Animal control services

Report an animal issue

If you see a stray dog, a dog that is barking loudly, or an animal that seems aggressive, call 519-555-0102 (Wrenford Police Service non-emergency line) or use dial 311 to file a report. For urgent issues after hours, the same line connects you to on-call staff.

Animal Control Officers work with the By-law Enforcement team. They can help with:

• Stray dogs and cats found in your neighbourhood
• Barking dogs that disturb the peace
• Dog bites or aggressive animals
• Unlicensed pets roaming the streets

Important: If an animal is injured or in immediate danger, do not try to handle it yourself. Call the Police Service or leave a message at the shelter so a trained officer can respond safely.

Dog licensing

All dogs in Wrenford must have a valid licence tag. Licensing helps us reunite lost pets with their owners quickly. You can buy a tag at the Wrenford City Hall service counter or online through Service Wrenford.

Licence fees:

• Spayed or neutered dog: $15.00
• Unspayed or unneutered dog: $25.00

If you do not renew your tag by December 31, a late fee of $10.00 applies. Animal Control Officers check for tags during regular patrols. A dog without a tag can be impounded until the owner pays the required fees.

Keeping your dog safe

Most pets get lost because a gate was left open or a fence had a gap. Follow these simple steps to keep your dog close to home:

• Install a latch on all fence gates
• Check your fence for holes or loose boards every season
• Keep your dog indoors during loud events like Canada Day and New Year's Eve
• Microchip your dog and register the chip with your current address
• Walk your dog on a leash outside of off-leash areas

If your dog goes missing, post a clear photo on the Wrenford community Facebook page and call the shelter right away. Dogs that are licensed and wearing their tag have a much higher chance of going home.

Off-leash areas

Dogs must be on a leash in all parks and public spaces unless you are at a designated off-leash area. The only off-leash area in the city is the Hollis Park Off-Leash Area. Dogs must be under voice control at all times in that space.

Leashing your dog protects wildlife, keeps other park users comfortable, and prevents fights between dogs. A fine of $125.00 is issued for a dog off-leash in a non-designated park.

Barking dogs and noise complaints

Excessive barking falls under the Noise By-law 2016-122. If a neighbour's dog is barking constantly, try speaking to them directly first. If the problem continues, you can file a report through Service Wrenford. Our officers will visit the property to discuss the issue with the owner. Repeated violations can lead to fines of up to $150.00 per offence.

Aggressive or dangerous dogs

If a dog has bitten someone or shown aggressive behaviour, By-law Enforcement will investigate. The Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 2018-063 sets strict rules for dogs declared dangerous:

• The dog must be muzzled and on a leash when outside
• The dog must be kept in a locked enclosure with four walls and a roof
• The owner must pay a higher annual licence fee
• The owner must allow a safety inspection of their property

Wildlife and injured animals

The City does not handle wildlife. If you find an injured bird, squirrel, or other wild animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or the Tamsin Valley Conservation Authority for advice. Do not feed wild animals.

If you find a sick or injured domestic pet, call the shelter during open hours. For after-hours emergencies involving aggressive wildlife or domestic animals, call the Police Service at 519-555-0102.

Deceased animals on roads

Our Roads & Winter Maintenance crew picks up dead animals from all city streets and highways. If you see one, call 311 or email [email protected] with the location. Staff will clear the road and notify the shelter so we can try to contact the owner.

Animal shelter hours and contact

For more details on pet rules, visit the By-laws page or contact City Services directly.