Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw
Engagement has concluded
January 19, 2024 Update
Thank you to those who provided input into Phase 1.
The What We Heard Report is now available.
Phase 2 public engagement is planned for 2024 and additional opportunities to participate will be available in the coming months.
December 19, 2023 Update
The survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated and provided their feedback. Please check back here in the new year for project updates.
December 11, 2023 Update
Pet owners, animal lovers and animal welfare workers are invited to take this online survey until December 18 to provide feedback that will help shape the review and renewal of the City of Edmonton’s 20 year-old Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw.
The survey is gathering Edmontonians’ perceptions and experiences with the current bylaw including what’s working well, where there are areas of concern and any gaps that need to be addressed.
This survey should take less than 10 minutes. We value your input, whether you own pets or not. The survey will close on December 18, 2023 at 11:59pm.
Take the survey here.
November 6, 2023 Update
The City conducted engagement from August 22 to November 5, 2023. All feedback tools on this page are now closed. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and insights with us.
When available, a What We Heard report will be added to this page.
Planning for Phase 2 public engagement is underway and additional opportunities to participate will be available in the new year.
Animals in the city bring communities to life. Pets are important members of many Edmonton families.
The City of Edmonton’s Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw, makes owners responsible for their pets, helps return lost pets to their owners and ensures animals and pets are safe, healthy and a positive addition to the community.
The current bylaw is over 20 years old and needs to be refreshed through a bylaw renewal initiative. A renewal of the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw will ensure this bylaw continues to reflect the most current animal practices within the city, including animal welfare, population management and husbandry.
The Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw Renewal initiative will also review license conditions, fees, fines and offences to ensure they continue to contribute to public safety and align with public views, emerging trends in animal care, and the safe and healthy integration of animals into our communities.
Share Your Input on the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw
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You are invited to share your feedback on the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw Renewal Project as part of the City of Edmonton’s first phase of public engagement. We are actively seeking input for Phase 1 Engagement between Aug. 22, 2023 and Nov. 5, 2023. City will be conducting engagement sessions with key stakeholder groups (by invite only). The public will have the opportunity to share their thoughts via a number of channels including engagement pop up events, surveys, etc.
Tell us more about dogs in the City. Use our Barking Lot to share your thoughts on bylaw regulations for dogs.
Tell us more about cats in the City. Use our Cat-a-logue to share your thoughts on bylaw regulations for cats.
Tell us more about bees in the City. Use our Bees Please section to share your thoughts on regulations for beekeeping.
Tell us more about chickens in the City. Use our Chick-Inn section to share your thoughts about regulations for hens and chicken coops.
Tell us more about rabbits in the City. Use our Rascally Rabbits section to share your thoughts on regulations for rabbits.
Tell us more about any other domesticated animals in the City, including livestock.
How your feedback will be Used
Feedback shared will be used to create a renewed Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw that ensures both pets and people can safely and peacefully enjoy Edmonton neighbourhoods.
January 19, 2024 Update
Thank you to those who provided input into Phase 1.
The What We Heard Report is now available.
Phase 2 public engagement is planned for 2024 and additional opportunities to participate will be available in the coming months.
December 19, 2023 Update
The survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated and provided their feedback. Please check back here in the new year for project updates.
December 11, 2023 Update
Pet owners, animal lovers and animal welfare workers are invited to take this online survey until December 18 to provide feedback that will help shape the review and renewal of the City of Edmonton’s 20 year-old Animal Control and Licensing Bylaw.
The survey is gathering Edmontonians’ perceptions and experiences with the current bylaw including what’s working well, where there are areas of concern and any gaps that need to be addressed.
This survey should take less than 10 minutes. We value your input, whether you own pets or not. The survey will close on December 18, 2023 at 11:59pm.
Take the survey here.
November 6, 2023 Update
The City conducted engagement from August 22 to November 5, 2023. All feedback tools on this page are now closed. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and insights with us.
When available, a What We Heard report will be added to this page.
Planning for Phase 2 public engagement is underway and additional opportunities to participate will be available in the new year.
Animals in the city bring communities to life. Pets are important members of many Edmonton families.
The City of Edmonton’s Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw, makes owners responsible for their pets, helps return lost pets to their owners and ensures animals and pets are safe, healthy and a positive addition to the community.
The current bylaw is over 20 years old and needs to be refreshed through a bylaw renewal initiative. A renewal of the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw will ensure this bylaw continues to reflect the most current animal practices within the city, including animal welfare, population management and husbandry.
The Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw Renewal initiative will also review license conditions, fees, fines and offences to ensure they continue to contribute to public safety and align with public views, emerging trends in animal care, and the safe and healthy integration of animals into our communities.
Share Your Input on the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw
|
You are invited to share your feedback on the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw Renewal Project as part of the City of Edmonton’s first phase of public engagement. We are actively seeking input for Phase 1 Engagement between Aug. 22, 2023 and Nov. 5, 2023. City will be conducting engagement sessions with key stakeholder groups (by invite only). The public will have the opportunity to share their thoughts via a number of channels including engagement pop up events, surveys, etc.
Tell us more about dogs in the City. Use our Barking Lot to share your thoughts on bylaw regulations for dogs.
Tell us more about cats in the City. Use our Cat-a-logue to share your thoughts on bylaw regulations for cats.
Tell us more about bees in the City. Use our Bees Please section to share your thoughts on regulations for beekeeping.
Tell us more about chickens in the City. Use our Chick-Inn section to share your thoughts about regulations for hens and chicken coops.
Tell us more about rabbits in the City. Use our Rascally Rabbits section to share your thoughts on regulations for rabbits.
Tell us more about any other domesticated animals in the City, including livestock.
How your feedback will be Used
Feedback shared will be used to create a renewed Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw that ensures both pets and people can safely and peacefully enjoy Edmonton neighbourhoods.
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Barking Lot
6 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Tell us what you think! Share your comments here about:
- what is going well with the way that dogs are managed in the City of Edmonton and
- What could be improved about the way dogs are managed in the City.
This can include the rules surrounding dogs such as:
- Dog walkers and the number of dogs walking at time
- Foster dogs
- Excessive barking
- Animal welfare and responsible dog ownership
Once you leave your comment, other people can like it by clicking the heart symbol, or add a thought in response.
These resources may also get your thoughts going:
anon679 months agoLimit dog walking services to 2 or 3 dogs per handler
Stop allowing "professional" dog walkers taking out more dogs than they can handle. If there is an emergency or a dog fight, how will they keep 5, 6, 10+ dogs safe at once? They can't. Limit to 2 or 3 at a time.
0 comment4deedees7 months agoEnsure dogs are on leash in or near multiuse trails regardless of where the trails exist.
As an example the multiuse trail through Buena Vista Park is designated as off leash to Hawrelak Park. This particular trail is heavily used by all sorts of users, including walkers, joggers, bike riders and people with dogs. Unfortunately, if you are riding a bike, dogs are not trained to move to one side when a bell is rung to pass a group of people and can easily cross dangerously in front of the bike. I have personally had this happen more than once, and last year had a dog in the Dawson Park unleashed area, chase me, hit my tire and knock me off the bike ending up severely injured. The only solution I see is to make sure dogs are leashed in these areas.
0 comment0Westopher.d77 months agoHousehold pet licenses, as opposed to per-pet.
0 comment0Grannyknees7 months agoRoaming cats are a menace. They kill birds at the feeder and deter new arrivals there; defecate in the garden and caterwaul all night.
Edmonton is unprepared to house all the "lost" cats that Animal Control receives. No fair that the cat problem must be endured.
1 comment0ElmBird28 months agoHigher Standards for Licensing & Enforcement
There has been such a big increase in dog ownership since the pandemic started and now every public space is full of poorly trained dogs. It's far too easy to be able to buy and own a dog, and there are few punishments for poor behaviour like not being able to properly control your dog, excessive barking, not picking up dog waste etc.. I used to love dogs, but now in the last few years there are so many bad owners out there who have completed ruined the entire concept. I was at Strathearn Art Walk this weekend and saw several incidents where dog fights broke out in the middle of a crowded festival footpath because people are bringing untrained and uncontrolled dogs into crowded spaces full of people and other dogs. There's no incentive for anyone to train their dog properly besides their own goodwill. Owners should be required to complete basic obedience and educational courses on dog ownership, and be required to keep their licenses in good standing. Enforcement needs to be much harsher for poor behaviour. Dogs are domesticated animals, not "fur babies" who cannot be trained and are entitled to be in public spaces. I'm so tired of feeling like every space is being taken over by these awful dogs!
2 comments3 -
Cat-a-logue
6 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Tell us what you think! Share your comments here about:
what is going well with the way that cats are managed in the City of Edmonton and
What could be improved about the way cats are managed in the City?
This can include the rules surrounding cats such as:
- Feral Cats
- Roaming Cats
- Cat Colonies
- Animal Welfare and responsible pet ownership
Once you leave your comment, other people can like it (by clicking the heart symbol) or add a response.
