Dog Tag Demand Surges as Bylaw Awareness Grows

Public Service Announcement
Dog Tag Demand Surges as Bylaw Awareness Grows
June 18, 2025 – Iqaluit, Nunavut

The City of Iqaluit would like to acknowledge a recent shift in community response to the updated animal control bylaw. Over the past several weeks, we have seen a notable increase in the number of dog tag registrations: more than were issued over the previous two years combined. This response shows that many residents are taking steps to register their pets, helping support clearer identification and faster reunification of lost dogs.

In the last two months alone, 173 dog tags have been issued. For comparison, only 151 tags were issued during all of 2024. So far, in 2025, the total has already reached 264 tags, reflecting a significant increase in registrations since the bylaw update.

Due to this increase in demand and ongoing postal and supply chain delays, our current supply of dog tags has been nearly depleted. City Hall is now out of tags, and only 24 remain at the Iqaluit Operations Centre. A replenishment order has been placed and is on its way. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we await their arrival.

Every tag helps keep dogs safe by making it easier to identify them and return them home if they get lost. This small step makes a big difference for both pets and their families.

Over the past few weeks, we have also seen a rise in community members sharing found dog notices on social media, checking in with neighbours, and stepping up to help reunite pets with their families. These actions are a clear reflection of the compassion and care that exist in our city.

This moment represents more than just an increase in dog tag requests. It reflects a broader shift in how we, as a community, are engaging with pet ownership by showing greater responsibility and awareness. People across Iqaluit are taking simple but important steps to help keep their dogs safe and easy to identify.

While we wait for our new stock to arrive, the City will continue to post found dogs on our social media platforms and website. In addition, hold times will pause over weekends, giving owners extra time to claim their pets. In the meantime, pet owners are encouraged to use temporary identification such as third party tags or writing contact information directly on collars. These simple steps can make a difference.

Thank you to all Iqalummiut for your continued cooperation during this transition. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for updates on when dog tags will be available again.

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For additional information, please contact:

Geoff Byrne
Communications and Customer Service Manager
City of Iqaluit
867-979-5619 | G.Byrne@iqaluit.ca