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The Halton Hills Canine Services page provides essential information for dog owners in the area. It covers topics such as dog licensing, responsible pet ownership, and the benefits of the DocuPet program, which helps reunite lost pets with their owners quickly and efficiently. The page also outlines local by-laws and regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of both pets and residents.
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## Dog Licenses
In Halton Hills, By-law 94-077 regulates the keeping of dogs and other animals within the Town. Licensing is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Not only does it help connect an owner to a lost pet, but it also helps keep all pets and residents safe.
Dog licenses are the fastest way to reunite you with your lost dog. Each year, dogs are quickly reunited with their owners in Halton Hills because they were found wearing a town-issued identification tag. Registration information is updated annually, so that Omega Canine Control can respond promptly.
As a dog owner, you are required to obtain a dog licence:
* within seven (7) days from the date you become a dog owner; or
* within seven (7) days from the date you move to Halton Hills if you already own a dog; or
* within seven (7) days from the date your puppy is eligible to be vaccinated for rabies.
Please note that a maximum of three (3) dogs is permitted at one location, unless the location is licensed as a boarding and breeding establishment. The keeping of more than three (3) dogs is a violation of By-law 94-077 and may result in a fine up to $5,000.00.
### Register your dog using DocuPet
DocuPet - Dog license application and renewal
The Town of Halton Hills has partnered with DocuPet to provide an enhanced pet licensing experience for residents.
When you register your pet with the Town of Halton Hills, you will receive a unique licence tag to attach to their collar. Our new licensing process with DocuPet allows residents to select a standard licence tag at no additional charge or upgrade to one of DocuPet's colourful designer tag styles for an additional fee.
Each DocuPet tag, standard or designer, doubles as a pet's official Town of Halton Hills licence and comes equipped with the HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service, which relies on dedicated full time dispatch staff and linked pet profiles to help get lost pets home quickly.
The Halton Hills identification tag must be affixed at all times. Purchasing and renewing dog licenses can be completed online at your convenience using the DocuPet platform.
A certificate of rabies must be uploaded to complete the application or renewal process. The duration of the application or renewal is based on rabies expiration. Your payment total should align with the number of years the rabies vaccination is valid for. During the renewal process your bill will automatically be generated based off of the number of years you have renewed for previously. If you wish to renew the licence for a different number of years or require further information, please contact a customer service specialist.
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| Benefits of licensing |
| Licensing your pet not only displays responsible pet ownership but it also helps fund local animal welfare initiatives in our community. In addition to your pet's licence, benefits of your DocuPet online profile include: * Choosing from hundreds of unique and colourful designer tag styles or designing your own tag style online * Full access to the HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service, just upload recent photos of your pet and include important information that will help identify and retrieve them if they become lost * Access to exclusive promotions and discounts * Ability to add additional pet guardians to your pet's profile * Easily purchasing or renewing your pet's licence from the comfort of home * Uploading important new documents for your pet by snapping a photo * Easily viewing and downloading your pet's licence documentation * Reading up on exclusive pet-focused content * Managing, or making changes to your account at anytime including updating your contact information and making changes to pet details and status * Viewing your order status and history |
| Cost of dog license |
| \*based on the date of rabies expiration | Duration | Price | | --- | --- | | One year | $35.00 | | Two year | $57.00 | | Three year | $84.00 | | Seeing/Hearing Assist Dog | No Fee | | Therapy Dog | No Fee | | Replacement Tag (lost or stolen)\* | $7.00 | |
## Omega Canine Control
Omega Canine Control is a 24 Hour Emergency Service that can be contacted at 905-877-6235.
Call Omega Canine Control Services:
* To report a dog running loose
* If your pet is bitten by another animal
* If you suspect an animal has rabies
* If you have found a stray dog
## Animal protection
Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario. If you think an animal is in distress or is being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625). This includes animals that are injured, in pain, sick, suffering or abused, or lacking in proper care, water, food, or shelter. Please visit the Ministry of the Solicitor General for more information.
For further information on the Responsible Pet Owner's By-law or to report excessive barking, or violations of the Responsible Pet Owner's By-law please call 905-873-2600, ext. 2330.
