Dogs

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Potential Postal Disruption

In the event of a postal disruption at Canada Post that may begin on or after October 22, 2018, we ask that citizens please make alternative arrangements to ensure the timely receipt of their payment to the City.

Payment options include:

Please note that late payment fees will not be waived in the event that the payment is not received on or before payment due date.

If you have any concerns, please free to call 905-574-3433 or contact us by email at animalservices@hamilton.ca

Service at a Glance

Why do I have to licence my dog?

It is the law that you must have a licence for your dog and attach it to your dog's collar or face fines of up to $10,000

Benefits of licensing your dog:

  • It is easier to find a lost dog if it is licensed.
  • A lost dog gets one free ride home every 365 days.
  • Your dog will come home to you if lost without going to an animal shelter first.
  • Licence fees are used to care for and feed lost or stray pets, and find a home for them.
Get your dog licence
Do I qualify for a reduced dog licence rate?

There are reduced dog licence rates for:

  • Dogs that have been spayed or neutered (you must give proof from a veterinarian)
  • Dog owners who are 65 years or older (Government I.D. must be provided)
  • Dog owners who receive a government disability pension (Proof of ODSP or CPPD funding must be provided)
  • Service Animals (agency certificate must be provided)
  • Owners who have moved within 30 days from another municipality to Hamilton and are purchasing a licence here (current licence paperwork must be shown)
See the full list of dog licence rates
How do I file a complaint about a barking dog in my neighbourhood?

To make a complaint about a dog that doesn’t stop barking in your neighbourhood, you need to:

  • Submit a complaint form
  • Complete the noise evaluation package we send to you, which asks you to give details about the dates and times of when the barking is taking place
File a barking dog complaint
Will I be charged if my dog bites or attacks someone?

Charges can be laid against you if:

  • Your dog bites or attacks
  • Your dog’s behaviour poses a danger to people or family animals
  • You don’t prevent the above
  • Penalties in the Dog Owners’ Liability Act can be up to a $10,000 fine and / or six months imprisonment upon conviction.
Learn more about the Dog Owner Liability Act
Does the City have dog parks?

We have a Leash Free Parks Policy which outlines two types of leash free dog parks where you can exercise your dog without a leash:

  • Dog park (fenced facilities)
  • Free running area (not fenced existing parkland and open space areas)
See more information about dog parks
What do I need to claim my dog from the shelter?

To claim your dog from the shelter, you must:

  • Show government identification with your current address
  • Pay impound or boarding fees for each day your dog is in the shelter
  • Have a leash or carrier to take your dog home
  • Avoid touching other animals at the shelter to reduce the spread of disease
  • Buy a dog licence if you don’t have one
View all impound and boarding fees for dogs