Animal Services

By-law 2022-43 provides for the regulation, registration, keeping and licensing of dogs, and prohibits the running at large of dogs. It also prohibits cruelty to domestic animals within the Township and identifies the set fines for any infractions.

Licensing your pet not only displays responsible pet ownership but it also helps fund local animal welfare initiatives in the community. A valid license means your pet is officially recognized as a member of the community. In addition to your pet’s license, here are some benefits of your DocuPet online profile:

• Hundreds of unique and colourful designer tag styles to choose from with the option to design your own tag style online.
• With full access to HomeSafe™ 24/7 lost pet service, upload recent photos of your pet and include important information that will help identify and retrieve them if they become lost.
• Gain access to exclusive promotions and discounts.
• Add additional pet guardians to your pet's profile.
• Skip the trip and easily purchase or renew your pet's licence from the comfort of home.
• Upload important new documents for your pet by snapping a photo.
• Easily view and download your pet’s licence documentation.
• Read up on exclusive pet-focused content.
• Manage, or make changes to your account at any time including updating your contact information and making changes to pet details and status.
• View your order status and history.

Coyote sightings are common, especially during mating (January - February), denning (March - June), and dispersal (Fall). Most coyotes avoid people, but it’s important not to feed or approach them, doing so reduces their natural fear of humans and can lead to unsafe encounters.

If you see a coyote:

• Keep your distance; most will move on.
• If the coyote appears aggressive:
  • Do not approach or run.
  • Pick up small children or pets.
  • Maintain eye contact, make loud noises (do not scream), and back away slowly.
  • At night, carry a flashlight to deter them.

To help prevent unwanted visits:

• Secure garbage and keep pet food indoors.
• Clean up bird seed, fallen fruit, and dog waste.
• Trim shrubs, clean BBQ areas, and seal entry points under decks or sheds.
• Keep pets leashed and bring them inside at night.

Learn more about living safely with local wildlife by visiting Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website.

If you come across a sick or injured wild animal, please contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry at 1-800-667-1940 or visit their website for guidance on what to do.

For additional information and local wildlife rescue services, the following organizations may be able to help:

• Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue
• Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre
• Foster Forest Wildlife Orphanage
• Mally's 3rd Chance Raccoon Rescue
• Ontario Wildlife Rescue

The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program, a program of the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, provides financial assistance to owners whose livestock or poultry have been killed or injured due to wildlife predation or whose bee colonies or beehives or related equipment have been damaged by eligible wildlife.

For issues involving wildlife attacks on livestock or bees, please contact the Corporate Services Department to start the claims process.