As a pet owner or a possible pet owner, it is important to familiarize yourself with the City's policies around pet care.  The City's policies are outlined in these City Bylaws:

1. Animal Bylaw;
2. Noise Bylaw;
3. Exotic Animal Bylaw.

Animal Bylaw

This Bylaw provides parameters around the basic care you are required to provide for your pets. There are additional requirements for operating a kennel:

• You must obtain a kennel licence from the City
• Any person wishing to obtain a kennel license must apply in writing on the prescribed form and submit $100
• Upon approval of a kennel licence, the City will issue to the applicant a kennel licence  
• Your kennels must meet the Bylaw requirements as to size
• You must have the correct zoning to operate a kennel

The Animal Bylaw also regulates cats.  Every owner of a cat must ensure that his or her cat bears sufficient identification to allow a person finding the cat running at large to identify and contact the owner. 

Cat identification may take the form of a collar and tag worn by the cat, a traceable tattoo or a microchip.  The cat provisions also prohibit any unspayed or unneutered cat over the age of six months from being at large.  If your cat is not spayed or neutered you must keep it confined to your home. 

Additionally, any individuals interested in breeding cats must hold a valid Cat breeding permit before doing so.

Noise Bylaw

The Noise Bylaw makes it an offence to own or keep any animal or bird that makes enough noise to disturb the neigbourhood.  The most common complaint relates to barking dogs.  If the City recieves a barking dog complaint, it will: 

1. Have a Bylaw Inspector contact the dog owner and ask the owner to control the situation. 
2. If the problem persists, the dog owner may be fined $50. 
3. Subsequent disturbances may lead to further  fines and possible court action to restrain the owner from further violations.

Exotic Animal Bylaw

The Exotic Animal Bylaw prohibits the display, performance or exhibition of any exotic animals in the City.  This includes zoo animals such as bears, tigers, zebras and monkeys, as well as other non-domestic animals.  For a complete list of animals that are considered exotic, please refer to the Exotic Animal Bylaw.