Get or renew a special license to keep a potentially dangerous dog

Last updated January 3, 2024

Do you want to obtain or renew a special license to keep your dog, identified as potentially dangerous? Here is how to do so.

You must meet all the requirements for getting a dog license, in addition to providing supplementary information, as required by the By-law concerning domestic animals (21-012).

Additional requirements

Here are the documents you will need to provide: 

  • Valid photo identification, proving that the custodian is 18 years of age or older
  • Valid proof of residence
  • Proof of sterilization
  • Proof of microchipping
  • Written, current proof that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies
  • A certificate of negative search of a criminal record, issued within the last three months

Custodian with a criminal record

If you are a custodian with a criminal record, you must provide a certificate of positive search of a criminal record accompanied by an attestation issued by the SPVM no more than three months earlier. The attestation must specify that the applicant was not found guilty, in the five years preceding the licence application or renewal date, of an offence listed in Schedule 1 or 2 of the By-law.

Transfer or donation of a potentially dangerous dog prohibited

A custodian cannot give or transfer the care of a potentially dangerous dog to another custodian. Only transfers to a shelter or a veterinary clinic are permitted. In such cases, the custodian must notify the municipal administration in writing.

Death or move

The custodian must provide proof of the death of their dog.

Before moving and changing the place of custody of a potentially dangerous dog, its custodian must inform the municipal administration in writing two days before the change

Do you have other questions?

Write us.

Get or renew a license

You must go to your Accès Montréal Office and provide the required documentation.

Here are the fees to pay for this type of license: 

  • Permit: $161.50
  • Notice (required): $11
  • Late fee: $11

Required documents

Here is the list of identification documents and proof of residence that are accepted.

Show one form of photo ID from among the following options:

  • Proof of identity and residence issued by Doctors of the World
  • Citizenship card
  • Permanent resident card
  • Québec health insurance card
  • Passport in French or in English showing your date and place of birth
  • Driver’s license

Show one form of proof of address from among the following options:

  • Proof of identity and residence issued by Doctors of the World
  • Notice of assessment from Revenu Québec or the Canada Revenue Agency
  • Québec health insurance card renewal notice
  • Québec driver’s license renewal notice
  • Accès Montréal card
  • Home insurance certificate or statement that is less than one year old
  • School or municipal tax account
  • Bill from a public utility (electricity, telephone, gas or cable provider) that is less than three months old
  • Bill from an educational institution that is less than three months old
  • Driver’s license
  • Record of Employment Insurance
  • Monthly statement from a credit or financial institution that is less than three months old

Legislation