Animal Services By-Law FAQs

What is the Animal Services By-Law?

The Animal Services By-law 201-2023 was introduced in November 2023. It regulates animals within city limits, and addresses a range of requirements residents must comply with, including pet control, pet licensing, the location of animal pens or kennels on private properties, standards of care, the number and types of animals that can be kept, and more.

The Animal Services By-Law is an amalgamation of the Dog By-Law and Animal Control By-Law with the addition of several changes.

Standard of Care

What are the basic standards of care for animals in Brampton?
You must provide your pets with the following standards of care:
- Food and water
- Shelter
- Space to naturally move or exercise
- Sanitary conditions
- Physical safety and general welfare
Visit the Standards of pet care page for more information.
What do basic standards of care mean?
Standards of care set out mandatory standards of care to ensure animals are treated humanely and receive adequate and appropriate care.

Number of Animals

What should I do if I have more than six animals in my household?
The past animal control by-laws permitted a cumulative total of up to nine cats or dogs, with no more than three dogs. Homes that have three dogs, and up to six cats licensed with Brampton Animal Services are permitted to keep those cats until they are no longer owned, at which point they must comply with the new maximum number of pets.
How many cats am I allowed to have?
You may have a cumulative total of six cats or dogs, with no more than three dogs. A home that has three dogs may have up to three cats, a home that has no dogs may have up to six cats.
How many dogs am I allowed to have?
A maximum of three dogs are permitted per household.
How many animals am I allowed to have?
A maximum total of six cats and dogs are permitted per household, with no more than three dogs.

Registration of Backyard Hens and Pigeons

How do I register my coop?
Visit Backyard Hens for more information.

Visit Backyard Pigeons for more information.
If I have two or less hens or pigeons, do I need a licence?
If you have two or less, then you must have the coop registered.
Do I have to licence my backyard hens or pigeons in Brampton?
If you have more than two backyard hens or pigeons, you must have a licence.

Recognition of Trap, Neuter, Release and Manage (TNRM) Programs

How does Animal Services support these volunteers?
Animal Services supports TNRM Programs with resources such as winterized cat shelters and spaying or neutering at no expense when veterinary resources are available.
How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteers are required to register and complete mandatory third-party training.
What are Trap, Neuter, Release and Manage (TNRM) Programs?
Trap, Neuter, Release and Manage (TNRM) Programs are run by community volunteers who manage feral cat colonies and work to trap, sterilize, and return feral cats to reduce the number of stray cats in our city.

Control of Dogs while on the Owner’s Property

Is my dog required to be on a leash on my property?
Yes, the Animal Services By-law requires animals not leashed to be contained by an enclosure, fenced area or tethered when supervised, even when on their property.

Impounded Animals

Are impounded animals microchipped at City shelters?
The new by-law allows Animal Services to implant a microchip into stray animals that enter the shelter and are not otherwise identifiable through a licence tag or existing microchip.

Feeding of Wildlife

How do I avoid wildlife accessing food waste in my garbage?
Keep food waste out of the garbage by using the green bin. The green bin helps keep animal-attracting odors locked in and wildlife out if locked appropriately.
How do I avoid wildlife from getting into my garbage, green bins, and recycling boxes?
Store your garbage, green bin, and recycling boxes inside a garage, shed, or away from fences or rails that can be easily climbed by animals. Place your garbage out for collection only on the scheduled day of pick up no later than 7am.
Is feeding wildlife harmful?
Yes, feeding wildlife can cause:
- poor nutrition
- water pollution
- delayed migration
- concentrations at unnatural sites
- spread of disease
- unnatural behavior
- cumulative effects
Am I allowed to feed wildlife in Brampton?
Feeding wildlife is prohibited in Brampton.

Donate

City of Brampton
Animal Services

475 Chrysler Drive
Brampton, Ontario L6S 6G3

Phone: 905.458.5800
E-mail: animal.services@brampton.ca

Contact Animal Services Hours of Operation

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