Animal & Bylaw Services

Off-leash area survey

Animal & Bylaw Services is currently reviewing the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw and is seeking input from Calgarians. Dog owners and off-leash area users are encouraged to take a few minutes to fill out a short online survey to provide their views regarding the number of dogs an individual should be allowed to have off-leash at one time. This survey may be used to determine if it is necessary to limit the number of dogs an individual can have off-leash at one time.

Currently, there is no limit on the number of dogs that individual citizens can have off-leash at one time within Calgary’s designated off-leash areas. However, it is specified that dogs must be under control – within sight and responsive to commands – at all times.  

Citizens without access to the internet may also participate in the survey by calling 3-1-1.

Take the off-leash survey 

Our Mission and Philosophy

The mission of Animal & Bylaw Services is to encourage a safe, healthy, vibrant community for people and their pets, through the development, education and compliance of bylaws that reflect community values. We strive to obtain voluntary compliance to municipal bylaws by using education first and then enforcement. As a result of this approach, our responsible pet ownership philosophy and cat and dog licensing programs are viewed as models for municipalities across North America.

Our Role

Bylaws are essential to the development and maintenance of safe, healthy and vibrant communities, and they help Calgarians live in harmony with their neighbours by setting minimum standards for acceptable behaviour. The role of Animal & Bylaw Services is to help develop bylaws and educate the public about responsible pet ownership and responsible citizenship. Our role includes:

• Encouraging voluntary compliance to 24 bylaws and 11 provincial statutes through education and enforcement by our bylaw enforcement and peace officers.
• Working with community stakeholders, partners, business revitalization zones (BRZs) and citizens to identify issues and develop solutions that work.
• Protecting the environment, private and public property.
• Ensuring high standards of public health and safety.
• Responding to citizen complaints and helping neighbours resolve their bylaw issues.
• Providing school and public education programs to teach children and adults about responsible pet ownership and responsible citizenship.
• Supporting projects to improve communities through the Community Standards Fund, Community Cleanups Business Revitalization Zones and the Crime Prevention Fund.
• Sheltering cats and dogs that have been impounded under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.
• Reuniting lost cats and dogs with their owners.
• Coordinating licensing for cats and dogs residing in the city of Calgary.
• Providing a no-cost spay/neuter program and fee assistance to eligible pet owners
• Offering adoption services for cats and dogs.
• Funding veterinary clinics to cover emergency medical care for injured stray cats and dogs.

What common bylaws do pet owners and property owners need to know about?

• The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw (23M2006): This bylaw allows Animal & Bylaw Services to work with Calgarians to ensure that cats, dogs, their owners and neighbours live together in safety and harmony. This bylaw contains regulations for cats, dogs and livestock living in Calgary.
• The Community Standards Bylaw (5M2004): This bylaw allows Animal & Bylaw Services to partner with Calgarians to create healthy, safe and vibrant communities by addressing nuisances, including untidy properties. This bylaw contains regulations for property owners and property maintenance. 
   

What’s new at Animal & Bylaw Services?

There is always something new at Animal & Bylaw Services including our 2010 Annual report.

How do I donate to Animal & Bylaw Services?

How do I contact Animal & Bylaw Services?

To contact Animal & Bylaw Services, visit our contact Animal & Bylaw Services page.

Frequently asked questions