Dogs & animal control — Ottawa, Ontario

Do I need a dog licence? What are the leash rules?

In the City of Ottawa, Ontario, dogs & animal control rules are set by Animal Care and Control (By-law No. 2003-077), verified 2026-10-25. A licence is required. Leash rule: No running at large; dogs leashed/under control on City land except owner's premises, consent, or parkland not sign-prohibited; leash max 3 m. Max animals: 3 dogs over 20 weeks; 5 cats over 20 weeks; combined total 5 with max 3 dogs (unless licensed kennel etc.).

Animal Care and Control (By-law No. 2003-077) adopted bylaw
licence required yes Section 7(1)(a)
licence fee $22 for sterilized and microchipped dogs six months or older; $22 for microchipped dogs under six months; $22 for sterilized but not microchipped dogs six months or older; $22 for not microchipped dogs under six months; $42 for microchipped but not sterilized dogs six months or older; $42 for neither sterilized nor microchipped dogs six months or older; service dog - No Fee; replacement tag $10; convicted bite/attack $104 Schedule "A", 1
leash rule No running at large; dogs leashed/under control on City land except owner's premises, consent, or parkland not sign-prohibited; leash max 3 m. Sections 9-11; Section 15
max animals 3 dogs over 20 weeks; 5 cats over 20 weeks; combined total 5 with max 3 dogs (unless licensed kennel etc.) Section 50; Section 65
scout note

Regulates animal care and control, pet registration fees, prohibited animals, impoundment, and related enforcement.

Machine-readable: animal-control.json · Official website: https://ottawa.ca/ · Last verified 2026-10-25 · Dogs & animal control across Ontario · Dogs & animal control in other municipalities