Here are some key municipal reference resources about cats:
NadC7 months agoThere should be NO free roaming cats.
There should be NO free roaming cats. There are estimated 70,000 feral cats in the city of Edmonton. Intact animals breed and cause more ferals as well as kill birds, squirrels and other native species. Not to mention free roaming animals, dig in gardens and use the whole world as their litter box. Then there is the safety of the animal they could get lost or relocated, cars, other animals (domestic or wild), and people. Life on the street is not an easy life for any animal. We need to clean up the feral cat population and add a bylaw that stops free roaming cats.
0 comment4MLG8 months agoThere should be one household pet license instead of having to get individual ones for each dog and cat.
1 comment3karen;)7 months agoText and or email reminders for licensing cats and dogs
0 comment2BluJ8 months agoIt is irresponsible for cat owners to let their cats roam unsupervised. There are many risks and dangers that threaten their health/safety.
Many animal welfare organizations and veterinarians stress that it is best to keep cats inside. Some of the dangers roaming cats can face outdoors include: other cats or dogs in the neighbourhood can cause injuries, cars can cause injury or death, exposure to diseases and parasites, poisoning, animal cruelty, being eaten or injured by wildlife like coyotes. The average lifespan of an outdoor cat is about 5 years, compared to indoor cats, who according to The Humane Society can live to be 18 to 20 years old.
0 comment18MLG8 months agoReduce/waived fees after showing proof of vaccination and spay/neuter certification
Some people don't bother to register there pet because of the got of registration
1 comment7 -
Bees Please
6 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Tell us what you think! Share your comments here about:
What is going well with the way backyard beekeeping is regulated in the City of Edmonton
and
What could be improved about the way backyard beekeeping is regulated in the City?
This discussion could include the rules surrounding bees such as:
Bee Hives in Backyards
Urban Beekeeping Application Process
Mandatory Education / Training for Beehive Owners
Permit Requirements
Once you leave your comment, other people can like it (by clicking the heart symbol) or add a response.
Here are some municipal resources on beekeeping:
Urban Beekeeping | City of Edmonton
Blake R.8 months agoA simplified permitting process, especially as it relates to registering multiple sites, using Calgary’s recent by-law changes as an example
Currently, the City of Edmonton requires hives to only be located in the rear yard of a property, at least 25 metres away from any public place, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, churches or schools. Hive entrances must be directed away from adjacent residential properties, and hives should be located at least three metres from all property lines where there is an adjacent neighbour, unless the property is separated from the adjacent neighbour by a solid fence or vegetative hedge at least 1.5 metres high. These guidelines might be reasonable, if restrictive, requirements for hives installed on the ground, but they do not seem appropriate for rooftop installations and other low-traffic sites. I would recommend that Calgary’s bylaw requirement of a site plan for each apiary be adopted instead, or that more lenient requirements be established for rooftop and low-traffic areas. Reasonable restrictions create scenarios where beekeepers are more likely to register their hives, and can also easily access proper resources and mentorship to ensure those hives stay healthy. Furthermore, I believe the current neighbour notification letter requirements should not be enforced for rooftop hives and low-traffic sites. Instead, more emphasis should be put on proper hive placement. For reference, Vancouver’s guidelines are excellent.
0 comment2Sugarbug7 months agoWould like to see approval of selling small amounts of honey/wax for backyard keepers
0 comment3DustinBajer8 months agoRequire Beekeepers to Update the Status of Their Licensed Sites
I'm curious to see how many licensed sites are active. I have two locations that I haven't had bees on in years. It might be worth asking beekeepers to confirm their registered sites' status (active/inactive). This would give the City an up-to-date list of active registered hives.
0 comment1DustinBajer8 months agoIf It's Not Broke, Don't Fix It
Generally speaking, the City of Edmonton's beekeeping program is going very well, as indicated by very few complaints to the City of the Province. I think that the application process is fair and relatively easy to navigate. Current rules ensure that beekeepers have proper training and are beekeeping responsibly. I would caution the City against loosening beekeeping licensing requirements. The Provincial apiculturist received more complaints from Calgary, and Montreal is experiencing a decline is native pollinators due to an overabundance of honeybee colonies.
0 comment2Blake R.8 months agoSpecific to my organization, I would request that Alvéole be added to the accepted list of beekeeping training certifiers.
We have a robust training program for our beekeepers and have already been accepted as certifiers in Calgary and other provinces. We would be happy to provide materials related to our training program and ongoing support network if requested.
