Dogs
Dog Licensing
All dog owners in Orillia must licence their dog(s). A licence is valid until December 31 of the year in which it is issued and must be renewed every year.
Things You Need to Know
You must provide proof that your dog(s) has been inoculated with a non-expired anti-rabies vaccine. This is required when you purchase the licence.
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Dogs under the age of 12 weeks do not require a licence.
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Cost of a dog licence is $30.00 for each dog or $20.00 if you provide veterinary proof that the dog was spayed or neutered.
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As of June 1, the licence fee for any dog increases to $50.00.
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There is a maximum of two dogs per dwelling unit.
Licences can be purchased at the Orillia City Centre, 50 Andrew St. S. (first floor). Contact the Legislative Services Division of the Clerk's Department at 705-325-2313 for more information.
Taking Your Dog for a Walk?
All dogs must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet (3 metres) in length when off its owner's property and must be kept under control at all times. Please remember to stoop and scoop.
Leash-Free Dog Zones
The City has two leash-free dog zones: Clayt French Park on Atlantis Drive and Kitchener Park on Kitchener Street. There is a limit of two dogs per guardian and dogs must be licenced and vaccinated.
Noise
No owner of a dog shall allow their dog to howl, bark excessively, or become a nuisance. This prohibition is in effect 24 hours per day.
Enforcement
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is the primary enforcement agency for by-law violations related to dogs. They can be reached at 705-325-1304.
Cats
Do Cats Need to be Licenced?
No. There is no by-law in the City of Orillia that requires cats to be licenced.
Are Cats Allowed to Run at Large?
There is no by-law in the City of Orillia that prohibits cats from running at large. To deter cats from entering your property:
- Plant Rue herb in your garden. This is a flowering herb available at local nurseries.
- Plant Plectranthus Caninus, better known as "Scaredy Cat Plant," in your garden. This is also available at local nurseries.
- Place a clean margarine container with holes punched in the lid, with a cloth in it soaked in household bleach in the area where you want to keep cats out. The odour of the bleach coming through the holes in the container lid is a deterrent.
If you have any questions regarding these tips, please contact the Orillia branch of the OSPCA, 705-325-1304.
Why Spay/Neuter Your Cat?
Based on the current cat population and the fact that cats reproduce at substantially high rates (up to 18 kittens per cat per year), it is clear that the cat population will not decrease over time unless cat owners do their part by spaying or neutering their cats.
Benefits of spaying/neutering your cat:
- Spaying/neutering helps to reduce the overpopulation of cats in the City and the significant number of cats that are housed at the OSPCA shelter, as well as reduces the burden placed on volunteer rescue groups.
- Spayed/neutered cats are more relaxed. They are not driven to mate and are less likely to roam.
- Neutering tends to diminish aggressive behaviour toward other animals and decreases the likelihood of fight-related injuries.
- Altered cats are less likely to spray.
The City encourages cat owners to visit the Ontario SPCA to learn more about spaying and neutering and to locate a clinic.
Cat Adoption
If you are interested in adopting a cat, please contact:
- Orillia branch of OSPCA - 705-325-1304
- The Comfie Cat Shelter - 705-323-9570
Rabies Vaccination
Cats must be vaccinated against rabies. Ontario Regulation 567 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act requires that every owner or person having care and custody of a cat or dog three months of age or older shall ensure that their cat is immunized.
