How to Apply for a Dog License

Having a dog is a blessing – the fun they bring into our lives and the companionship exhibited by these animals in Mumbai cannot be overemphasised. However, where there are great friends, there are always significant duties; therefore, one of the mandatory requirements for everyone who is a proud owner of a dog in Mumbai is to get a dog licence. With this licence, not only is your furry friend officially registered with city authorities, but their goal is to make the city safer and healthier for dogs.

Getting a dog licence—or renewing a licence—in Mumbai can be confusing, but this blog will be your one-stop resource. Here, we will outline the steps if needed, explain the documents to submit, and delineate any questions that might be running through your mind.

Why Get a Dog License in Mumbai?

There are several compelling reasons to get your dog licensed in Mumbai:

• Legality: There is a legal requirement to have a dog licence in Mumbai; it is not optional since the legislation deems it fit. Failure to license your dog may be a legal concern wherein you may be subjected to fines, or your pet may be taken away.
• Identification: A dog license is an official label attached to the collar, proving dog ownership. If your dog gets lost, a online pet license increases the chances of its return safely and within the shortest time possible.
• Vaccination Records: To get a dog license, an owner must provide documents stating that his dog has recently been vaccinated against rabies and leptospirosis. This is for your dog's consuming interest and the health and welfare of dogs throughout Mumbai.
• Community Responsibility: This is crucial to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) since it acts as a record-keeping mechanism for dog ownership within the city. Collecting such data is vital for developing and applying sound animal control measures and community health programs.

The Two Ways to Apply for a Dog License (or Dog License Renewal) in Mumbai

There are two convenient ways to get your dog licensed (or renew an existing pet license) in Mumbai:

1. Online Application: The BMC has an online facility for applying for and renewing dog licenses more comfortably. This means that you can save time as you are not physically required to go to the store and wait in long lines as you complete the process from your home.
2. Offline Application: You can also apply for a dog license (or Dog license renewal) by submitting the forms directly to the BMC at any ward office.

Applying for a Dog License Online (Step-by-Step Guide)

The application for a dog license in Mumbai through the website is user-friendly and quick. Here's what you need to do:

1. Visit the BMC Portal, and head to the MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai) portal: https://www.mcgm.gov.in/irj/portal/anonymous/qlAppDodL.
2. Go to “Dog License” under the “For Citizens” tab and find the respective tab “License- Dog”.
3. Fill out the Application: The online form also asks for basic information about your dog, such as breed, age, sex, and whether or not the dog has been neutered. You will also need to enter your address and contact details.
4. Upload Required Documents: This is where you will have to scan and attach the copies of the following:
• Your address proof (Aadhaar card is preferable).
• Latest vaccination certificate of Rabies for your dog
• Leptospirosis vaccination record of your dog
• Neutering/spaying certificate (if any).
5. Apply: After completing the form and attaching the necessary documents, click ‘Submit’ to finalise your application.
6. Payment and Issuance: This online portal will let you register your details and then take you through a safe payment procedure for the dog license fee. After the license is issued, you will receive it at your registered address in the shortest time possible, which is three days.

Important Note: All uploaded documents should be in PDF or JPG format and not exceed 2MB in size.

Renewing Your Dog License Online

To renew a dog license, one must follow the same procedure as applying for a new one online in Mumbai. This is mainly because if your details are already in the system, the renewal process usually takes a shorter time. The only requirement is to ensure you provide updated vaccination certificates for your dog and upload them as directed.

Here's a tip: Hurry up! Please don’t delay this process! Dog licenses are issued annually and expire on March 31st of every year. An expired pet license is unlawful for your pet, and renewing it early will ensure your friend complies.

Applying for a Dog License Offline (For Those Who Prefer It)

If you are uncomfortable with the online process, you can always visit your nearest BMC ward office and get a hard copy of the application and the form. Complete the form, enclose the documents specified above and send the application to the licensing fees. Offline applications may take a little longer to process than online applications.

Finding Your Nearest BMC Ward Office

Need help determining which BMC ward office is under your area? Don't worry! You can easily access this by entering the ward number using the ward finder option on the BMC website.

In addition, some online pet care service provider companies are available nowadays, such as PetKonnect, which can assist you in applying for a license and renewing it. They can help go through each of the papers uploaded through the online portal to ensure that each is well arranged and orderly and posted online and physically at the ward office, where those seeking physical copies of the posts make their applications offline. This can be very useful to the people who own the pets by significantly when they are very busy with their timetable or those who need tips.

Here's why PetKonnect can be your one-stop shop for dog licensing in Mumbai:

• Experienced Team: The team at PetKonnect includes personnel who are very aware of the policies governing the licensing of dogs in Mumbai.
• Convenience: PetKonnect helps you save time and energy.
• Peace of Mind: For the license application, you can rest assured that PetKonnect can handle the license for dog.

Visit PetKonnect's website at https://www.petkonnect.in/ to learn more about their dog licensing services and explore other pet care offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dog Licenses in Mumbai

1. How much does it cost to license a dog in Mumbai? For instance, the license cost differs depending on the dog's age in Mumbai. The latest fee structure has been updated on BMC's official website.
2. Is it possible to license a pet cat or rabbit? According to the present laws, acquiring dog licenses in Mumbai is mandatory, but no such permits are needed for cats or rabbits.
3. What happens if I lose my dog's license? You can apply for a duplicate license at the BMC ward office or through the online portal. There might be a small processing fee for a duplicate license.
4. Can I take my dog out of Mumbai if it's licensed? Yes, you can take your licensed dog outside Mumbai city limits. However, some travel restrictions might apply depending on the destination. It's always best to check with the local authorities beforehand.
5. Where can I find more information about dog licensing in Mumbai? The BMC website is https://www.mcgm.gov.in/irj/portal/anonymous/qldoghowapply

By adhering to these guidelines and using the above resources, it is possible that your furry friend will get adequately licensed and help you to develop a responsible pet-owning society in Mumbai. As the saying goes, a licensed dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is a happy pet!