It just got more expensive to own a pet in Squamish.
The animal control fees and charges bylaw, which sets out higher fees for pet owners, was adopted at council Tuesday.
Increases of 25 per cent went into effect Wednesday.
“The increase better reflects the actual cost to the district and offsets some increased operating expenses, such as hydro, vehicle insurance, pet food, pet care,” said Richard Farina, district manager of bylaw enforcement and animal control, when he presented to council April 5.
An annual dog licence fee for a spayed or neutered dog, if paid on or before Jan. 31 for the year it is required, is now $25, up from $20. After Jan. 31, the licence costs $31.25, up from $25.
For unneutered or unsprayed dogs, licences now cost $62.50 before Jan. 31, up from $50. After Jan. 31, that figure jumps to $75, up from $60.
The cost of a dog licence for a breed deemed dangerous is now $100 if paid before Jan. 31, up from $80. If paid after Jan. 31, the new fee is $125, up from $100.
Guide dogs licences remain free.
More than $15,000 per year is projected to be raised following the increases, Farina said.
Impoundment fees and penalties have also gone up. A first-time seizure of a fixed cat or dog is now $75, up from $60. For a cat or dog that is not fixed, the cost is $100, up from $80. Impoundment fees for a dangerous-breed dog are $312.50, up from $250. Fees for the second seizures have also increased.
If a hen is on the loose, seized and impounded, it will cost $6.25 to cut it loose, whereas it used to cost $5 for such an infraction.
The additional penalty for an impounded, unlicensed dog is $37.50, up from $30.
The increases put greater emphasis on dog owners, “who may use the shelter or services, rather than on those who do not,” Farina said.
Squamish residents aged 65 and older won’t see any price increases if their animal has been spayed or neutered.
Maren Bruun, spokesperson for the Responsible Dog Owners Group of Squamish (Rdogs), says the increases are necessary.
“Owning a dog is a privilege and involves many costs of which licensing is only a small part,” she said.
“The licence fee increase of 25 per cent is quite a big increase – however, $5 more over the course of a year is 40 cents a month. Animal Control is a service our community needs…. Squamish has a high percentage of dog owners and needs service for the whole community.”