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| Responsibilities of a pet owner |
| * Dogs must be kept on leash in public * Check with your landlord to see if you need permission to keep a pet. Remember, the law does not allow more than three dogs in each household. * Put an identification license on your dog so they can be returned safely if they become lost. Dog licenses must be renewed according to the expiration date on your rabies certificate. At renewal, proof of a current rabies vaccination must be shown. * Exercise your dog but keep it on a leash. Stray animals can cause traffic accidents, bite people, or damage property. You are legally responsible for your dog's conduct. * Have your pets vaccinated regularly against rabies and other diseases. * Stoop and Scoop after your dog - especially in areas where children play. * Give your dog plenty of attention if it is outside all day. It is unfair to your neighbours if it is always barking. * Provide appropriate care, food, water, exercise, shelter, and a sanitary environment. * Have your pet spayed or neutered to avoid unwanted puppies or kittens - sterilized pets are healthier and calmer. * Train your dog to "come", "sit" and "stay". * Remember to consider your neighbours - they may not share your love of pets |
| Off-leash pets |
| In Halton Hills, all dogs must be kept on a leash and under the control of their owner unless in a designated off-leash area. Dog owners share parks, trails, and open spaces with many other residents, visitors, and wildlife, and must abide by the dog regulations set out in By-law 94-077 to help protect these users and the natural environment. While many dogs are obedient, there is a possibility that they may forget some of their training in unfamiliar surroundings with enticing scents or wildlife. Owners and dog walkers are responsible for any injuries or damage caused by any dog in their care as a result of being off-leash. Letting your dog off-leash in undesignated areas poses many risks, including: becoming lost, a dangerous encounter with another animal, exposure to an animal carrying diseases, such as a raccoon carrying rabies, exposure to poisonous plants, and/or the victim of a road accident. Leash Free Parks |
| Aggressive dogs |
| The Town is committed to keeping residents, visitors and pets safe. Incidents involving aggressive dogs are taken very seriously and are managed through a combination of enforcement action, responsible dog ownership and timely reporting by the public. Understanding the role each party plays helps ensure aggressive dog incidents are addressed quickly and appropriately. Role of Enforcement Services The Town's Enforcement Services are responsible for responding to and investigating reports of aggressive dog behaviour. Their role focuses on public safety, education, and by-law enforcement. When a report is received, Enforcement Services may: * Review a complaint and gather details about the incident. * Interview involved parties and witnesses. * Assess injuries, property damage, or risk to the public. * Determine whether the dog meets the criteria for "aggressive" or "dangerous" under the applicable by-law. * Issue warnings, orders, or charges where appropriate. * Place conditions on a dog or owner to reduce future risk and ensure compliance with municipal by-laws. Role of a victim or witness Residents who experience or witness an aggressive dog incident play a critical role in keeping the community safe. Prompt and accurate reporting helps Enforcement Services respond effectively. If you are a victim or witness of an aggressive dog incident: * Seek medical attention immediately if there is an injury. * Report the incident to Enforcement Services as soon as possible. * Provide clear details, including the location, date, and time of the incident. * Share a description of the dog and dog owner, if known. * Complete a Witness Statement Form providing information, photos or other relevant evidence if available. Timely reporting helps ensure incidents are properly documented and investigated, and may prevent future harm to others. Role of the dog owner Dog owners are legally and ethically responsible for their animals' behaviour. If a dog is involved in an aggressive incident, owners are required to cooperate fully with Enforcement Services. Failure to comply with by-law requirements or enforcement conditions may result in fines or further legal action. Responsible ownership is the most effective way to prevent aggressive incidents. Dog owners are expected to: * Maintain control of their animals at all times, including using leashes where required. * Properly confine dogs on private property. * Ensure dogs are socialized and trained appropriately. * If a dog is aggressive, the owner is expected to take measures to prevent the dog from committing an aggressive act (i.e. keep the dog muzzled and leashed when in public) For more information on animal control and responsible pet ownership, contact Enforcement Services at 905-873-2600, ext. 2330. To report an incident, submit an Enforcement Service Request or call the number and extension above. |
| Bans & related controls |
| The Province of Ontario's recent amendments to the Dog Owner's Liability Act ban pit bulls and make dog owners responsible for the actions of their dogs. The new legislation restricts existing pit bulls and deals with irresponsible dog owners who own dangerous dogs that bite, attack, or pose a threat. The amendments provide for increased fines, penalties, seizures of dogs, and extend new powers to municipal and animal control staff. The Act received Royal Assent on March 9, 2005 with the effective date being August 29, 2005. However, a transitional period of 60 days (to October 28, 2005) has been given to municipalities for ensuring the legislation is applied effectively. Pit bulls with a current license issued by any municipality in Ontario by August 29, 2005 are considered "grandfathered", and their owners will be able to keep them, provided the owners comply with the requirements of muzzling, neutering and leashing the dogs as set by the Province. The owners must also comply with any additional requirements as set out in this legislation or by the municipality. For further information or to report violations of the Responsible Pet Owner's By-law, please call (905) 873-2600 ext. 2330. |
| Stoop & scoop |
| Thoughtful dog owners have always cleaned up after their pet. Every person in charge of a dog must clean up any mess left by the dog on public and private property. Town of Halton Hills parks and streets can become a "minefield" because owners fail to clean up after their pet. But besides being a nuisance, dog excrement may harm your family's health because roundworm and other diseases are passed to humans by pet feces. Young children are especially susceptible because they play and crawl in parks. To prevent the spread of disease, stoop and scoop and have your pet checked regularly by a veterinarian. Municipal Law Enforcement Officers with the Town of Halton Hills are authorized to issue tickets to any person who violates the by-law. The by-law covers private property too - you have to clean dog excrement from your own yard. Failure to clean up after your dog may result in a conviction and a penalty of a set fine of $100.00, or a maximum penalty of $5,000. Please co-operate and help keep our Town clean. |
| Stray dogs |
| Letting your dog run loose puts your pet and the community in danger. Every year, hundreds of dogs die in traffic accidents. Motorists may be hurt trying to avoid these animals. Pets suffer death and injury in animal fights - or by choking, poisoning and other misfortune. A large playful dog may frighten seniors and children and can cause injury by jumping up on them. Dogs also create conditions for disease by ripping apart garbage and by soiling property. A stray dog also puts people at risk of rabies. Pets that run free contribute to the already explosive pet population in the Town of Halton Hills. Your dog must be kept on a leash and under the control of a person capable of handling the dog. Owners who fail to keep their dog on a leash in The Town of Halton Hills are subject to fines that could reach $5,000.00. And while Canine Control make every effort to return your dog, we may have to impound any stray that doesn't have a license tag. If you have taken in a stray dog, call Omega Canine Control Services at (905) 877-6235. They will pick up the lost dog and try to find the owner. Remember, a leash keeps your dog where it wants to be - by your side. Spaying & neutering Spaying and neutering help control pet populations, but there are other benefits for you and your pet. Health Benefits: * Spaying before the first heat reduces the possibility of breast cancer, common in older dogs. * Spaying prevents diseases of the uterus, ovaries and some skin disorders. * Neutering prevents prostate disease and certain tumours of the anal area. Behavioural Benefits: * Spaying will keep away unwanted suitors and prevents messy spotting. * Neutered males likely will be less aggressive and less apt to roam. * Neutered males are less likely to mark the home with urine. |
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