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.

Wildlife in Orillia

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

For non-emergency wildlife concerns, residents may seek advice from the Ministry of Natural Resources. Residents can help deter coyotes and other wildlife from their property by keeping it free from waste, not having pet food outside, and keeping small pets indoors. For more information, see the province’s coyote protection and conflict prevention resources.

Concerns about a coyote or other wildlife should be directed to the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 if a resident feels the animal poses an immediate threat to public safety.

Coyote Encounter Resources

Coyotes are found throughout Ontario and are a common sight in Orillia. They generally avoid people, but they can pose a risk to pets, particularly small dogs and cats.

Coyotes that appear comfortable around people may have lost their natural fear because they have been fed or otherwise habituated by humans. Coyotes are well adapted to urban environments and can find natural food sources such as rodents and rabbits. It is important to allow coyotes to remain wild animals and avoid feeding or intentionally interacting with them.

Coyotes play an important role in southern Ontario’s ecosystem by helping regulate populations of rabbits, rats and mice.

Protect your pets

Residents can help reduce the risk of coyote encounters by limiting food sources and other attractants around their property. Small dogs and cats may be viewed as prey, while larger dogs can be injured if they encounter or confront a coyote. Coyotes can also carry diseases and parasites that may pose a risk to dogs.

Follow these tips to help keep coyotes away from your pets:

Keep pets on a leash when outside.
Keep pets indoors at night.
Consider adding a bell to your pet’s collar.
Always clean up after your dog, as coyotes may be attracted to dog feces.
Keep pet food indoors.
Spay or neuter your dogs. Coyotes may be attracted to, and can mate with, dogs that have not been spayed or neutered.
Carry a flashlight when taking pets out at night.
Carry a noise-making device, such as a whistle, bells, a plastic bag or an umbrella that can make a popping sound.
Do not allow dogs or cats to roam freely.
Never allow your dog to chase a coyote.

Protect your property from unwanted wildlife

Wildlife may become a nuisance or create a health concern when properties provide easy access to food, shelter or other attractants. A few simple steps can make your property less appealing to wildlife:

Keep your yard clean, tidy and secure.
Store waste properly and keep garbage, compost and recycling carts clean.
Avoid leaving food outdoors and be mindful of food growing in your yard.

Concerns about a coyote or other wildlife should be directed to the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 if a resident feels the animal poses an immediate threat to public safety.

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.

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.