How to do Dog Registration in India: A Guide for Pet Parents
Contrary to other countries like the US, UK, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Ireland, etc., India does not have any pan-India law for dog-licenses. But pet owners can get their dogs registered with the local municipal authorities based on their city and state.
The importance of registering your dog with the proper authorities cannot be overstated. Since there is no countrywide law with regard to registration, it is important to know as much as you can about the municipal authorities in different cities in India and the process of registration.
Earlier, in many cities, you could even be fined if you failed to register your dog with their municipal corporations; ex.: Lucknow. However, not all cities had such stringent practices. Noida is one of those cities that did not have such a rule, and many people may not have bothered with registration, at all.
Here’s all the information you need about dog registration in India.
Why pets need to be registered?
It is a fact that although there is now a rule to register your dog, not many people follow this rule. They continue to keep their pet dogs at home without registering them and sometimes even without renewing the mandatory license annually. Why are we insisting that all furry friends must be registered? Because:
- It is the law and therefore, mandatory.
- It is cheaper to get the license than having to pay the penalty for going without one.
- Proves that your dog has been properly vaccinated.
- It is essential to have your dog registered with the right documentation if you ever plan to enter your pet in dog shows. Your dog will not be accepted otherwise. That is not to say that if you have no intention of having your dog take part in dog shows, you do not need to register your dog.
- The Government of India has made this stipulation that it is forbidden to breed unregistered dogs for dog breeders and potential dog owners.
- All pertinent information about your dog can be accessed only with the help of registration that comes along with the microchip. This is critical for dog owners in case your dog goes missing. Tracing and locating your dog and bringing it back home is possible with such information.
How to register your dog in India?
Now that you know why your dog needs to be registered, find out how it can be done.
There are only two rules. One is to register your dog with KCI (Kennel Club of India), and the other is to register your dog with the local municipality.
If you have bought your dog from a breeder, you would also have received the KCI certificate with a microchip. This will come with a form called Transfer of Ownership signed by the breeder for the ownership to be transferred to you. You can use this form to submit to the local KCI to register your new dog.
If you did not receive any certificate from the breeder, you might have to wait for a year before you can get your dog registered with the KCI. You will have to carry postcard-sized photographs of your dog along with the requisite forms for this process.
Once the registration is completed with the KCI, you will need to go through a similar process with your local municipality. The process varies depending on which city you and your dog live in. It would help for you to visit the local office and take the necessary action.
Here are The Pet Registration Regulations of Different Indian States/Cities
Delhi/NCR
Section 399 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act makes it necessary for every dog owner to register their pet. You can get your dog register with them by following its canine registration requirements. It includes
- An annual registration charge of ₹ 500
- Vaccination proof/details of your dog
- A picture of your dog
- An identity proof stating its address
- Documents for breed information
Gurgaon
The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) does have provisions for pet registration, but it’s not mandatory. If you want to register your dogs, all you need to do is pay a fixed annual charge of ₹ 500 and submit all necessary medical and neutering certificates with them.
Ghaziabad
The Ghaziabad Municipal Corporation, in 2019, has passed a proposal to regulate pet ownership. Initially, it was suggested ₹5000 as fees for the registration of pet dogs. But after several complaints from many pet owners, they brought it down to ₹1000.
Now, you can register your dog in Ghaziabad through the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam Pet Registration app. The formalities include
- Paying registration fee of ₹1000
- Furnishing details of your pet dog online like
- name
- age
- breed
- details about vaccination
- A photo of your dog
The corporation also penalizes pet owners with ₹ 500 every time if your dog defecates in open areas.
Lucknow
If you live in Lucknow, being a pet owner, you have to shell out yearly charges for registering your dog. You can get your dog registered at Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC).
- For registration of big dogs (like Doberman, Labrador, German Shepherd) – ₹500
- For registration of small dogs (like Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Spitz) – ₹300
- For registration of local indie (Indian Pariah) dog breeds – ₹200
Once you get a registration certificate issued, you must renew it annually. If you fail to do it in time, it will lead to a hefty penalty of ₹5000.
Mumbai
Under Section 14, rule number 22(a) sub-clause 386 of Maharashtra Municipal Provincial Act, it’s mandatory that you obtain a dog license. The formalities for registering your dog in Mumbai includes submitting
- A valid address proof
- A passport size picture of your dog
- The latest vaccination card of your dog, containing owner details like
- full name,
- address,
- contact number,
- and the name of the veterinarian along with the details of the clinic that issued it
- The new dog registration fee is ₹75 per dog and ₹50 as renewal charges for the subsequent years.
