Licensing Regulations
Where can you obtain a dog licence?
If you own a dog you must have a dog licence. If you live within the Lisbun & Castlereagh City Council area you should obtain a licence from the Environmental Health Service Unit. You can obtain it in person at either Island Centre, Lisburn or Bradford Court, Castlereagh, request an application form by post, by telephoning 028 9244 7397 or apply online.
How much does it cost?
Depending on your circumstances the licence costs are:
£12.50 for unsterilised dogs.
£32.00 for a block licence (applicable if you have more than three dogs).
A breeder’s licence is also available for breeding establishments.
£5.00 if your dog is sterilised or you receive an income –related benefit.
FREE for anyone over 65 for the first dog licence is free and licences for additional dogs are £5.00.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development set the dog licence rate.
Your dog must be microchipped to enable you to be granted a dog licence.
What are the benefits?
A dog’s licence offers some proof of ownership. It is a legal requirement that anyone in possession of a dog must hold a valid licence. The details of the dog owner and the dog are registered with the Council area
When are you required to licence a dog?
Before taking possession of a dog or puppy, owners should ensure that they have already purchased a dog licence.
If your dog dies and you have a valid licence for it, it is possible to transfer that licence should you obtain another dog within 30 days.
Is a dog licence transferable from one person to another?
No.
Penalties for no licence
If you keep a dog without a licence you can be issued with a fixed penalty of £75. Non payment of this could result in a fine of up to £1000.
Additional means of identification
Microchipping gives dog owners piece of mind that if lost their dog can be traced back to them. Microchips are a computerised capsule, the size of a grain of rice, containing the dog’s owner details, is injected under the dog’s skin. The insertion process is quick and virtually painless, with no after effects. The microchip stays in place for an average of 25 years, longer than a dog’s lifespan.
All dogs will be microchipped before leaving our kennels.