The City of Edmonton’s Animal Care and Control Bylaw provides details on the regulation and licensing for keeping pigeons.
Did you know that there are a number of Edmontonians that keep pigeons? Pigeon licensing is regulated under section 35 of the Animal Care and Control Bylaw (see Bylaw Lookup).
Pigeon owners may keep or have up to 75 pigeons on any premises within the city.
Apply for a Pigeon Keeping Licence
A pigeon licence (for the flock) costs $16 per year and must be paid in-person at the Animal Care and Control Centre, accompanied by proof of compliance with all applicable regulations and requirements.
If you require assistance or have any questions, please phone 311.
Note: You must be 18 years and older to apply for a pigeon keeping licence. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must apply on your behalf.
Requirements and Regulations
Proof of Membership
You must maintain membership in 1 of the following recognized pigeon associations:
The Canadian Pigeon Fanciers Association/Association Canadienne Du Pigeon De Fantaisie
Mandatory Banding
All pigeons must be banded with a traceable leg band approved by your selected association:
- The band information must be searchable on the applicable pigeon association’s website
- The band information, including the letters and first 2 numbers in the series, must be provided to the Animal Care and Control Centre for licensing purposes
Proper Housing
The aviary or loft can measure up to 10 square metres and must adhere to regulations including location, size, construction, ventilation and cleanliness:
An aviary or loft exceeding 10 square metres requires a development permit.
Exercise and Release
Pigeons are allowed outside the aviary only for the purpose of supervised exercise or when returning from a supervised race or training flight:
- They cannot be out in a flock of more than 20 at a time
Prohibitions
Pigeons are not allowed out of the loft or aviary on any:
- Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday between 10am and 11pm
- Any day from May-September between 10am and 4pm
Site Inspections and Fines
Site inspections will be conducted on randomly selected applicant sites to ensure housing criteria are met.
Failing to comply with the terms and conditions of your pigeon licence under Bylaw 21244 may result in a fine of $100 or a licence being revoked. If a licence is revoked, the licensee(s) will be required to relocate the pigeons to a location outside the City of Edmonton at their own expense.
Keeping pigeons without a licence will result in a $100 fine.
Contact Us
Animal Care & Control Centre
Phone 311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Fax 780-496-8824
Address 13550 - 163 Street Edmonton, AB