Pets in the City

About the campaign

The Pets in the City campaign is intended to remind pet owners about their responsibilities.

Being a responsible owner is much more than just giving your pet adequate care, food, water and shelter. You are also responsible for their actions.  Control, license and clean up after your pet to keep Edmonton safe, clean and healthy for everyone – including you and your pet.

It’s also the law. The City of Edmonton regulates pet ownership under the Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw.

What’s happening

Campaign messages are being shared through ads on buses, on billboards, in parks and in supermarkets. Animal Care & Control Officers are patrolling the City on bicycles and in trucks to encourage pet owners to be responsible and follow the bylaw.

What you can do

Follow these tips to make sure your pet is a positive part of our community.

They're safest at home.

Allowing your cat to wander could lead to overturned garbage and irritated neighbours. Far more seriously, your roaming cat could get lost, hurt or even killed. Roaming cats face many dangers, including vehicles, other people's pets, animal cruelty and wildlife. Keeping your cat indoors, safely confined to your property or walked using a harness and leash will help keep it out of harm's way.

It will also save you money; the fine if your cat is caught on private property is $100.

Licensed cats come back.

Even indoor cats can slip away and get lost. Sadly, most cats in Edmonton aren't licensed and don't make it home if they go astray. Make sure your cat wears a valid licence so that the City can contact you if we find them. They cost $21 per year for a spayed/neutered cat.

It's also the law; the fine for not having a valid pet licence is $250.

Fixing them takes the heat off.

Failing to fix your cat can lead to all sorts of problems, including unwanted kittens, health issues like cancer and unwanted behaviours like fighting, biting, spraying, roaming and noisy heat cycles. Take the heat off you and your pet by spaying or neutering them.

Fixing your cat not only makes them healthier and happier; it also makes them cheaper to license.

They poop, you scoop.

Neglecting to pick up after your dog could mean that someone else picks it up...on their shoes. Far more seriously, it could expose people and other pets to bacteria, viruses and parasites in your pet’s waste. Clean up after your dog to keep Edmonton healthy and attractive for everyone.

It’s also the law; the fine for not cleaning up after your dog is $100.

They’re safest at the end of your leash.

Off-leash dogs can run away, bite other dogs and people, or get hurt. Use a leash that’s no longer than 2 metres (6 feet) to keep your dog and the people around you safe. Even if they’re on a leash, keep your dog 10 metres (32 feet) from playgrounds, sports fields and picnic areas. Stick to permanent trails in these areas.

Keeping your dog on a leash and away from these areas will save you a $100 fine.

Off-leash, not off the hook.

Out-of-control dogs can bite other dogs and people, or can get hurt themselves. Even in off-leash areas, keep your dog closely supervised and under control for their safety and the safety of others. Carry a leash that can be used if necessary.

Controlling your off-leash dog will keep you from getting a $100 fine.

Pet owners have many responsibilities. Learn about the other responsibilities involved in owning a pet in Edmonton.

For More Information

Animal Care & Control Centre