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Snapshot 4b734fee5052 · verified 2026-10-23 ·
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unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
### Municipal Enforcement
519-538-2121
[email protected]
## Services
# Animal Services
## Page Overview
* Dog Tags
* Off-Leash Dog Areas
* Lost & Found Pets
* Pet Welfare & Wildlife Assistance
* Bounties & Livestock Claims
## Resources
* Dog Tag Application
* Control of dogs and care of animals by-law (078-2013)
We are a pet-friendly community, complete with a variety of dog parks and on- and off-leash areas where your four-legged companions can run free. We also licence dogs, which helps missing dogs return to their owners faster with an easily identifiable tag. Here you'll find information on applying for a dog tag, how to report a lost pet, along with tips for responding to other wildlife in the area.
## **Dog Tags**
All dogs in Meaford must be licenced and wear a dog tag to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Dog licences are an annual requirement and must be renewed each year. Cats do not require a licence.
**How to Get a Dog Tag:** Provide proof of rabies vaccination and apply:
* **In person:** at theMunicipal Office
* **Online:** Dog Tag Application Form
* **By mail/drop box:** mail to or drop off at Municipal Office, 21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford, ON, N4L 1A1 (tags will be mailed to you)
###
* **Spayed/Neutered:**$15 (before March 31) | $30 (after March 31)
* **Not Spayed/Neutered:**$20 (before March 31) | $40 (after March 31)
## **Off-Leash Dog Areas**
**Dogs may be off-leash at:** Beautiful Joe's Leash-Free Dog Park & Memorial Park's Dog Beach in designated areas.
View the off-leash rules for Memorial Park
View the off-leash rules for Beautiful Joe Park
**Rules:** Owners must be 16+, carry a leash, clean up waste, and ensure dogs remain under control. **Not allowed:** aggressive/sick dogs, female dogs in heat, digging, or puppies under 4 months. See the 078-2013 Control of Dogs and Care of Animals By-law for full details.
###
## **Lost & Found Pets**
Found a Lost Dog?
Contact:
### Municipal Enforcement
519-538-2121
[email protected]
21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford, Ontario, Canada, N4L 1A1
**After Hours:** Call 519-538-2121 and follow the prompts.
**Note:** Officers **do not chase** loose dogs or cats.
###
Officers check for a licence and post found dogs on Facebook.
If no owner is found, the dog is transferred to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society for microchip scanning and rehoming.
###
Email [email protected] with the following details:
* Gender, breed, age, and distinguishing features
* Last known location
* A photo
We'll share details on Facebook to help locate your pet. Pound fees may apply.
## **Pet Welfare & Wildlife Assistance**
### **Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance**
Meaford partners with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society to provide financial aid for spay/neuter surgeries. In order to be eligible for this service, pet owners must have:
* Residency in Meaford & age 18+
* Household income meeting Statistics Canada's Low Income Cut-Offs
* Cats must be 5 months - 7 years old, healthy, and not pregnant
To apply, contact the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.
### **Wildlife in Meaford**
Meaford is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including raccoons, deer, turtles, coyotes, and beavers. While wildlife sightings are common, it's important to know how to respond appropriately and safely.
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Commonly seen in the spring as they search for food--this is normal and not usually a cause for concern.
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These species are part of our natural environment and may be spotted near residential areas, especially during seasonal changes.
### **How to Respond to Wildlife**
* **Do Not Approach:** Avoid direct contact with wild animals. Do not attempt to feed, touch, or relocate them.
* **Protect Pets and Children:** Keep them indoors or under close supervision if wildlife is spotted nearby.
* **Eliminate Food Sources:** Secure garbage, remove bird feeders, and do not leave pet food outside.
* **Aggressive or Dangerous Animals:** If you feel threatened or see an animal acting aggressively, call the **Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)** at **1-888-310-1122**.
### ****When to Call for Help****
The Municipality of Meaford does not provide wildlife control services. For specific situations, please contact the appropriate agency below:
###
Ontario Wildlife Rescue: (416) 436-9892
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To report rabid or distemper wildlife call the Ministry of Natural Resources: 1-800-387-7011.
* For more resources, call the Rabies Hotline: 1-888-574-6656.
###
Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative: 1-866-673-4781
## **Bounties & Livestock Claims**
### **Coyote & Beaver Bounties**
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Must have a Livestock Damage Claim before trapping a coyote. Complete the Coyote/Wolf Compensation Form and submit it to the Meaford Fire Hall at 81 Stewart St
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Licenced trappers must remove the beaver tail and bring it with a completed Beaver Process Claim Form to the Meaford Fire Hall
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If wildlife damages livestock, poultry, or honeybees, you may be eligible for the **Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program**.
Contact **Ed Ormsby (Municipal Livestock Valuer) at 519-374-0139** within 10 business days of the incident.
A site visit will be conducted, and the claim will be submitted to the Ministry.
For more details, visit the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.