Cookstown District Council
Environmental Health
Guidance when applying for a Dog Licence
Click for a Dog Licensing application
Does everyone who keeps a dog need a Licence?
Mostly Yes. However if your dog falls into any of the following categories you do not need a licence:
A] A Guide Dog
B] A Police Dog
C] A Dog under 6 months old kept with its mother
D] A dog kept in a licensed pet shop where it is on offer for sale
When should I get a Dog Licence?
You must buy a Dog Licence as soon as you take possession of a dog.
How much does a licence cost?
A basic Licence costs ----------------- £5.00
An Abatement Licence costs ---------- £2.50 (see Q9)
A Block Licence ----------------------- £12.50 (see Q10)
Where can I get a Licence?
If you are resident within the Cookstown District Council area you can get your Licence at the offices of Cookstown District Council, Council Offices, Burn Road, Cookstown BT80 8DT
How do I apply for a Licence?
For a Basic Licence you should complete an application form and either post it or hand it in with the Licence fee at Cookstown Council Offices.
How do I pay the Licence Fee?
Payments can be made by Cheque/ Postal Order or in Cash if you apply in person to the offices.
What do I need to Apply?
You will need a description of the dog including the breed, colour, age, sex and name.
How long does a Licence last?
A licence is valid for one year from the commencement date.Who is entitled to an abatement of the Licence Fee. (A Concessionary Licence)
A person 65 or over who lives alone. Only one Concessionary Licence can be issued in any period of 12 months. To apply you should complete the Licence Application Form and bring or send it along with the relevant fee to the Licensing Department.
Who is entitled to a Block Licence?
Any person who keeps on the same premises 3 or more unsterilised bitches any of which is used for breeding; or 3 or more dogs (including bitches) registered with the Kennel Club, or other approved registering organisation or if a person keeps as part of a registered guard dog kennels 3 or more dogs which are used as guard dogs elsewhere.
Can a Licence be transferred?
Yes. If your dog dies and you hold a valid Licence you can apply to your District Council with the details of the replacement dog.
Do I get anything apart from a Licence?
Yes. You will get a coloured Tag to be fastened to the dog's collar except when working. The tag is not proof of licensing and an authorised officer may ask you to produce your Licence.
Can I get a refund of Licence Fee?
Yes - But only if within 30 days from the day of issue
(a) you do not get a dog; or (b) you dispose of the dog; or (c) the dog dies.
To apply for a refund you should contact the Licensing Officer. The Licence and Identification Tag must be returned when a refund is claimed.
Do I get a reminder when a licence is due to expire?
Yes, the month before your licence is due to expire a reminder will be posted out.
Must I be a minimum age to obtain a Dog Licence?
Yes - 16 Years old.