/ Council Services

Dog Licence

All dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, must have a valid licence. Before you get a dog or a puppy you must get a licence for it. It is against the law not to. A puppy that stays with its mother must have a licence by the age of six months.

Dogs must also wear an identity disc or tag, stating the owner`s name, address and contact telephone number.

How to apply for a licence

You can obtain a dog licence at the Environmental Health Department, Level 5, DCC Offices, 98 Strand Road, BT48 7NN. Alternatively an application can be posted out on request or downloaded using the links below. The completed form should be returned to the address above, with your cheque or postal order.

New Dog Licence Fees as from 3rd October 2011

Fees and Concessions	Fee
Over 65 (eligible for a free licence – first or only dog)	Free
Over 65 (second or more dog)	£5.00
Receipt of an income-related benefit (Income Support or Housing Benefit)	£5.00
Sterilised/Neutered Dog	£5.00
Normal Licence	£12.50
Block Licence	£32.00
NOTE: The information given may be subject to checks.

What are the benefits?

A dog’s licence offers some proof of ownership. Under the Dogs (NI) Order it is a legal requirement that anyone in possession of a dog must hold a valid licence. As the details of dog owner and dog are officially registered with the Council, each owner who registers his or her dog with their local Council is issued with a licence and licence disc which bears the dog's very own personal identification number.

Derry City Council Dog Wardens impound approximately 450 stray dogs a year. Those dogs wearing a valid licence identification disc are more likely to be reunited with their rightful owner. The identification number on the licence disc enables the dog warden to check the Council's licensing records, and trace and advise the owner of the dog's whereabouts, and prevents the dog from being rehomed or unnecessarily destroyed.
We also recommend that you get your dog microchipped. This simple, safe modern identification method is permanent and can`t be removed, so even if someone steals your dog we can still trace it by its microchip.