Responsible dog ownership is an important part of maintaining a happy, healthy dog and avoiding dog-related disputes with your neighbours. Part of being a responsible dog owner is complying with Calgary’s bylaws related to dogs.
The City of Calgary's
Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 23M2006 regulate dogs in our city. This is a brief overview of the bylaw, refer to Dogs and the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. Please refer to the actual bylaw for more detailed information. Original copies of the bylaw are available at the City Clerk's office.
Overview of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw
According to theResponsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 23M2006:
- All dogs must have and wear a City of Calgary licence as soon as they reach three months of age.
- All dogs must be on-leash at all times, unless posted signs indicate otherwise, or are in a securely fenced private yard.
- Dogs must be under control in designated offleash areas. This means they must be in sight of their owners and repond to sight or sound commands.
Dog owners must ensure their dog does not:
- Bite anyone
- Injure anyone
- Chase, threaten or attack a person or an animal
-
Bark, howl or disturb anyone
- Cause damage to property or animals
- Scatter garbage
Dogs are not allowed in:
- School grounds
- Playgrounds
- Sports fields
- Golf courses
- Cemeteries
- Wading or swimming areas
While on a pathway a dog must:
- Be on a leash no longer than two metres.
- Remain on the right hand side of the pathway.
- Not interfere with or obstruct other users.
- Dogs may not be left unattended while tethered.
- You may not cycle, skateboard or in-line skate with a dog on a leash while on a pathway.
- Dogs may only be transported in the back of a truck if the dog is in a fully enclosed trailer, a truck bed covered with a topper, contained in a ventilated kennel that is secured to the truck bed, or securely tethered and not standing on bare metal.
- Dog owners must ensure that they bring along a suitable means to pick up feces.
- Dog owners must pick up all feces produces by their dog both on and off their property.
Filing a complaint
Dog bites, as well as other incidents involving aggressive cats and dogs, must be reported immediately to the City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services. To report a bylaw violation choose one of the following options:
