Pets Outdoors

Keeping Your Pets Outdoors

If you keep your pets outdoors for extended periods of time, they must have adequate shelter, whether or not the pet is tied.

  • Shelters and/or exercise pens must be located at least 1.2 metres (4 feet) from the property line and not in the front yard
  • Shelters must be weather-proofed, insulated, in a good state of repair and large enough to permit a full range of movement

It is against municipal by-law for anyone to untie, loosen or otherwise free a tethered dog or cat that is not in distress, without permission of the pet owner.

Pets Tied Outside

If you tie your dog or cat outdoors ensure that:

  • The tether is short enough to keep the pet on your property but long enough – at least 3 metres long – so the dog or cat can move around easily
  • your pet is tied in a way that it cannot injure itself

File a complaint about improper care or shelter for an animal

Contact By-law Compliance and Enforcement Services.