Responsibilities

• You must provide basic care which includes food, water, shelter, veterinarian care and exercise for your pet.
• You must abide by the City's bylaws around pets and animals.  This means:
  • Your dog/s must be leashed at all times unless you're in a park that has dog unleashed areas and times;
  • You must clean up after your dog;
  • Your pets must not cause a nuisance to the community.
• If your dog is classified as a vicious dog by virtue of its breed it should be muzzled at all times in public places.  Refer to the Animal Bylaw to view a list of dogs classified as vicious by virtue of breed.
• If your dog has been designated as a vicious dog, due to a vicious attack, you must keep your dog kenneled on your property and keep it muzzled at all times in public places.
• You must licence your dog.
• You must ensure your cat is identified either with a collar and tag, tattoo or microchip.

Pet Owner Tips 

1. Research an animal before you adopt.   There are books at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter that provide information on different breeds.
2. It is best to adopt an animal that fits your family, home and lifestyle by considering breed factors such as:
   • some are good with kids;
   • some will require a lot of exercise;
   • the space you have available;
   • level of activity.
3. Talk to the Shelter staff, who are happy to provide information about different breeds and the animals up for adoption.
4. It is a good idea to tattoo or have microchip implants as identifiers for your pets. They are a great means of tracking lost pets.   Please remember that tattoos and microchips are only effective if owners keep their contact information accurate. If you move, please ensure you update your contact information with the organization that provided the tattoo or microchip. 

Animal Control Bylaw
#2851 - click here for PDF file.
#3237 - click here for PDF file.