BRUCEDALE – As of Jan. 1, the cost of a dog licence in Guelph/Eramosa will increase by $2.
Dog tag licences currently cost $30 for neutered or spayed dogs, and $35 for fertile dogs.
The township is also introducing a $5 fee for licences that are not renewed within 60 days of expiration.
Guelph/Eramosa recently entered an 18-month contract with Centre Wellington and the Guelph Humane Society for animal control services.
In 2024, the total cost of the animal control services contract is expected to be $85,126.
The humane society’s responsibilities include:
– kennel inspections;
– dog limit investigations;
– service requests, including after hours;
– stray dog, cat, and wildlife intake;
– park patrols;
– poop and scoop;
– Dog Owner Liability Act investigations;
– provincial offence notices;
– dogs at large;
– deceased animals; and
– licensing and licensing investigations.
The increase in fees is intended to recover as much of the contract cost as possible.
According to a report from township clerk Amanda Knight included in an Oct. 2 council meeting agenda, “The township can associate 79 per cent of the services provided by the GHS to be related to some form of canine control.”
In 2022, the township collected $26,781 for 768 dog tag licenses.
If the same number is sold in 2024, the total collected will range from $24,576 to $28,416, before late fees and fees for replacement tags ($5 each).
Dog tags in Guelph/Eramosa will continue to cost less than in Centre Wellington, where a tag is $40, with a $10 late fee, and replacement fees.
Fees will be comparable to Puslinch, where licenses cost $33 each.
Licences in Erin range from $25 to $35, and in Guelph they range from $35 to $65.
After 2024, Puslinch will apply standard cost-of-living increases to the price of licencing dogs.
The township will also begin researching program costs to potentially introduce a cat licensing program.
