Pet Ownership in Vancouver

How the law affects you and your pet, or any other animal that enters your life in Vancouver...

Vancouver has general rules in place for pet ownership, as well as animal control by-laws, pet registration requirements and regulations with regards to dog droppings and aggressive animals.

• A person may not own more than three dogs unless they are registered as a kennel keeper
• The City of Vancouver requires that dogs be leashed on streets and in public places, except in designated "off-leash" areas of parks. Most other municipalities in the Metro Vancouver area have similar leash laws
• In general, animals are not allowed in restaurants, stores, public buildings, or on public transit, unless contained inside a pet carrier. Guide and assistance dogs for the physically challenged are exempt

Animal Control By-laws

Vancouver has established by-laws to licence and regulate dogs and other animals.

• For details of the City of Vancouver's animal control by-laws: Click here

Licencing of pets

Dogs:

Dogs older than three months of age must be licenced annually in the City of Vancouver. A fee is payable. Other municipalities in the Metro Vancouver area have similar by-laws.

Licences can be purchased through city halls and some other municipal facilities. Guide and assistance dogs for the physically challenged must also be licenced, but do not pay a fee.

When applying for a licence the following information must be provided:

• Breed
• Dog name
• Gender
• Colour
• Veterinarian's name
• Proof/year of spaying or neutering, clearly showing owner's name, address and dog description (if applicable)
• Tattoo (if applicable)
• Dog chip ID (if applicable)

All dogs older than three months of age must wear a collar with the current dog licence tag attached.

• For details on licencing requirements: Click here

Cats:

No licencing of cats is required by the City of Vancouver. The animal control by-law requires that every animal (including cats) must be under the supervision of its owner unless it is on the owner's property.

Excrement ("Poop and scoop")

The City of Vancouver requires that owners of dogs must immediately pick up and dispose of excrement left by their dogs in public areas. Guide and assistance dogs for the physically challenged are exempt.

Aggressive dogs

The City of Vancouver regulates the keeping and muzzling of aggressive dogs. No breeds are specified under City of Vancouver aggressive dog by-laws.

• For a definition of "aggressive dog" under the Vancouver animal control by-law: Click here

Further Information

• Pets Canada - Canada's pet information centre