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Why should I license my dog? Under City of Fort St. John bylaws, your dog is required to be licensed by the age of three months. The license tag must be visible and attached to a suitable collar. Having your dog licensed helps alert the Bylaw Enforcement Technician and your neighbours that your dog is not a stray and might need help getting home. If your dog is picked up, the tag helps us find you so that your dog doesn't suffer unnecessary stress of being away from your family.
How do I license my dog?
You are able to purchase valid City of Fort St. John dog licenses at City hall or at the SPCA. They cost $30 for any dog which is NOT spade or neutered, and $15 for those dogs who are spade or neutered. The licenses are valid for the year they are issued; new licenses should be purchased at the beginning of every year.
If my dog is picked up where does it go?
The Bylaw Enforcement Technician turns the dog into the SPCA where it can be fed and housed until you can be found.
If my dog is picked up, is there a fine? Yes. If your dog is picked up you will receive a fine of $50.00 for letting your dog run at large. If there is no license on your dog, you will receive another $50.00 fine for being unlicensed (however un licensing fees will be waved if a dog license is purchased.).
How do I retrieve my dog back from the SPCA?
The SPCA is open to the public from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 pm every weekday with exception of Tuesday, during this time you are able to show up, buy a City of Fort St John dog license if your dog doesn’t already have one, and pay a boarding fee to the shelter for the time your dog was there or leave a donation.
If your dog was brought into the shelter by the Bylaw Enforcement Technician, then Bylaw will be called to meet with you at the shelter and deliver any fines which apply to the violation given.
How many dogs can I have?
Unless a Kennel License is obtained, no more than three dogs shall be kept or harboured at one time on land or premises occupied by their Owners, so that the aggregate number of dogs on any one property shall not exceed 3 dogs.
Can I have a Pot Belly Pig? No. Under Dog, Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 1437, 1998, no animals or fowl shall be kept or harboured within the boundaries of the City. The bylaw's definition of "Animal" is horses, cattle, goats, swine, or any other animal of the bovine specie, fur bearing or wild animal. The definition of Fowl is chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons and guinea fowl or poultry and domestic birds of any kind.
If I cannot keep my dog any longer. Can I turn it in to City Hall? NO. If you cannot keep your dog any longer, you can turn the dog into the SPCA and they will be pleased to help find a new family for your dog.
Is there a bylaw that governs cats? NO. The City of Fort St. John does not have a bylaw that covers cats,
however, if you have strays at your home, and you are able to cage them you can bring the cats into the SPCA.
Do I have to scoop up after my dog? YES. The bylaw states that if you are caught not scooping up after you dog you can receive a fine of $50.00.
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