Bengaluru
If you live in Bangalore, you have to follow the pet dog capping rules of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP).
- If you stay in an apartment, you get a dog license to keep only one dog per apartment.
- If you live in an independent housein the metropolitan city, then you can get a dog license to keep a maximum of three dogs.
Further, BBMP has also announced a list of 64-approved breeds for apartments to restrict problems like pet nuisance and cruelty towards animals in apartment complexes.
The Karnataka Municipal Corporation also issues pet licenses through BBMP, and to get your dogs registered; you need to provide
- Updated rabies and 7-in-1 vaccinations records of your dogs
- Your dog details like
- name,
- age,
- breed
- The owner details like name and contact information.
- The license fee is ₹110 per dog, but you have to renew it annually.
The corporation also has a penalty clause if you fail to register your dog annually. They impose a fine of ₹1000 for it, and if you continue to breach registration, they may extend it like ₹300 every day.
Guwahati
In Guwahati, it is mandatory to register your dogs over three months of age as per the GMC Act. If you fail to do so, it’s punishable under the law. The NGO/society is responsible for the registration of your dog.
The NGO/society functions as an intermediary between you and GMC. They can collect ₹100 as registration fees and ₹10 as application fees per dog from you and get the Metal Tags for your dogs from GMC Veterinary branch after payment of ₹60 per dog.
They must also get the signed registration certificate from the GMC Veterinary Officer after submitting pet documents like
- A photograph of you (pet owner)with your dog
- The duly filledform A and B of Levy of Tax on Dogs, as per Guwahati Byelaws, 1975
Pune
In Pune, you can get your dog registered with Pune Municipal Corporation. They take advance registration charges of ₹ 500 for ten years (₹50 per year). For registering your dog, you have to submit documents
- 3-passport size photographs of your dog
- Anti-rabies certificate of your dog
- Your details as a pet owner like name and address proof
You get your dog license, maximum within six working days, but you need to re-register your pet at the municipal body’s ward office each year to notify your dog is still living with you.
Indore
In Indore, registering your dog with Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) is simple. All you need to do is visit the nearest government veterinary clinic, along with your dog and fill the application form. It contains details about your dog and you.
Along with the latest vaccination records and an annual fee of ₹100, submit it with IMC. Later, you procure the license for your dog from them. The best part is there’s no age limit to get your dog registered in Indore.
Chennai
It is mandatory in Chennai to acquire a dog license. You can get your dog registered through the health department of Greater Chennai Corporation. You have to pay a registration fee of ₹50 per dog for it.
The registration in Chennai comes along with free immunization for canines that you get from CMC-run pet clinics in the city. To register your dog in Chennai, you need to supply documents with
- Pet information like
- Name of your dog
- Color of your dog
- Dog breed
- Age
- And owner details like full name and contact information
Chandigarh
As per Chandigarh Municipal Corporation (CMC), it is mandatory to register your dog. If you have a dog aged more than four months, then get it registered with the civic body at once. Chandigarh also has pet capping laws. As a family, you cannot have more than 2-dogs.
Recently, they have revised the pet registration fees. As per the amended Pet Dog Bye-laws 2020, now you have to pay ₹500 for the registration instead of ₹200.
Moreover, they have also added a penalty clause. You have to pay a fine of ₹ 500 to ₹ 5000 for open defecation. So, if you are taking your dogs to public gardens, Sukhna Lake, and other parks in Chandigarh, an open defecating can attract up to ten times the fine (₹5000).
However, CMC has exempted blind persons with pets from the licensing fees, and the registration of their pets can remain valid till the pet lives.
For registration in Chandigarh, you need documents like,
- 2-latest photographs of the dog
- Application form containing owner details and dog information
- Your Aadhaar Card
- A copy of the vaccination certificate from a government veterinary practitioner – duly registered with the Indian Veterinary Council (IVC)/ State Veterinary Council (SVC)
- A certificate from a veterinary doctor stating that your dog is sterilized and inoculated for rabies
The Dog Registration Procedure in India: Steps to Follow
To get your dog registered in India, follow the rules and regulations of the municipal corporation (MC) of your city:
Step 1: Submission of documents
You need to submit documents as required by your MC. Mostly they need documents like
- A duly filled application form for registration (either online or offline)
- An undertaking by you, accepting to adhere to the bylaws
- The registration charges (as per the state rules)
- A vaccination certificate from a registered veterinary practitioner
- Two passport size photographs of your dog
- Your address and identity proof
Step-2: Issuing the registration certificate and the metal identity badge
After submitting the documents, your licensing procedure from your end is complete. The MC will verify the documents and issue you the registration certificate of your dog, along with the license number. They will also provide a metal identity badge for your dog containing the name and license number.
