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.

It should be noted that since April 2012 it is no longer possible to licence a dog without including a valid microchip number for your dog.

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

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. You are now also able to complete your dog licence application through our online service.

APPLY ONLINE 

Derry City and Strabane District Council's online dog licencing service is provided in conjunction with the Council’s software provider Tascomi through a new service called Council Direct.

Before you can licence your dog you will need to create an account for Council Direct – follow instructions given on the link below. There will be other services for residents and businesses added to Council Direct in the near future.

https://council.direct/

 

Dog Licence Application

 

 

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.

 

A dog’s licence offers some proof of ownership. Under the Dogs (NI) Order 1983 as amended, 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 can be easily 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.

Microchipping is a simple, safe modern identification method which is permanent and can`t be removed, so even if someone steals your dog we can still trace it by its microchip.
 

Licensing is considered to be an integral part of responsible dog ownership. The owner of an unlicensed dog may be issued with a £75 fixed penalty notice or prosecuted in court.  The payment of a fixed penalty notice discharges any liability to conviction for that offence.  In court the maximum penalty on conviction for keeping or taking possession of a dog without a licence is £1000. Anyone selling or giving another person a dog without ensuring that the other person has a licence also commits an offence (maximum penalty fine £1000).    In 2011 the dog wardens issued 53 fixed penalty notices for licensing offences. 
 

Environmental Health Department
Level 5, DCC Offices
98 Strand Road, BT48 7NN
Tel: 028 71365151

Council Dog Shelter
Pennyburn Industrial Estate
Pennyburn
Tel: 028 71261414