Animal Control Services

Loose dog

If you find a dog running at large, please contact the Sarnia Humane Society at 519-344-7064.

Immediate danger

If you feel you're in immediate danger from a dangerous dog at large, call 911 for help. 

Wildlife

We do not respond to nuisance wildlife calls. For these complaints, please call your local wildlife control services.

Responsibilities of pet owners

The Dog Licensing By-law 79 of 2013 provides information on dog owners responsibilities.

The Exotic Animal By-law 8 of 2020 provides prohibitions and regulations on many 'exotic' animals.

The municipality does not have a cat regulation by-law. However, cat owners are responsible just as dog owners are to keep their cat on their property, using a leash or harness if necessary.

Loving your pet isn’t enough. You also need to protect your pet, and be a good neighbour by being a responsible pet owner.

A few tips to get started:

Spay or neuter your pet: Fixing your pet not only prevents unwanted litters, but it can also help your pet live a longer and healthier life.

Be a good neighbour: When walking your dog or allowing your cat outside please remember to clean up after them. No one likes to step in someone else’s mess.  Make sure you address any excessive barking through dog training, socializing, exercising and family interaction. Ensure your dog does not bite, injure, chase, threaten, or disturb anyone.  Keep an eye on your cat and make sure they are not spending time in your neighbours gardens or harming local wildlife.

Socialize and train your pet: Young animals require exposure to many different situations to grow up well-adjusted and friendly. But training doesn’t stop with puppies. Think an old dog can’t learn new tricks? Think again! Training your pet to follow basic commands will not only make them a better housemate, but could also save their life in a dangerous situation like running into a busy street.

Remember that any dog can bite: Even the friendliest dog can bite if they are frightened or backed into a corner. YouTube videos showing kids pulling a cat’s tail or riding on a dog’s back may seem cute, but often the pet is showing signs of serious stress. Research shows that 77 percent of dog bites come from a family or friend’s dog.

Keep walks safe: Dogs must remain on a leash unless they are on their own property, or in a designated off-leash area. This not only protects your pet from dangers like cars, but it also shows respect for others who may fear or dislike dogs. Remember, even if your dog is friendly not every other dog is, so keeping them safe often means keeping them close.

Be aware of weather: While you may want your pet to be with you, during warm weather the safest place for them may be at home. The temperature inside a car can reach dangerous levels quickly, even when the weather seems mild. Cold weather can also be dangerous. Ensure that your pet is provided with proper shelter and fresh water during all times that they are outside during cold weather.

Report a complaint

You may report a complaint online or call 519-845-3939.

Dog Licensing By-law

The Dog Licensing By-law 79 of 2013 includes regulations for keeping dogs, dangerous dogs, kennels and licensing. Violations can result in a Provincial Offences fine or summons to court.

You can have up to three dogs per house in a residential area.

License fees

Your dog must have a license. The fee schedule (as indicated below) is set in accordance with By-law 131 of 2022, Schedule 'A':

Apply online to get a new dog license or renew an existing dog license.

Kennels

You can establish a kennel within an approved area set out in the Town of Plympton-Wyoming Zoning By-law.

Nuisance barking

Persistent or nuisance barking means any barking more than 10 minutes at a time, at least twice in the same week. The barking dog's owner can be charged a $300 fine.

You may report a complaint online.

Leash law

If your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash and led by a competent person. Allowing your dog to run at large is prohibited and you can be charged a $100 fine.

If you come across a dog running at large, please contact the Sarnia Humane Society at 519-344-7064.

Dangerous dogs

If you feel threatened by a dog running at large, call 911 immediately for help.

A dog is considered dangerous if:

• The dog has bitten or injured a human being or domestic animal; or

• The dog has been threatening or aggressive towards a human being or domestic animal, including but not limited to behaviour such as growling or snarling.

If you are the owner of a dangerous dog, you must follow strict guidelines set out in the Dog Licensing By-law, including:

• Getting a dangerous dog license;

• Maintaining a policing of liability insurance of at least one million dollars to cover the costs of the potential injuries caused by your dog;

• Making sure your dog has an up-to-date anti-rabies vaccine;

• Placing a sign at the entrance to your property warning that there is a dangerous dog onsite;

• Making sure that your dog is securely confined in a locked pen that prevents escape while also providing protection for the dog;

• If the dog is off your property, you must ensure that the dog is muzzled, on a leash and under control of a person over the age of 18.

Please see the schedule of fines for more information on fines relating to dangerous dogs.