Pet owners who own a dog that is deemed vicious must follow certain rules and regulations.
Dogs can be deemed vicious when convicted under the Animal Care and Control Bylaw This includes:
- Chasing, attacking or biting any person or animal with or without causing minor physical injury (2 convictions)
- Chasing, attacking or biting any person or animal causing physical injury (1 conviction)
New Animal Care and Control Bylaw
A renewed Animal Care and Control Bylaw was approved by Council on August 19 and changes are in effect as of May 19, 2026.
Hold a Vicious Dog Licence
- The licence fee for a dog convicted of chasing, attacking, or biting people or other animals is $251 per year
- The fine for not obtaining that licence or allowing that licence to expire without obtaining a new one is $500
All dogs and cats in the city of Edmonton must be licensed annually. Although the City of Edmonton's legislation no longer restricts dogs by their breed, a valid pet licence is required from the Animal Care and Control Centre.
Obtain Liability Insurance
You must have a minimum of $1 million liability insurance that specifically covers damages for personal injury caused by the vicious dog. The fine for not obtaining this insurance is $500.
Microchip Requirement
Microchips are required for vicious Dogs.
Sign Display
Display a sign on the Owner’s premises or any property where the owner apparently resides warning of the presence of a vicious dog.
Vicious Dogs and Off-leash Area
Ensure the dog is not, at any time, at an Off Leash Area whether leashed or not.
Muzzle, Leash and Control on Public Property
If you take the dog off your property, you must ensure that at all times it is:
- Under control
- Muzzled
- Held on a harness and a two point of contact leash no longer than 2 metres
The fine for non-compliance is $500.
Controlled on Private Property
- If the dog is outside on your own property, it must be controlled in the following ways at all times:
- Secured indoors or in a fully enclosed pen when outside
- Held on a harness and a two point of contact leash no longer than 2 metres
- Muzzled
The fine for non-compliance is $500
Other Regulations
As with any dog, a vicious dog is not permitted to commit the following:
- Damage property
- Chase, attack or bite any person or animal (does not apply if the chase, attack, bite or damage is a direct result of the dog being provoked)
- Chase, attack or bite any person or animal causing physical injury (does not apply if the chase, attack, bite or damage is a direct result of the dog being provoked)
Incidents involving these actions may lead to fines or additional enforcement actions. The fine if a dog chases, attacks or bites a person or animal can range from $250 - $7,000 based on the severity of the attack or bite.
Contact Us
Animal Care & Control Centre
Phone 311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Fax 780-496-8824
Address 13550 - 163 Street Edmonton, AB