New dog licensing program for North Okanagan

A new system has been rolled out for licensing dogs in the North Okanagan, which officials say is simpler, more convenient and with other benefits.

The Regional District of North Okanagan is partnering with the Canadian company DocuPet on the new licensing program. The system includes a complimentary lost pet service, and donates 20 per cent of proceeds from designer tag sales to a local animal welfare organization.

“We have made the licensing process incredibly simple and have removed differential fees for intact versus altered dogs to encourage more dog owners to licence their dogs,” said Ashley Gregerson, communications officer, RDNO.

“Another benefit of the new program is that dog licences are valid for 365 days, whereas with the previous system, licences were only valid for a calendar year, meaning if someone bought their licence in October of 2019, they would have to renew on January 1, 2020. Now, they get the value of a full year before renewal,” Gregerson said.

Licences cost $20 and must be renewed annually. Dog owners who are used to paying more for their intact dogs will see a price reduction, while owners of altered dogs will pay the same as previous years and reap the added benefits of the new DocuPet system. Dog licences are mandatory for all dogs older than six-months within the RDNO dog licensing area of Electoral Areas B, C, a portion of area D, the City of Vernon, the District of Coldstream, and the Village of Lumby.

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The DocuPet system offers many new benefits, including:

• Your pet’s licence will include DocuPet’s HomeSafe™ Lost Pet Service. Each DocuPet tag has a unique number on the back tied to your pet’s secure online profile. Should they go missing, anyone who finds them can get in touch with DocuPet’s 24/7 dispatch team that helps connect pet finders with pet guardians to make happy reunions happen.
• Designer tags that double as your official RDNO Dog Licence with more than 160 different options. Owners can personalize tags by adding their phone number and pet’s name to the back.
• DocuPet will donate 20 per cent of the proceeds from all designer tag sales to a local animal welfare organization.

“Running an effective pet identification program is important for the welfare of pets. Keeping lost pets out of shelters and returning them to their parents is our priority at DocuPet. Over the past six years, we have helped thousands of lost pets get back home, but there is still the same joy in the office every time we get the news that we have another successful reunion. We are really looking forward to helping pets in the RDNO get home safe,” Grant Goodwin, CEO of DocuPet, said.

To celebrate the launch, DocuPet is offering $5 off designer tags to all residents who licence their dogs before December 2. Residents may use the code RDNO5 at checkout to receive the discount.

Pet guardians can buy a dog licence:

• Online at rdno.docupet.ca
• Over the phone by calling 1-855-249-1370 (toll-free)
• By mail
• In-person at:

– The RDNO’s office at 9848 Aberdeen Road, Coldstream;

– The Village of Lumby Municipal Hall at 1775 Glencaird Street, Lumby; or,

– The District of Coldstream Municipal Hall at 9901 Kalamalka Road, Coldstream.

Vet offices and pet stores no longer sell dog licences. The RDNO thanks all third-party vendors who have assisted with selling dog tags in the past.

More information is available on the RDNO’s website.