Animal Control and Dog Licenses

Animal Control and Dog Licenses

Animal control enforcement regulates dogs only, click here for the applicable bylaws. To determine your Electoral Area click here.

Aggressive Dogs or Dogs at Large

Aggressive dogs or dogs at large in all RDN Electoral Areas should be reported to our animal control contractor Coastal Animal Control Services of BC at 1-888-754-1397 or cacs [at] telus.net (cacs[at]telus[dot]net).

Please note that dogs are required to be under control, not on a leash, unless within an RDN park with posted signage including Moorecroft, Horne Lake and Descanso Bay Regional Parks.

Barking Dogs

Dog Licenses

Residents in the RDN who own dogs over six months old must obtain an annual dog license per Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 939 if they live in the following areas:

  • Electoral Area E (Nanoose)
  • Electoral Area G (Englishman River, San Pareil, French Creek, Little Qualicum, Dashwood)
  • Electoral Area H (Bowser, Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay)

License fees are as follows: 

  • For each spayed or neutered dog - $15
  • For each unspayed or unneutered dog - $25

The above fees are subject to a discount fee of $5 if paid within the last and first month of the year, between December 1, 2024 and January 31, 2025. 

Licenses can be purchased or renewed at:

  • Salish Sea Market, 110-6996 W Island Hwy, Bowser (778-424-2012)
  • Oceanside Place Arena, 830 West Island Hwy, Parksville
  • RDN Administration Building, 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo
    • To purchase a license by credit card over the phone, contact the RDN Finance Department at 1-877-607-4111. 

Dog licenses are not required in Electoral Areas A, B, C or F.

Animal Welfare

For animal welfare or abuse concerns, contact the SPCA at 1-855-622-7722.