Do I need a dog licence? What are the leash rules?
In the Town of Penetanguishene, Ontario, dogs & animal control rules are set by Town of Penetanguishene By-law 2011-51 – Dog Licensing and Control By-law (office consolidation incl. 2012-54, 2013-52) and 1 other bylaw, verified 2026-10-23. Fines: Penalty not exceeding $100,000 exclusive of costs; continuous/multiple offences not exceeding $10,000 exclusive of costs; set fines $105.00, $250.00, $300.00. A licence is required. Leash rule: No owner shall permit a dog to run at large; off the owner’s premises, a dog must be under control, e.g., leashed.
Town of Penetanguishene By-law 2011-51 – Dog Licensing and Control By-law (office consolidation incl. 2012-54, 2013-52)
adopted bylaw
licence required
yes
s. 4.1
licence fee
Each Dog: $15.00 (January 1st to February 28th), $30.00 (March 1st to December 31st); Replacement Tags: $5.00; Kennel Fee: $100.00 (January 1st to February 28th), $135.00 (March 1st to December 31st); after February 28th new possession without current tag: January 1st to February 28th rate
Schedule "A"
leash rule
No owner shall permit a dog to run at large; off the owner’s premises, a dog must be under control, e.g., leashed.
s. 7.1–7.3
max animals
More than two (2) dogs over twelve (12) weeks of age at one location requires a kennel licence.
s. 6.2
fine range
Penalty not exceeding $100,000 exclusive of costs; continuous/multiple offences not exceeding $10,000 exclusive of costs; set fines $105.00, $250.00, $300.00.
s. 15.1–15.4; Part 1 Provincial Offences Act table
scout note
Penetanguishene: every dog needs an annual licence, $15 if bought by Feb 28 or $30 after; rabies certificate required. No more than two dogs per dwelling without a kennel licence ($100). Dogs must not run at large; leashed off the owner's property. Muzzle orders for biting dogs. Set fines $105; pound fee $40.
Town of Penetanguishene By-law 2012-56 – Cat By-law (office consolidation incl. 2013-54)
adopted bylaw
licence fee
$100.00 (January 1st to February 28th of any given year); $135.00 (March 1st to December 31st of any given year)
Schedule "A"
leash rule
No owner of a cat shall permit his cat to run at large within the boundaries of the Town.
s. 5.1
max animals
two (2) cats over twelve (12) weeks of age
s. 4.1
fine range
not exceeding $100,000; not exceeding $10,000
s. 11.1; s. 11.2; s. 11.4
scout note
Penetanguishene cat by-law: no more than two cats over 12 weeks per dwelling unless a cat kennel licence is obtained. Cats must not run at large; cats at large may be seized and impounded, and unclaimed cats sold or disposed of. Repeals By-law 1997-23.
Animal Control (dog licensing) page
Dog licence required yearly; fee $15 pro-rated early (before end Feb) vs $30 later; Huronia Animal Control enforces at-large/vicious/poop-and-scoop; links prohibited-animals by-law.