Dog Licensing

The Legislation explained

The Dogs (NI) Order 1983 requires all dog owners to possess a valid dog licence which must be renewed on an annual basis. This is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner as the dog must be microchipped before a dog licence can be obtained.  This will help Council Officers and local Vets return lost dogs to their owners.
It is an offence for any person to keep a dog without having a valid dog licence and a fixed penalty notice for £80 may be issued.  Any person found guilty of such an offence shall be liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding level 3 (£1000).

Changes in Dog Licensing Legislation regarding Licence Tags

Due to recent changes in Dog Licensing and Identification Regulations, from the 1st January 2015 Dog Licence Tags will be abolished and will not be provided with a Dog Licence.  This decision has been taken by Central Government (DARD) and therefore local Councils must be in full compliance.  It will still however be a legal requirement to have the keeper's details attached to the collar on a plate or badge.

New to Online Licensing?

Before you can license your dog, you must ensure that your dog is microchipped. In order to license your dog online you will need to create an account for Council Direct. 

Prices

It is essential for all dogs to have a valid licence which can be applied for and must be renewed each year. A standard Dog Licence costs £12.50. 

Concessionary dog licence applications and renewals

Types of Concessionary Dog Licences:

• Over 65 and this is the first or only dog that is kept, the licence will be free.  
• In Receipt of Income Support or Housing Benefit, the licence fee will be £5.  Excludes Job Seekers and ESA.
• Relevant “income-related benefit” means:
• (a) universal credit under the Welfare Reform (Northern Ireland) Order 2015;
• (b) state pension credit under the State Pension Credit Act (Northern Ireland) 2002;
• (c) income support under section 123 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
• (d) housing benefit under section 129 of the Social Security Contributions and Benefits (Northern Ireland) Act 1992;
• (e) income-based jobseekers allowance under the Jobseeker’s (Northern Ireland) Order 1995;
• (f) income-related employment and support allowance under the Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2007;
• (g) working tax credit under the Tax Credits Act 2002
• The dog has been sterilised, the licence fee will be £5.