Step-3: Collect the registration certificate and metal badge from the MC
The final step of getting your dog registered is to collect the dog license and metal badge from MC. The time of getting them from MC can vary from city-to-city. After you acquire it, fix the metal badge on the collar of your dog for verification.
Benefits of Dog Registration in India
If you are still wondering why you should register your dog in India, take a look at some of the benefits here
- Avoiding Punishment as Owner
In the case of a dog-bite, being a pet owner of a registered dog, you can avoid punishment by showing the registration certificate. The certificate works as a piece of evidence that your dog is vaccinated. You can convince that the victim does not need an anti-rabies injection.
- Finding Your Pet
Due to some untoward circumstances, if you lost your pet baby, the dog tags will help. Anyone can check the license number on them and unite you with your pet baby.
- Proof of Ownership
In case of any dispute, a registration certificate gives you the right to prove your ownership.
- Dog Breeding
If you want to breed dogs for earning, your dog should be registered and have proper documentation. Breeding of unregistered dogs is prohibited.
- Participate in Dog Shows
Most of the dog shows organized in India require a registered dog to participate. You can not signup for dog shows without proof of dog registration and documentation.
Registering Your Dog with Kennel Club of India (KCI)
Apart from the local civic bodies, KCI also provides registration for all pet dogs in India, irrespective of the dog breed. Also, if you want to transfer ownership of your dog (legally), a registration certificate with KCI can help you with it. The central purpose of getting registered with KCI is to take preventive action on rabies and leptospirosis.
So, in case of rabies and leptospirosis outbreak in your area, your dog gets protected. It’s kept aside and not counted as a carrier/transmitter of these diseases. Moreover, your dog gets the chance to participate in Annual Dog Shows and Specialty Shows as organized by KCI every year.
You can get your dog registered with KCI online by following the registration procedure and paying the fees.
Registration fees KCI:
- Dog Bred in India with unknown parentage – ₹337
- Dog imported from abroad – ₹1124
- Imported puppy (imported within 60 days) – ₹562
- Imported puppy (imported within 61 – 120 days) – ₹843
- Annual subscription to the Indian Kennel Gazette – ₹337
Once you complete the formalities, they will provide you a microchip fitted collar along with a registration certificate. The microchips contain all information about your pet and make it easier for authorities to find your dog if it gets lost.
Every pet parent tries to keep their dog healthy and happy. But, think about protecting them from abuses and providing them the legal right to enjoy a vicinity with dignity.
Here are some rules regarding dog registration in different cities:
Bengaluru: In 2018, the Bruhat Bengaluru MahanagaraPalike (BBMP) had issued a few by-laws regarding pet dogs. This included a cap of one dog per apartment and three per independent villas or houses. However, they faced great resistance from the people of the city, and the BBMP has felt the need to address the concerns from dog owners.
The reasoning behind initiating the one dog per apartment is that an apartment has less space than an independent home and may become congested with a family and their dog. It is in keeping the welfare of the dog in mind. Still, the process of registering your dog with BBMP remains mandatory.
Delhi/NCR: The Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, Section 399 stipulates that every dog owner should register their pet. The dog registration includes an annual registration fee of Rs. 500 along with documentation to prove vaccination, a photograph, and proof of address as well as breed.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Municipal Provincial Act, Section 14, rule number 22(a) sub-clause 386 stipulates that every pet owner must get a license for their dog. The pet owner must furnish an address proof document, a photograph, most recent vaccination reports, contact information of the owner, and the vet’s name with the information on the vet’s clinic. A fee of Rs 75 will be charged for the first time registration, and subsequent renewal charges will be Rs 50./-
Pune: The municipality in Pune is open to advance registration for ten years for a fee of Rs 500/. The pet owners will need to submit three passport size photographs, anti-rabies certificates, and the pet owner’s address proof. Additionally, the dog has to get re-registered each year.
Chennai: The Greater Chennai corporation can issue a dog’s license for a cost of Rs 50/-. This includes free immunisation from the corporation-run clinics in the city. The dog owner only has to supply the details such as name of the dog, its colour, breed, and age along with contact information of the dog’s owner.
Pet Registration With Municipal Corporation In India | Importance & Procedure To Follow
It is now compulsory for all pet owners in the nation to register their pets with the local municipal authorities. This is a significant advance in making our communities pet-friendly. Registration of pets has many benefits from helping pet owners to obtain a legitimate identity for their pets to maintaining data to track information area-wise.
