Submitted by GSPCA on 15:06, 24th Jan, 2014

Owners of dogs in Guernsey are required to buy a licence from their parish authority for each dog they own. 

Dog Tax is payable annually at a rate of £10.00 per dog and is renewable each January by 31st of the month. 

Tax is due for all dogs over the age of 6 months - the only exceptions being dogs kept solely by a deaf or disabled person for their hearing or guidance (e.g. guide dogs for the blind or hearing dogs for the deaf). 

For the method of payment you should contact your parish, details of which can be found in the Parish Contacts of the Guernsey States web site which can be seen by clicking here. 

For puppies that are less than 6 months old or mature dogs not previously licensed on the island after 1st July, a reduced rate will apply in the first year of licensing.

Transfer of Dog Licences & Premises 

Licences are not transferable, even if the dog is given or sold to another person on the island, a new licence will be required. 

Should an owner move parish during the year, a new tax is not required, but it would help parish offices if owners would kindly notify them of any move, so that time is not wasted the following January reminding owners that the tax is due for renewal. Owners should then register the following year in their new parish of residence. 

Expiry of Licenses 

All existing dog licences expire annually on 31st December and must be renewed at the Constable's Office in the Parish in which the dog owner resides by 31st January. 

Dog owners failing to pay the tax could be liable to a fine not exceeding £500 in accordance with the Dog Licences (Guernsey) Law, 1969 (as amended).

To see more information on Dog Law in Guernsey please click here.

The information above is current from the States of Guernsey website as of January 2014.