Pet licenses

Last updated March 18, 2024

A pet license is required to have a dog or a cat. There is also a limit to the number of pets allowed per dwelling. Find out everything you need to know about pet licenses and legislation.

The city’s “By-law concerning domestic animals” sets out rules of conduct and civic-mindedness meant to keep residents safe and help humans and pets live together peacefully.

As of March 3, 2020, the provincial regulation applies as well as the municipal by-law.

If you live in Montréal and own a cat or a dog, you need to get a license and to renew it yearly. When you receive your license, you’ll get a tag. The tag must be worn at all times by your cat (except if he or she is microchipped) or dog. If you lose it or it becomes damaged, you can get a replacement tag. The tag and the microchip are methods of identification that make it easier to contact you if your lost pet is found.

Spaying/neutering and microchipping are mandatory for dogs and cats older than 6 months. Rabbits also need to be spayed.

Number of pets allowed

A total of 8 pets are allowed (among the allowed species), including the maximum permissible for dogs and cats.

Up to 4 pets are allowed, including a maximum of 3 dogs.

Examples:

  • You can have 4 rabbits, 3 dogs and 1 cat.
  • You can’t have 4 frogs and 4 dogs.

A foster family that houses pets in collaboration with a shelter may keep up to 8 pets (among the allowed species).

Up to 3 dogs are allowed.

Examples:

  • You can have 3 rabbits and 5 cats.
  • You can’t have 4 cats and 4 dogs.

When a dog, cat or rabbit gives birth, the puppy, kitten or kit may be kept without a license for a maximum of three months.

Up to 3 months old:

  • Puppies, kittens and baby bunnies do not count toward the total number of animals allowed.
  • These baby animals may be kept without a license.

3 months old and over:

  • Puppies, kittens and baby bunnies count toward the usual total of animals allowed (see above).
  • You must obtain licenses for your kittens and puppies. You don’t need licenses for your rabbits.

License for a dog or a cat

  • Pet owners are required to obtain a license for their pet and to renew it yearly.
  • The license becomes mandatory when the pet reaches three months of age, or within 15 days of the pet’s adoption or 15 days following the pet owner’s move to Montréal, with the longest period applying.
  • You must be 16 years of age or older to apply for a license.
  • You must inform the municipal authorities within 15 days if you move or are no longer the owner of your pet. In addition, you must notify the microchip supplier of any change within 15 days (if applicable).

Dog walker license

You must obtain a special dog walker license and have it with you to walk more than three dogs at a time. This license lets you walk a maximum of eight dogs at the same time.

Special license for potentially dangerous dogs

If you have a potentially dangerous dog, you must obtain a special license and be 18 or older to apply for the license.

Visiting Montréal with your pet

You don’t need a license to visit Montréal with your pet. You can bring your pet with you if:

  • You will be staying no longer than 30 days. 
  • You have your pet’s valid license with you, along with proof of residence. If a pet license is not required in your town or city, you must provide proof.

During your stay, you must comply with all pet-related legislation in Montréal under penalty of fines.

You are not allowed to bring the following dogs to Montréal:

  • Dogs that are subject to a euthanasia order
  • Hybrids (for example, a dog that is a cross between a wolf and a domestic dog).

If your dog has been declared potentially dangerous, has already bitten or attacked or tried to bite or attack a person or pet in another town or city, you must write to us prior to your arrival for verification.

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