Please visit Owning a Pet in Edmonton.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Animal Care & Control in Edmonton.
What complaints will Animal Care & Control Officers investigate?
Animal Care & Control Officers typically investigate complaints of:
- Excessive barking
- Dog bites or attacks
- Pets without a licence
- Dogs or cats at large
- Failure to clean up pet defecation (poop)
- Problem wildlife
- Dead animals on public property
How are pet-related complaints investigated?
Animal Care & Control Officers investigate complaints by interviewing witnesses, neighbours, complainants and pet owners. When possible, the officer also collects other evidence.
Any investigation can result in a simple warning, a fine or a mandatory court appearance.
What is a mandatory court appearance?
Animal Care & Control Officers can issue a ticket that requires a pet owner to appear in Provincial Court.
This option is used in cases where owners have received multiple fines for repeat offenses, such as a barking dog or dog at-large, and for extreme instances such as serious dog attacks. The Provincial Court can issue higher fines and can even order the City to seize an animal from an owner.
When can an Animal Care & Control Officer seize an animal?
Animal Care & Control Officers can seize animals that are found at-large (for example, stray) within Edmonton city limits or animals that the Provincial Court has ordered them to seize.
Animals seized for being at-large can be picked up by their owner from the Animal Care & Control Centre at 13550 163 Street.
Do Animal Care & Control Officers always seize at-large animals?
No. Under the City’s Free Ride Home program, at-large pets with a valid pet licence can be taken directly home by an officer free of charge once every 12 months.
Who should I call if an animal is being abused or neglected?
The Edmonton Humane Society has the authority to enforce the Alberta Animal Protection Act and investigates reports of abuse. They can be reached by calling 780-471-1774.
The City does not have the mandate or legal authority to investigate animal abuse.
What are the possible fines for violating Edmonton’s Animal Control Bylaw?
Common fines are:
- Excessive barking - $100
- Owning an unlicensed pet - $250
- Animal at-large - $100
- Failure to remove defecation - $100
- Failure to control or leash a dog - $100
- Dog attack causing no injury - $100
- Dog attack causing injury - $500 to $2,500
What should I do if I have an unwanted cat on my property?
Animal Care & Control Officers do not capture at-large cats because they are generally not a danger to humans. However, stray and at-large cats can be brought to the Animal Care & Control Centre if you trap them humanely.
For information, visit Unwanted Cats on Private Property.
How long are animals kept at the Animal Care & Control Centre?
Animals with no identification are kept up to three business days and animals with identification are kept up to 10 business days.
After that, adoptable animals are transferred to the
Edmonton Humane Society and other rescue groups.
What does the City do to find a lost pet's owner?
Every animal that enters our Animal Care & Control Centre is searched for tags, a tattoo or a microchip.
When an animal has a valid pet licence and is wearing tags, we can immediately contact the owner. A tattoo or microchip with up-to-date information on file also helps us to contact the owner.
Every animal that enters our facility also has its picture posted on our Found Pets search tool.
How many animals go through the Animal Care & Control Centre each year?
On average, the Animal Service Facility sees more than 6,000 animals per year.
In 2015, we reunited 1,797 dogs with their owners and sent 528 to the Edmonton Humane Society and other rescue groups for adoption.
We also reunited 515 cats with their owners and sent 2,080 to the Edmonton Humane Society and other rescue groups for adoption.
How do I get to the Animal Care & Control Centre?
The Animal Care & Control Centre is located at 13550 -163 Street, and shares its entrance with the Chappelle Centre for Animal Care, home of the Edmonton Humane Society.
When travelling westbound on 137 Avenue, turn left onto 163 Street. Proceed south along 163 Street until you see the monument signs for the Chappelle Centre for Animal Care and the Animal Care & Control Centre.
When travelling eastbound on 137 Avenue, turn right onto 163 Street. Proceed south along 163 Street until you see the monument signs for the Chappelle Centre for Animal Care and the Animal Care & Control Centre.