What is Pet Registration?
It is compulsory for pet dog owners to have a license. By filling out a simple form you can register your pet in a local body. It gives you a certification for your pet with all the relevant details.
Why Pet Registration is Important?
By registering your pet in your city, you can avoid punishment if your dog bites someone by producing the pet’s registration certificate as proof that you are the owner. A registered certificate can be helpful in locating a pet that is perhaps missing, and it is also important in case your pet’s ownership is ever in doubt.
You may sometimes encounter instances where pet owners have to prove their pet ownership. During such scenarios, one of the best and most reliable ways is to opt for pet registration. It is not only valid as personal proof but pet owners prove the ownership of their pet through photographs or videos sometimes. In some scenarios, people give verbal assurance for the ownership of the pet. Yet the most effective method proofs the ownership of your pet is by ‘Registering your pet’.
If you ever want to enter your dog in dog shows, it is crucial to have your dog registered with the appropriate paperwork. If not, we won’t accept your dog. That is not to suggest that you do not need to register your dog if you do not intend to enter it in dog shows.
It’s not just a mere document it is legal proof of the ownership of your pet. And that is why the government has made it compulsory for pet owners to register their respective pets. Therefore, register your dog to provide security and assistance for your furry child. Additionally, as the government of India uses registration fees for animal welfare, you should register your dog there as well.
How to Register Your Dog with Municipal in India?
Registration of pets varies from city to city. There are just two regulations. You can register your dog in one of two ways: either with the KCI (Kennel Club of India) or with the neighborhood government. If you purchased your dog from a breeder, the KCI certificate with a microchip would also have been given to you. This will include a Transfer of Ownership document that needs to be completed by the breeder in order for ownership to be transferred to you. This form can be used to register your new puppy with the local KCI.
If the breeder does not provide you with a certificate, you might have to wait a year before registering your dog with the KCI. You must provide the required paperwork and postcard-sized photos of your dog to complete this process.
After registration with the KCI, you will need to follow a similar procedure with your neighborhood municipality. Depending on the city you and your dog reside in, the procedure differs. You should go to the neighborhood office and complete the proper steps there.
Here are Some Guidelines for Pet Registration in Several Cities in India
Make sure to read all the important guidelines before proceeding to fill out the pet registration form. Every city and its municipal body has its own rules and regulation. It is crucial to fill out all the mandatory data and abide by the terms and conditions mentioned.
Pet Registration in Delhi
According to Section 399 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, all dog owners need to register their animals. The dog registration involves an Rs. 500 annual registration fee, proof of immunization, a photo, proof of address, and information about the breed.
Official Link – Municipal Corporation Delhi
Pet Registration in Gurugram
Pet registration is permitted by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG), although it is not required. All you have to do to register your dogs is pay a set annual fee of 500 Rs. and include all required medical and neutering certificates with them.
Official Link – Municipal Corporation of Gurugram
Pet Registration in Mumbai
Every pet owner is required to obtain a license for their dog under the terms of Section 14, Rule Number 22(a), Sub-Clause 386 of the Maharashtra Municipal Provincial Act. An address verification document, a photo, the most recent immunization records, the owner’s contact information, the name of the veterinarian, and clinic information are all requirements for pet owners. For initial registration, a price of Rs 75 will be assessed, and subsequent renewal fees will be Rs 50/-
Official Link – Maharashtra Municipal Corporation
Pet Registration in Pune
For a price of Rs. 500, the municipality of Pune accepts early registration for ten years. Three passport-sized photos, rabies certificates, and documentation of the pet owners’ addresses must be provided by the pet owners. The dog must also renew its registration every year.
Official Link – Pune Municipal Corporation
Pet Registration in Dehradun
Owners must complete a form available at the DMC office and submit it along with proof of rabies vaccinations in order to register a pet. For keeping a pet at home, a cost of Rs 200 will be assessed each year.
Official Link – Dehradun Municipal Corporation
Pet Registration in Lucknow
If you live in Lucknow and have a pet, you must pay annual fees to register your dog. Dog registration is possible through the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC). The process of pet registration in Lucknow is offline for now.
Pet Registration in Chennai
A dog license can be obtained from the Greater Chennai Corporation for Rs. 50. This includes free vaccinations provided by the city’s corporate clinics. The dog owner just needs to provide the dog’s name, color, breed, and age, as well as the owner’s contact information. The process of pet registration in Chennai is offline for now.
