Animal Control and Dog Licenses
Animal control enforcement regulates dogs only, view the Animal Control bylaws for your area here.
Aggressive Dogs or Dogs at Large
Aggressive dogs or dogs at large (not under control) in all RDN Electoral Areas should be reported to the 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
- Electoral Area A, B and C residents - may report barking dog complaints to the RDN bylaw department online.
- Electoral Area E, G and H residents - may report barking dog complaints to Coastal Animal Control Services (CACS) at 1-888-754-1397 or cacs [at] telus.net.
Dog Licenses
Residents in the Electoral Areas E, G and H that own a dog(s) over six months old must obtain an annual dog license per Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw No. 939.
- Electoral Area E (Nanoose)
- Electoral Area G (Englishman River, San Pareil, French Creek, Little Qualicum, Dashwood)
- Electoral Area H (Bowser, Qualicum Bay, Deep Bay)
Dog licenses are not required in Electoral Areas A, B, C or F.
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
- Oceanside Place Arena, 830 West Island Hwy, Parksville
- Coastal Animal Control Services
- RDN Administration Building, 6300 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo
- To purchase a license by credit card (subject to 2.5% transaction fee) over the phone, contact the RDN Finance Department at 1-877-607-4111.
Animal Welfare
For animal welfare or abuse concerns, contact the SPCA at 1-855-622-7722.