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Northumberland Humane Society pet licensing

Why license?

In accordance with local laws, pet licences are mandatory in the jurisdictions Northumberland Humane Society serves. In fact, licences are mandatory in nearly every community across North America. Why? Because licences help keep pets and the communities they live in safe. DocuPet was brought on board to simplify and improve pet licensing to benefit not only pet owners like you, but the entire community. DocuPet makes it easy for the Northumberland Humane Society to deliver a successful pet licensing program with a streamlined software and management solution that makes licensing a breeze for pet owners and administrators alike.

How to license

Online

The fastest and easiest way to license or renew is right here. You'll create a profile for your pet, upload any necessary documents, process your licence registration, and receive purchase confirmations via email. Payment can be made using a credit card or Visa/Mastercard debit card. Each year, you just need to log in to your existing account and renew - it's super easy!

Renew my pet's licence

My pet has a licence, but it has expired or will very soon.

Renew now

License a pet for the first time

I've never licensed a pet with Northumberland Humane Society before.

License now
In-person

In person licensing is available at the following location(s) however it's important to know you will still receive your tag in the mail:

Don't forget to check hours of operation, appointment policies, and accepted payment methods prior to heading out.

Northumberland Humane Society:
2363 Theatre Rd S. Cobourg ON, K9A 4J7

Mail

If you opt to license via snail mail - keep in mind processing your registration will take a lot longer!

Make sure you complete the below form in full and that it is free of any errors otherwise your registration may not be successfully processed. The fine print is there for a reason so keep an eye out for accepted payment methods, who the cheque should be made out to, where it should be mailed, and any required supporting documentation.

Pet licence form

Phone

If you're unable to complete your pet's licence online, you can contact our Customer Care team for assistance. Please note that licences are primarily designed to be completed online, and phone support is intended for troubleshooting or special circumstances.
We can accept credit cards and Visa/Mastercard debit cards for payment.

DocuPet Customer Care: 1-855-249-1370
Hours of Operation:
Monday-Saturday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM EST (excluding holidays)
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM EST

Licence fees & details

Northumberland Humane Society is contracted to issue licences in the following areas:

Municipality of Port Hope Fees & Details

Pet licences are required for all dogs living in the Municipality of Port Hope. They must be renewed every year prior to the expiration date. Licences expire exactly 365 days from the start date of the licence. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming licence expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Municipality of Port Hope Fees & Details – Dog Licences
Dog LicencesFee
Intact Dog$35.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog$20.00
  • A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
  • When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • Residents of the Municipality of Port Hope are allowed to own a maximum of 3 dogs.
Township of Hamilton Fees & Details

Pet licences are required for all dogs living in the Township of Hamilton. They must be renewed every year prior to the expiration date. Licences expire exactly 365 days from the start date of the licence. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming licence expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Township of Hamilton Fees & Details – Dog Licences
Dog LicencesFee
Intact Dog$35.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog$20.00
  • A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
  • When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • Residents of the Township of Hamilton are allowed to own a maximum of 3 dogs.
Township of Alnwick Haldimand Fees & Details

Pet licences are required for all dogs living in the Township of Alnwick Haldimand. They must be renewed every year prior to the expiration date. Licences expire exactly 365 days from the start date of the licence. You will receive reminders from us about upcoming licence expirations via mail, phone, and email.

Township of Alnwick Haldimand Fees & Details – Dog Licences
Dog LicencesFee
Intact Dog$35.00
Spayed/Neutered Dog$20.00
  • A replacement tag is available for a $5.00 fee.
  • When licensing a Certified Guide or Assistance Dog for the first time, licensing must be done in person. Future renewals may be done online once the status is verified.
  • Residents of the Township of Alnwick Haldimand are allowed to own a maximum of 3 dogs.

Frequently asked questions

LICENSING OPTIONS, DATES, AND LOCATIONS

I need a kennel license, what do I do?

Kennel Licences are not processed through DocuPet. 

For more information about kennel licensing in the Municipality of Port Hope, please visit the Town Hall located at 56 Queen Street in Port Hope or contact them by phone at 905-885-4544. Kennel licence applications can also be found online at https://www.porthope.ca/en/business-and-development/kennel-licences.aspx. 

For more information about kennel licensing in the Hamilton Township, please visit 8285 Majestic Hills Drive in Cobourg or contact them by phone at 905-342-2810.

For more information about kennel licensing in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, please visit the Town Hall at 10836 County Rd 2 in Grafton or contact them by phone at 905-349-2822 ext. 27. 

Where can I license in person?

You may license in person at Northumberland Humane Society located at 2363 Theatre Rd in Cobourg. 

What is the refund policy on licences?

No refunds are provided on licences purchased regardless of circumstances.

Why does the system say my address is not valid?

You may have entered your address incorrectly or we may not have your address in the address database for your community. Please double-check all spelling and ensure you are using the abbreviated form for your street type ex. St instead of Street. You may contact Northumberland Humane Society directly if you believe you reside within one of their licensing jurisdictions but your address is not being accepted by the system.

When does my pet's licence expire?

Licences expire exactly 365 days from the licence start date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

What jurisdictions does Northumberland Humane Society provide licensing services for?

Northumberland Humane Society provides licensing services for the following areas: Municipality of Port Hope, Township of Hamilton,Township of Alnwick Haldimand

When can I renew my pet's licence?

It makes sense to renew your pet's licence early! You may renew your pet's licence within 60 days of your pet's current licence expiration date. If you renew prior to the upcoming expiration date, your pet's new licence will start the day after expiration, not on the date of purchase.

Do licences need to be renewed annually?

Licences are required to be renewed prior to the expiration date each year.

FEES AND FINES

What is the fee for licensing?

Visit this page for licensing options and fees. 

My pet qualifies for the service animal rate. What do I do?

Please visit Northumberland Humane Society in person if you are qualifying for this rate for the first time. Once the team there verifies your designation you will be able to renew online in future years.

Can I receive a seniors discount?

There are no senior rates to license your pet.

Is there a discount for licensing multiple pets?

No, there is no discount for licensing multiple pets. Each pet will be charged the appropriate licensing fee. 

PET INFORMATION AND PROFILES

Does my licence transfer if I am moving?

If you are moving please be sure to update your address by logging into your online account and navigating to your Profile Settings page. Even though you are moving you’ll still be able to keep your pet's tag and access your pet's online account. However, your current licence may not be valid in the new community you are moving to. Please get in touch with the pet licensing provider in the new community you are moving to in order to find out more information.

MUNICIPAL INFORMATION AND BYLAWS

Is there a limit to the number of pets I'm allowed to have?

You are allowed for a maximum of 3 dogs per dwelling.

What species are required to be licensed?

The following species are required to be licensed: Dogs.

Where can I find information about the pet licensing bylaw?

If you live in the Municpality of Port Hope, visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

If you live in the Hamilton Township, visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

If you live in the Township of Alnwick Haldimand, visit this page for information on licensing bylaws.

Are there any restricted breeds?

Unless your dog was obtained prior to DOLA coming into place, the following breeds are banned: Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and American Pit Bull Terriers.

Who do I call if there’s an emergency involving dogs? (dog attack, loose dog, etc.)

Please get in touch with Northumberland Humane Society at 905-885-4131. 

HELP DESK

Still have a question that you have not been able to answer?

Visit our DocuPet Help Desk for more information.