Animal Control Services FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Animal Control Services in Edmonton.
- What obligations do I have as a pet owner under the Animal Control Bylaw?
- What complaints will Animal Control investigate?
- How are pet-related complaints investigated?
- What is a mandatory court appearance?
- When can an Animal Control Officer seize an animal?
- Do Animal Control Officers always seize at-large animals?
- Who should I call if an animal is being abused or neglected?
- What are the possible fines for violating Edmonton’s Animal Control Bylaw?
- How do I get a pet licence?
- Can I own a dangerous dog in Edmonton?
- What should I do if I have found or lost a pet?
- What should I do if I have an unwanted cat on my property?
- How long are animals kept at the Animal Services Facility?
- What does the City do to find a lost pet’s owner?
- How many animals go through the Animal Services Facility a year?
- How do I get to the Animal Services Facility?
- 1. What obligations do I have as a pet owner under the Animal Control Bylaw?
Please visit Owning a Pet in Edmonton.
- 2. What complaints will Animal Control investigate?
Animal 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
- 3. How are pet-related complaints investigated?
Animal 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.
- 4. What is a mandatory court appearance?
Animal 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.
- 5. When can an Animal Control Officer seize an animal?
Animal Control Officers can seize animals that are found at-large (i.e. 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 Services Facility.
- 6. Do Animal 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.
- 7. 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 780-491-1774.
The City does not have the mandate or legal authority to investigate animal abuse.
- 8. 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
- 9. How do I get a pet licence?
Please visit Pet Licences.
- 10. Can I own a dangerous dog in Edmonton?
Please visit Restricted Dogs.
- 11. What should I do if I have found or lost a pet?
Please visit Lost Pets.
- 12. What should I do if I have an unwanted cat on my property?
Animal 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 Services Facility if you trap them humanely.
For information, visit Unwanted Cats on Private Property.
- 13. How long are animals kept at the Animal Services Facility?
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.- 14. What does the City do to find a lost pet’s owner?
Every animal that enters our Animal Services Facility 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 PetLynx, an automated recovery network that matches lost pet and found pet reports.
- 15. How many animals go through the Animal Services Facility a year?
On average, the Animal Service Facility sees over 8,000 animals per year.
In 2008, we reunited 2081 dogs with their owners and sent 691 to the Edmonton Humane Society and other rescue groups for adoption.
We also reunited 537 cats with their owners and sent 2116 to the Edmonton Humane Society and other rescue groups for adoption.
- 16. How do I get to the Animal Services Facility?
The Animal Services Facility is located at 12515 -128 Street, on the northwest corner of the 127 Street and Yellowhead Trail intersection.
Left hand turns off 127 Street are not allowed for northbound traffic. Instead use St. Albert Trail and follow the road signs. Or, travel north on 124 Street, cross the Yellowhead Trail, continue one more block and then turn west (left) to cross 127 Street.
For more information:
Animal Services
12515 - 128 Street
Edmonton, AB T5L 1C9
Facility Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:30am-6pm
Saturday: 9:30am-5pm
Closed Sunday and on Holidays
To reclaim your lost pet, please arrive no later than 5:30pm (4:30pm on Saturday) to allow us enough time to process your pet's release before closing.
| Telephone | In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| Fax | 780-496-8824 |
| 311@edmonton.ca |
