcity.gov.uk to request an application form.

Please note that we can't register dogs as 'mongrels'. You can check the breed of your dog by visiting the Kennel Club website

Costs

Single dog licence

A single dog licence costs £12.50 and is valid for one year.

If you are aged 65 or older, a licence for your first dog is free and £5 for any additional dog.

The licence fee will also be reduced to £5 if:

you receive income support or housing benefit, or
your dog is sterilised.

Block dog licence

A block dog licence is £32 and is for dog breeders or kennels with three or more dogs. It's valid for one year.

Anyone wishing to buy a block dog licence must present proof with their application that they have at least three or more dogs registered with Kennel Club or any other approved registering organisation. We accept copies of registration documents and will return these once we issue the licence.

No concessions are available for block licences.

Refunds and transfers

If your dog dies, you can apply for a refund of your licence. You must apply within six months of your dog's death.

Download dog licence refund application form (PDF - 14KB)
Download dog licence refund application form (Word - 17KB)

You can also transfer your licence to another dog but, again, you must do this within six months of your dog's death.

Download dog licence transfer certificate application form (PDF - 27KB)
Download dog licence transfer certificate application form (Word- 30KB)

Fines for not licensing your dog

The fixed penalty notices for dog licensing offences are:

not having a licence for your dog - £80 (£50 if paid within 14 days)
not displaying a tag or ID on your dog - £80 (£50 if paid within 14 days)

If you do not pay a fixed penalty notice, you can be taken to court, where you may be fined up to £1,000.