Animal and Pet Control: Frequently Asked Questions
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All dogs over 20 weeks old in any part of the city and all cats over 20 weeks old in the urban area need to be registered annually.
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If your pet has not been registered before, you will need to fill out this pet registration form to obtain a pet licence and tag.
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Bylaw 2004-144 regulates animals in the City of Kingston.
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A map of Kingston's urban and rural areas.
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Fifteen agencies developed this Inter-Agency Human-Wildlife Conflict Response Protocol to determine how to handle various wildlife-related inquiries.
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The freely available Adobe Reader software can be used to view the PDF documents on the City of Kingston Web site.
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QUESTIONS:
What do I need to register my pet?
How much will it cost to register my pet?
Where can I find help with my online pet tag renewal?
Will my pet have to wear an identification tag at all times?
Is there a limit to the number of pets allowed per dwelling?
Do I have to keep my cat indoors or on a leash?
Do I have to keep my dog on a leash?
How do I update my mailing address?
How do I remove my deceased pet from your records?
Where do I send proof that I have now had my registered pet spayed/neutered?
How do I contact Animal Control with a complaint?
Where can I learn more about the Animal Control Bylaw?
ANSWERS:
Q: Do I need to register my pet?
A: Under the by-law, all dogs over 20 weeks old in any part of the city and all cats over 20 weeks old in the urban area will be required to be registered in the City's pet identification system (please see urban/rural areas map at right).
Each dog and cat will need to be registered by the date it reaches 20 weeks of age and by Jan. 1 of each subsequent year. Upon registration, an identification tag will be issued for each dog and cat.
When a cat or dog is found, their pet identification tag number can be located in the City's pet identification system — so that your lost pet can be identified.
A: Download the Pet Registration Form on this site and bring it in or mail it to City Hall, Payment Centre, 216 Ontario St., Kingston, ON K7L 2Z3, (include a self-address stamped envelope when submitting by mail) or visit:
- Kingston Humane Society, 1 Binnington Crt.
- Participating veterinary clinics and pet stores, include: McEwen Animal Hospital, Princess Animal Hospital, Global Pet Foods, Collins Bay Animal Hospital and the Frontenac Animal Hospital, Petcetera, Pet Valu Better Pet Nutrition Stores and Scotty's Pets.
You may be asked to provide the following information:
- Complete name and address of owner
- Evening and daytime telephone number of owner
- Pet's name, breed
- Proof that pet has been neutered or spayed
- Pet's date of birth
- Tattoo
- Vaccination Record
Q: What do I need to register my pet?
A: You will be asked to provide your current address and a description of your dog or cat. If your pet has been spayed or neutered, you will need to provide proof of the procedure the first time you register your pet in order to receive the discounted rate. You may also be asked to provide proof of vaccination against rabies. If your pet has a tattoo or other identifying information, this can be kept on file as well.
Q: How much will it cost to register my pet?
A: The cost to register a pet is $42.00 per dog and $21.00 per cat. However, if your pet is spayed or neutered, the cost is reduced to $16.00 per dog and $6.00 per a cat.
This registration fee pays for identifying the pet when it is lost, enforcement and administration of the pet identification system. The fee also covers updates to the pet's information, such as records of rabies vaccinations, tattoos or other identifying information. If your pet moves to a new home, there is no charge to update the address. To assist the Licensing Office in locating your pet's records quickly, please have the pet's identification number available.
If you have been found guilty of an offence under the Dog Owners Liability Act or the Animal Control Bylaw, additional fees will apply.
Q: Where can I find help with my online pet tag renewal?
A: If you are attempting to renew your pet tag online and need help from a licensing agent, you can email licensing@cityofkingston.ca or call 613-546-4291, ext. 3150.
Q: Does my pet have to wear an identification tag at all times?
A: Cats and dogs are required to wear their identification tag at all times. By wearing a pet identification tag at all times, your pet has a greater chance of being identified.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of pets allowed per dwelling?
A: No, there is no limit to the number of pets per dwelling.
Q: Do I have to keep my cat indoors or on a leash?
A: No, you do not have to keep your cat indoors or on a leash. However, cats in the urban area will not be allowed to trespass on another person's property.
The City receives a number of complaints each year about cats doing damage to property and digging up and defecating in gardens and children's play areas. Under the bylaw, the property owner would have the right to take the trespassing cat to the Humane Society.
Q: Do I have to keep my dog on a leash?
A: Yes, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, except when they are on your property or on the property of someone who has given permission for your dog to go unleashed.
Q: How do I update my mailing address?
A: You can email licensing@cityofkingston.ca or call 613-546-4291, ext. 3150.
Q: How do I remove my deceased pet from your records?
A: You can email licensing@cityofkingston.ca or call 613-546-4291, ext. 3150.
Q: Where do I send proof that I have now had my registered pet spayed/neutered?
A: You can email licensing@cityofkingston.ca or call 613-546-4291, ext. 3150.
Q: How do I contact Animal Control with a complaint?
A: For quick, efficient animal control service, you can call 613-546-4291, ext. 3135 during regular business hours and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For after-hours service, please call the Kingston Humane Society at 613-546-1291.
Q: How can I learn more about the Animal Control Bylaw?
A: A complete version of the new Animal Control Bylaw can be downloaded from this Web site, or questions can be directed to:
Licensing and Enforcement Division
216 Ontario Street
Kingston ON K7L 2Z3
613-546-4291, ext. 3150
licensing@cityofkingston.ca