Registration Procedure in India:
Follow the guidelines set forth by the municipal corporation (MC) of your city to register your dog in India:
Step 1: Submission of documents
- You need to submit documents as required by your MC. Mostly they need documents like
- A duly filled application form for registration (either online or offline)
- An undertaking by you, accepting to adhere to the bylaws
- The registration charges (as per the state rules)
- A vaccination certificate from a registered veterinary practitioner
- Two passport-size photographs of your dog
- Your address and identity proof
Step 2: Issuing the registration certificate and the metal identity badge
- After submitting the documents, your licensing procedure from your end is complete. The MC will verify the documents and issue you the registration certificate of your dog, along with the license number. They will also provide a metal identity badge for your dog containing the name and license number.
Step 3: Collect the registration certificate and metal badge from the MC
- The final step of getting your dog registered is to collect the dog license and metal badge from MC. The time of getting them from MC can vary from city to city. After you acquire it, fix the metal badge on the collar of your dog for verification.
Few Benefits of Dog Registration in India
Staying out of Trouble as an Owner
Being the owner of a registered dog, you can avoid penalties in the event of a dog bite by producing the registration certificate. The certificate serves as proof that your dog has received his or her vaccinations. You can persuade the victim that an anti-rabies injection is unnecessary.
Locating Your Pet
The dog tags will be useful if you lost your pet child as a result of unfortunate events. Anyone may locate you and your pet baby by looking up the license number on them.
Proof of Ownership
A registration certificate gives you the ability to demonstrate your ownership in the event of a dispute.
Dog Breeding
If you intend to breed dogs for financial gain, your dog must be registered and have the necessary paperwork. It is forbidden to breed canines that are not registered.
Participate in Dog Shows
Most of the dog shows organized in India require a registered dog to participate. You cannot sign up for dog shows without proof of dog registration and documentation.
PET LICENSE LAWS ACROSS THE GLOBE
Toronto, Canada- Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349 makes it mandatory for pet parents to get individual licenses for all dogs and cats owned by them. The pets can be registered online, in person, by phone or mail by filling a simple Pet Registration Application along with the owner’s credit card and the name and contact details of the pets’ vet. ID tags are included as part of the annual license fees, which is $60 for dogs and $50 for cats.
The registration fee is significantly reduced if the animal has been spayed or neutered, and in case the owner is a senior citizen. The pet parent needs to submit proof of the pet’s sterilisation and/or their age to avail these discounts. The registration amount is utilised by the Toronto Animal Services towards shelter and care for homeless animals. Getting a pet license also makes sure that the dog or cat is safely returned to the owner in case of it getting lost by identification through license tags and microchips.
Germany- Most European countries abolished the practice of Dog Tax in the 20th Century, however, the German authorities stubbornly refuse to scrape off this law. Pet parents in Germany are, therefore, required to pay the mandatory Dog Tax (Hundesteuer) according to the number of canines they own. Service dogs are exempt from the Hundesteuer and so are rescue dogs in their first year of adoption.
The registration amount for the first dog in Berlin is 120 EUR per year while registration of each additional dog in the same family costs 180 EUR annually. Re-registration is required every time the owner moves to a new residence. Each state has its own pet registration requirements and fees. Pet owners also need to pick up after their dog and follow the local leash laws.
There is no taxation for cat ownership in the country. However, both dogs and cats need to be licensed. The dog tax and registration fees are utilised towards creation of dog-related services such as dog waste bins. In addition, many states have a mandatory procedure for personal liability insurance which covers all kinds of unexpected damages caused by pet dog(s).
New Zealand- The country has formulated regulations for canine licensing and registration under the Dog Control Act 1996. All dogs over 3 months of age need to be registered with their city or district council. The licensed dogs are required to wear a tag indicating the council, registration number and registration expiry date. Registration charges vary according to council, neuter status, urban/rural accommodation, dangerous/menacing nature and other factors. Registration fees are lower for working dogs while disabled canines are exempted from these costs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is pet registration compulsory in India?
Yes, Pet registration has been made mandatory by the government to ensure a better way of pet ownership by pet parents.
- How much is a dog license in India?
Pet owners will pay a yearly cost of Rs 500 with each registration, and those who do not register their pets will be subject to a penalty. By the first of March 2023, pet owners must also have their animal rabies vaccinated and sterilized. The penalty for postponing immunization or sterilization is Rs 2,000/month.
- Do you need permission to keep a dog?
You require authorization to have a pet if you are a renter or resident. Normally, only two animals may be requested with authorization.
- Do cats need licenses in India?
According to the law, residents are required to register their domesticated dogs, cats, or horses with the local government.
Compiled & Shared by- Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
Image-Courtesy-Google
Reference-On Request.
