The Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 23M2006 enables Animal & Bylaw Services to work with Calgarians to ensure that cats, dogs, their owners and neighbours live together in safety and harmony.
Under the bylaw, both cat and dog owners are responsible for licensing their pets at three months of age and for ensuring the pets remain on the owner’s property. Cats are not allowed to roam and must be restricted to their owner’s property. When off their owner’s property, dogs must be under their owner’s control. All areas in Calgary are on-leash except for off-leash areas that are designated by signs.
What is a responsible pet owner?
Animal & Bylaw Services does not advocate limiting the number of pets or breed specific legislation. This is because we believe that poor animal behaviour results from a failed relationship between pet and owner. Therefore, Animal & Bylaw Services advocates responsible pet ownership based on the following five principles:
- License and provide permanent identification for pets.
- Spay or neuter pets.
- Provide training, physical care, socialization and medical attention for companion pets.
- Do not allow pets to become a threat or nuisance in the community.
- Procure your pet ethically and from a credible source.