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Chick-Inns
6 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Tell us what you think! Share your comments here about:
What is going well with the way that backyard chickens and hens are managed in the City of Edmonton and
What could be improved about the way chickens are regulated in the City?
This discussion could include the regulations surrounding chickens, such as:
Chicken Coops in Backyards
Mandatory Education / Training for Chicken owners
Permit requirements
Application process
Backyard hens and neighbour experiences
Site Requirements
Maximum allowable Hens
Once you leave your comment, other people can like it (by clicking the heart symbol) or add a response.
Here are some additional municipal resources on urban chickens:
Urban Hens Program | City of Edmonton
Urban Hen Keeping Procedures and Guidelines | City of Edmonton
Vmocanu8 months agoGreater number of hens allowable
If I could recommend changing anything, it would be to allow an increase in the number of hens. 6 is very few for our spacious coops in the winter (for warmth, really need to heat the coop) and as our hens age, they’re very much welcome to stay despite not laying, but we’d need a couple more to have reasonable eggs. The lower number may encourage a lot of people to cull their pets rather than keeping them into retirement. 8 -10 might be a more reasonable number to allow healthy succession cycle and integration of new pullets in pairs which is less stressful.
1 comment2lwatt8 months agoHaving an increase to the number of hens would be beneficial, as well as the ability to have additional garbage pickup for coop deep cleans.
Coop needs a deep clean at least three to four times a year based on our coop size, and shavings do not fit into bins for the once a week pick-up for either black or green bins. I have at least 4-5 x-large garbage bags of shavings to dispose of and can’t store for the twice a year yard waste pick-up. Dropping off at eco station for disposal is also inconvenient. Would be great if the chicken keepers could leave their coop material out in clear bags with regular green bin pickup dates. A few more hens added to the amount currently would be great as young hens could be added to the flock as others stop egg production. We do not cull and allow the hens to live out the rest of their life as pets once they are too old to lay. Other than this, it has been a fantastic project and we really enjoy having them. Thanks to everyone involved, as we are one of the original families that participated in the pilot project!
1 comment1chakolit7 months agoRoosters should be allowed
Roosters should be allowed as long as they are not causing noise concerns. If you make it reportable like barking dogs with a requirement that the person gets rid of their rooster if it causes enough problems. There are many dogs that are way more disruptive with their barking than a rooster would be!
0 comment0Vmocanu8 months agoWaste disposal
I end up with too much waste bedding in the winter for the small green bins and every second week pickup. I really wish we could apply for a larger green bin, something similar to the black bins. It’s really difficult to take manure to the disposal centres in my car when excess builds up.
1 comment2Chickencatlady7 months agoRemove the direct supervision requirement
The requirement directly supervise hens when they are outside of their housing. Structure is silly. I think this should be amended to require that the owners are home and regularly checking on their hens when they're outside. Free-ranging is great for their overall well-being and allows them to engage in a greater range of natural behaviors. With 6 ft fences as a requirement they should not be able to escape from the yard. If unsupervised, why do they require greater supervision than other animals?
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Rascally Rabbits
6 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.Tell us what you think! Share your comments here about:
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What could be improved about the way owned rabbits are regulated in the City of Edmonton?
Keep in mind, the bylaw only applies to people who own rabbits, and does not apply to wild rabbits in public spaces.
This discussion could include the rules surrounding rabbits such as:
How to best regulate rabbits and
Letting rabbits outdoors
Once you leave your comment, other people can like it (by clicking the heart symbol) or add a response.
NadC7 months agoLimit the Number of Rabbits a Household can have
There are so many unwanted and abandoned rabbits. The city of Edmonton should limit the number of rabbits a household can have. Also all rabbits should be spayed or neutered. I volunteer with several animal rescues and we are overrun with rabbits (not to mention other animals), but at least with dogs or cats there is a limit a household can have.
0 comment1fruitloop18 months agokeep as is
rabbits are not an issue keep things running the same as is
0 comment2Kaiser7 months agoBunnies aren’t the issue here…
As a responsible rabbit parent, I have not had any issues with anyone with my bunny and as far as I can tell, bunnies are not the issue here. The only problems are when people abandon bunnies in parks, green spaces or cemeteries and then they become a problem. Fines should be raised for people who abandon their pets in public spaces.
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Large Animals (& Other Critters)
6 months agoCLOSED: This ideas has concluded.This discussion could include these topics:
Livestock in the city
Other animals as support animals
How important is the issue of urban livestock to you?
What about animals not included in the current bylaw?
Once you leave your comment, other people can like it (by clicking the heart symbol) or add a response.
