Background Living Here

Animal Control & Licensing

Dogs

Dog Licensing

All dog owners in Orillia must license their dog(s). On December 10, 2020, Council implemented a lifetime dog licence which replaces the former annual/multi-year licensing.
Things You Need to Know
  • Dogs under the age of 12 weeks do not require a licence.
  • You must provide proof that your dog(s) has been inoculated with a non-expired anti-rabies vaccine when you purchase the licence.
  • Please note that Ontario Regulation 567 under the Health Promotion and Protection Act requires all dogs three months of age or over to be immunized against rabies at all times. All aspects of compliance with Ontario Regulation 567 under the Health Promotion and Protection Act, are the exclusive and sole responsibility of the person having care or custody of the animal that is required to be immunized against rabies.

What is the cost for a licence?
  • Lifetime licence - $75.00
Is a licence transferable to another dog?
No.
Where can a licence be purchased?

Orillia City Centre, 50 Andrew St. S. (first floor) or at the following locations:

  • Critter Cove - 180 Front St. S.
  • OSPCA Orillia Branch - 467 West St. N.
Is there a dog limit per dwelling?
A maximum of two dogs is permitted per dwelling unit.
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.

Have questions about dog licensing?

Contact the Legislative Services Division at 705-325-2313 for more information.

Exotic Animals

What animals are prohibited under the Exotic Animal By-law?
The full list of prohibited animals is within Schedule "A" of the by-law. There is a significant range of animals on the prohibited list including poisonous and venomous reptiles, as well as tigers, monkeys, ducks and chickens.
Does the by-law apply to all snakes?
All venomous/poisonous snakes are prohibited, as well as anacondas and all snakes of the families pythonidae and boidae. Furthermore, any snake that is wild and brought captive is prohibited. This means that other snakes such as corn snakes, milk snakes, bull snakes and king snakes are permitted, provided such snakes were not wild and brought captive.
Does the by-law apply to all lizards?
All venomous or poisonous lizards are prohibited. Lizards that exceed two meters in length are prohibited. However, other lizards such as leopard geckos and bearded dragons are permitted, provided they were not wild and brought captive.
I have questions that are not on this list. Who can I call?
Contact the Legislative Services Division at 705-325-2313 for more information.

Cats

For information about cats in the City of Orillia.