Animals, Pets and Wildlife | City of Orillia

Orillia is home to many different types of wildlife and is a pet-friendly community. Be a responsible pet owner by following the City's regulations and programs.

In Orillia, all dogs older than 12 weeks are required to be licensed. Cats are not required to be licensed. Restricted pets include venomous reptiles, tigers, monkeys, ducks, and chickens (outside the hen program).

Apply for your dog's lifetime licence

Dog licensing

To purchase a lifetime dog licence, you must provide proof of the dog's up-to-date rabies vaccination. There is a maximum two dogs per dwelling unit, and licences are non-transferable to other dogs.

Purchase a dog licence

Online

Orillia City Centre (50 Andrew St. S)

Critter Cove (180 Front St. S)

OSPCA Orillia Branch (467 West St. N)

Pet complaints and enforcement

Call City animal enforcement at 705-325-2110 to report excessive barking or noise complaints related to dogs, dogs at large, or stoop and scoop.

For dog bites call the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or 911 in emergencies.

Animal cruelty and neglect

If you suspect an animal is being abused, neglected, or left without food, water, or shelter, call the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL.

Owning backyard hens

The City of Orillia’s Backyard Hen Program allows residents to keep up to four hens per property, subject to eligibility and a successful application. Roosters are not permitted.

To apply you must reside on the property where the hens are kept, your property must be at least 500 sq. m (approximately 5,382 sq. ft.), and your property cannot reside in a Source Water Protection Area. To confirm your property’s eligibility, contact 705-325-2622 or email planning staff.

If your property is eligible, complete the hen coop licence application form, provide a site plan showing the proposed location of the coop (sample site plan) and submit the completed application in person at the City Centre.

Wildlife in Orillia

The City of Orillia does not address issues relating to wildlife.

Wildlife issues in Ontario are overseen by the Ministry of Natural Resources who can be contacted at 1‑800‑667‑1940. More information can be found on Ontario's Wildlife and nature webpage.

If a wild animal is posing an immediate threat to public safety, these issues can be reported to the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

Bird management

The City's Bird Management Program targets parks and beaches to improve beach water quality and control bird populations throughout Orillia using federally-approved and humane bird prevention methods. You can help by not feeding birds, ducks, geese, gulls or swans.

Rodent control

While the City does not offer services or rodent control measures, there are preventative rodent‑management practices that residents and property owners can explore. Rodent‑proofing is an effective and safe way to reduce rodent issues. Sealing gaps around buildings, securing trash and compost, removing outdoor food sources, and following the City's Property Standards helps rodent control.

Help reduce the harm of rodenticides

Rodenticides are chemicals used to control rodent populations and pose serious risks to pets, children, and native wildlife. Predatory birds, foxes, coyotes, and other animals may be poisoned indirectly when they consume rodents that have ingested rodenticide. These chemicals can also persist in the environment and affect non-target species. Choosing preventative methods, using snap traps responsibly when needed, and consulting licensed professionals who prioritize integrated pest management (IPM) can make a meaningful difference. Learn more through Canada's rats and mice webpage.