DTB7 months agoGiven the large number of coyotes in the neighborhood, it has been recommended that we get a donkey or other ruminant - why not?
Apparently coyotes are deterred by the presence of donkeys, although they don't seem to pay any attention to loud and wildly gesticulating humans.
0 comment0Tweetbiker7 months agoI believe that pet birds/parrots must be recognized more, breeding banned. Promote the adoption of birds needing new homes!
The unbelievable number of escapes..lost..found..surrendered is reprehensible. Out of control breeding has caused this. There are hundreds needing new homes..adopt, don't shop! Those with avian expertise should be consulted in providing the necessary suggestions for these bylaws. There are many things to be considered. They deserve recognition in these bylaws and enforcement needs to be much more strict!
0 comment2NadC7 months agoNo exotic pets - birds, reptiles, amphibians, degus (which is a rat) - Anything listed on CITIES should not be allowed
No breeder bred exotic pets. Any species that is listed on CITIES I or II should NOT be allowed as a pet. Canada is part of the convention but we don't follow the rules. There are hundreds of unwanted exotics in Edmonton and AB. There are not enough rescues to house all these unwanted pets. Pet stores should no longer be allowed to sell breeder bred species of birds, reptiles, dogs, cats, rabbits. Parrots can live to be 50 or 80 years old. They are not a truly domesticated animal like a dog or cat. They are not meant to be in a cage. Have a grandfather clause for people that currently own the exotic but they have to be licensed (like a dog or cat). Also limit the number a household can have. Look what happened to all those poor exotics in that housefire a couple years ago. Hundreds of reptiles died. That person should not have been allowed to have so many species in a house. If the city of Edmonton continues to let people breed exotics then they need to be licensed and the breeding facility should be reviewed yearly to make sure the animals/reptiles/birds are properly cared for. BUT truly any species listed on CITIES should not be allowed as a pet (grandfathered in only). Some countries in EUROPE use an approved pet list...this makes sense. Only animals/reptiles/birds listed would be allowed as pets and all pets must be spayed or neutered, microchipped and licensed. Most people have no idea what some of the exotics are and whether they are an endangered species or not.
0 comment1bekkemarr7 months agoNo Tiger King
There should be some form of restriction around the owning of exotic animals, especially exotic animals that are 1. rare or nearing extinction, 2. owned largely for monetary gain, and/or 3. on a residential property without adequate space for the species type to live comfortably. For example, if you want to own an elephant, you shouldn't have it in a 600sq. foot apartment.
1 comment1Kaiser7 months agoLivestock in the city
What exactly is the problem with allowing people to keep a reasonable number of livestock on their property if they are well kept?
0 comment2
ADVISE
ADVISE
This means the City asks the public to share feedback and perspectives that are considered for policies, programs, projects, or services.
ROLE OF THE PUBLIC
Tell us how we did!
Provide your feedback on digital public engagement activities.
Who is Listening
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Director Animal Care & Park Rangers
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Senior Public Engagement Advisor
Life Cycle
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Phase 1 Public Opinion Research and Engagement
Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw is currently at this stage2023 - Discovering what Edmontonians think about the current Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw
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Phase 2 Public Opinion Research and Engagement
this is an upcoming stage for Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw2024 - Exploring a renewed Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw.
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Bylaw Drafting a New Bylaw
this is an upcoming stage for Animal Licensing and Control BylawIntegrate feedback from public opinion research and engagement to prepare recommendations for City Council readings.
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Implementation - A Renewed Bylaw Goes into Effect
this is an upcoming stage for Animal Licensing and Control BylawPublic education/compliance and changes to internal COE Business Processes.
Read all about it! Animal Documents Hub
- Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw - What We Heard Report (Phase 1) (2.7 MB) (pdf)
- Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw
- Amendment 15
- Urban Beekeeping Guidelines | City of Edmonton
- Urban Hen Keeping Procedures and Guidelines | City of Edmonton
- General Guidelines on Hens Structure
- Responsible Pet Ownership
- Make Sure Your Pet is a Good Neighbour
FAQs
- What is the difference between Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC) and Edmonton Humane Society (EHS)?
- Why is the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw being renewed?
- What are some current trends related to animals?
- My doctor wrote me a medical note for an animal for medical reasons. Would this animal be a ‘service animal’ or ‘support animal?’
- What authority does the City of Edmonton have for animal enforcement?
- How does the City of Edmonton define “responsible pet ownership?”
- When might the new bylaw come into effect?
- Will there be an increase in pet licensing fees?
- What are the benefits of licensing your pet?
- Who do I contact if I have questions about this Animal Bylaw Renewal Project?