Registration & dog licences

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Microchips or tattoos

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  • Canada and BC do not require microchips or tattoo identifications for your dog.

  • However, microchipping is recommended as the best way to return your dog to you if they get lost.

  • A veterinarian clinic can microchip your dog, usually around $45.

  • Tattooing an ID number on your dog was a more common practice in the past but has now been replaced by microchips.

Renting with a dog in Victoria, BC

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  • Landlords can choose whether to accept dogs or not in BC, according to our BC Tenancy Law.

  • A landlord can restrict the size, breed and number of pets (and dogs) for a rental in BC.

  • Pet deposit: A pet deposit can be charged in addition to your rental deposit. By law, a pet deposit must be no more than half of one month’s rent, regardless of the number of pets allowed.

  • Guide dogs: A landlord cannot prevent you from renting if you have a guide dog. They cannot charge a pet deposit for a guide dog. These are also called “service animals”.

  • Emotional support dogs & therapy dogs: The BC Tenancy Law does not currently require landlords to allow these dogs.

  • BC tenancy laws around pets: gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies/starting-a-tenancy/pets

Apartments that accept dogs in Victoria

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Dogs on public transit

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  • You can only take your dog on a BC Transit bus if it is small enough to fit on your lap, in a carrier. Otherwise, you can’t take dogs on public transit in Victoria.

  • Dogs in taxis: You can take your dog in a taxi. If your dog is more than 20lbs they may make you book a minivan or van instead of a regular taxi.

  • Guide dogs: You can take your guide dog on buses and in taxis.

Lost dog

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Adopting a dog in Victoria

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Find the right new home for your family

Here’s a specific guide to finding the right neighborhood in Victoria for you.

FINDING HOUSING: NEIGHBOURHOODS