Pet and Pet Store Licences

Pet licences

All cats and dogs in the City of Oshawa must be licensed in accordance with the Responsible Pet Owners By-law. You can visit the Pet Licences webpage for more information and to purchase your pet licence online. 

If you already have a licence and would like to update any information about you or your pet, please e-mail licensing@oshawa.ca.

Pet Store licences

All pet stores need to have a licence if they have cats, dogs, and/or rabbits available for purchase/adoption. These cats, dogs, and rabbits may only be sourced from the following organizations: 

• Humane Society of Durham Region
• Animal shelters operated on behalf of Ontario municipalities
• Animal rescue groups

What are the licensing requirements?

Licences will be issued according to the Responsible Pet Owners By-law. There is no fee for this licence and it is a lifetime licence.

Conditions of the licence includes:

• Cats, dogs, and rabbits must only come from municipal animal shelters, the Humane Society of Durham Region, and animal rescue groups
• Pet stores will need to keep records proving the source of all animals adopted/sold through their locations. Details must include:
  • Identification of the animal
  • Where the animal came from
  • Dates for the animal's presence in the store

How can I get a licence for my pet store?

To apply for a Pet Store Licence, you must submit the following documents:

• Pet Store Licence Application form
• Business Name Registration/Master Business Licence or Franchise Agreement
• Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)