Owning a Pet

Dog Tags

The Animal Control By-Law requires the registration of all dogs living in the township.

Dog identification tags assist with the recovery of lost dogs, as they provide a unique identification number which is tracked by the Township. When a dog tag is renewed, your pet's records are automatically updated.  Your pet's record includes the pet owner's address and phone number, as well as your pet's vaccination records, tattoos, microchip number, and other identifying information. Dog tags assist in returning lost dogs to their owner and avoiding costly impound fees.

Where to Purchase a Tag

Dog tags can be purchased at the Municipal Office using cash, cheque or debit during office hours.

If you would like to have your dog tag sent to you in the mail, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope along with a cheque made payable to Tay Valley Township and the following information:

• Owners name, address & phone number
• Dog's Name
• Breed
• Age
• Colouring
• Sex
• Special markings (if any)
• Copy of the Micro Chip papers & or MNRF Hunting Dog License (if applicable)

Tag Fees

• Before March 31^st $15
• After March 31^st  $25
• Micro-chipped $5.00

 Replacement Tag $2.

Kennels

Operators of commercial kennels in the Township must obtain a license.

In order to obtain a license, the following conditions must be met:

• Compliance with the Zoning By-Law
• Be at least 152 metres away from the nearest residence
• Enter into a Site Plan Control Agreement with the Township
• Meet the fencing and run requirements contained in the Animal Control By-Law

To obtain a license, contact the Animal Control Officer.

Animals Running at Large

An animal shall be deemed to be running at large if found any place other than the premises of the owner and not under the control of any person. The Animal Control Officer may seize any animal found running at large in the Township and cause such animal to be impounded or returned to the owner.

Barking Dogs

Owners of a dog shall take all precautions necessary to prevent the dog from barking in order to not disturb the peace and quiet of any residence or persons in the vicinity.

Poop & Scoop

Dog owners must pick up after their pet. Owners of a dog who allow waste to be placed on public property or private property not owned by the dog owner are liable to a fine.

Pit Bulls

The Dog Owners' Liability Act (DOLA) requires that ALL Pit Bulls be spayed/neutered, on a leash of no more than 1.8 metres in length, and muzzled when off the property of the owner. When on the property of the owner, the property must be securely enclosed to prevent the pit bull from breaking out of the property.

Pit bulls can be seized by Animal Control if it is felt they are behaving in a menacing manner, have bitten or attacked a person or animal, or are considered to be a Prohibited Pit Bull (i.e. one that has not been spayed/neutered).

It is illegal to give away or sell Pit Bulls or their puppies in Ontario. The only agencies that can sell or give away these dogs are pounds and shelters.

Failure to comply with the Dog Owners' Liability Act (DOLA) could result in charges or the dog could be ordered destroyed.

Spaying/Neutering

Spaying/Neutering can help to prevent your pet from wandering, and reduces the risk of many diseases. Every year unwanted animals end up in municipal pounds, cared for at the expense of the public. If you are unable to keep your dog/cat, please call Animal Control or your local pound or shelter. Please do not leave these animals to fend for themselves. This practice is inhumane and against the law.

Animal Cruelty

Animal Control and Animal Cruelty are two different agencies. When considering which agency to call consider this - Animal Control protects people from animals, Cruelty Agents protect animals from people. If you suspect animal cruelty or neglect, please call the 24-hour Animal Cruelty Hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).

Additional Information

• Animal Control By-Law
• Animal Control By-Law Amendment
• Dog Owners' Liability Act
• Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
• Ontario SPCA & Humane Society