A Toronto household with one spayed dog and one spayed cat pays $40 a year for licences: $25 for the dog and $15 for the cat. If neither pet is fixed, the same licences cost $110. An owner aged 65 or older pays half.
Who needs a licence
Every dog and cat living in Toronto needs one. A tag comes with it at no extra charge, and service dogs are licensed free. Licence fees also help pay for animal services, including shelters. The point is simple: the City can return a lost pet to its owner much faster when the tag is on the collar.
What each pet costs
A dog is $60 a year, or $25 if it is spayed or neutered. A cat is $50, or $15 if it is fixed. Lose the tag and a replacement costs $5.65. Enter as many pets as you have and the calculator adds up the fees.
The senior discount
Owners aged 65 and older get 50% off. A spayed dog then costs $12.50 and a spayed cat $7.50. Tick the box if you qualify, and expect the City to ask for proof of age when you apply.
What spaying and neutering saves
Fixing a dog cuts the yearly licence by $35. Fixing a cat cuts it by $35 too. Over ten years that is $350 per pet. The result box shows the yearly saving for the pets you entered. That is also why the fixed rate is lower: fixed pets are cheaper to license because they are less likely to add to shelter numbers.
Two dogs, three ways
Take a household with two dogs that are not fixed. It pays $120 a year. If both are spayed or neutered, the licences cost $50, a saving of $70 a year. If the owner is also 65 or older, the cost falls to $25. Over five years, the gap between the first and last case is $350.
Applying and renewing
You can apply online, by mail or in person. Have the pet’s age, breed, colour and vaccination details ready, plus proof of spay or neuter if you claim the lower rate. Buy the licence soon after a new pet comes home, or soon after you move to Toronto, since tags from other cities are not valid here.
A licence lasts 365 days from its start date, and you can renew up to 60 days before it ends. Set a reminder on your phone so the date does not slip past. A missed renewal can lead to a ticket of $240.
Help with cost, and other costs
Households with an income under $50,000 may qualify for a lower or waived fee through the City’s program. Ask 311 or check the pet licensing page, because the calculator shows standard fees only. Microchipping through the City costs $10 with a current licence. Food, vet care and insurance come on top, so it helps to plan the whole yearly cost of a pet before you commit.
Where to go next
See other Toronto costs in the Toronto cost of living calculator. Plan your month with the monthly budget calculator. Check your utility bill with the Toronto water bill calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a dog licence in Toronto?
$60 a year, or $25 if the dog is spayed or neutered.
How much is a cat licence?
$50 a year, or $15 if the cat is spayed or neutered.
Is there a senior discount?
Yes. Owners aged 65 and older pay half.
What happens if I do not license my pet?
You can get a $240 ticket.
How long does a licence last?
365 days from the start date.
What does microchipping cost?
$10 with a current City of Toronto pet licence.
Sources and updates
Last reviewed: . Full disclaimer. How we build calculators. Editorial policy.
Estimate only. This calculator gives general information for planning. It is not tax, legal or financial advice, and it is not affiliated with the City of Toronto, MPAC or the Canada Revenue Agency. Results depend on the numbers you enter and may differ from official amounts. Check official sources or a qualified professional before you decide.