The City of Burlington's Animal Control Bylaw regulates pet licencing and microchipping, animal safety and common pet issues.
Animal attacks
All bites or scratches from an animal that cause a break in skin must, by law, be reported immediately to Halton Region Public Health. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal, especially if rabies is suspected, contact your doctor or your local health department immediately.
If your dog or cat is injured from a fight and you think it may have been bitten or scratched by a rabid animal:
- Do not handle your pet. There may be fresh saliva from a rabid animal on its coat that may carry the rabies virus
- Isolate your pet
- Call your veterinarian and Animal Services at 905-335-7777 right away
Animals in facilities
You cannot bring animals into municipal buildings with signs prohibiting animals, with the exception of:
- Aid dogs
- Animals for which you have received an exemption permit
Animals in parked cars
To report an unattended pet in distress call Halton Region Police Service at 905-825-4777 or Burlington Animal Services at 905-335-7777.
During the warm weather months, temperatures in parked cars can turn deadly in a matter of minutes. Please do not leave pets alone in the car, even if you parked the car in the shade or cracked the windows.
If you leave your pet unattended in a hot vehicle, you may face charges under the PAWS Act or the Criminal Code of Canada.
Learn more about hot weather pet safety.
Backyard Chickens
The City of Burlington does not allow keeping any kind of birds (Galliformes) on your property unless you live in the rural part of Burlington. Your property must be zoned as rural or agricultural to keep land fowl such as pheasants, grouse, guinea fowls, turkeys, chickens and peafowls.
If you live south of Highway 407, you cannot keep land fowl in your yard. If you live north of this area, check your address using our zoning map.
Cat licensing and microchipping
Currently cats are not required to obtain a municipal license, however they must be microchipped. Microchips are permanent forms of identification that help lost cats get home quickly. If you own a cat in Burlington, you must have your cat properly identified by microchip implantation. Contact your local veterinarian for more information on how to have this done.
Dog licensing
All dogs in Burlington must be licensed. Dog licensing also makes it much easier for us to help reunite you with your dog if they go missing. You can apply for or renew your dog licence.
Dogs on the beach
With the exception of aid dogs, you cannot bring dogs to any City-owned or operated beaches. This keeps our beaches clean and safe for both residents and visitors using them.
Leash laws
No animals, including cats, are allowed to run at large in Burlington. If your pet is off your property, it must be on a leash and led by a competent person. This helps keep your pet and other people safe.
Lost pets
We will shelter any stray or lost animals found in the city. We place suitable animals up for adoption if they are not claimed by their owners.
It is important to license your dog and microchip your cat so that we can more easily reunite you with them if they become lost.
Pit bulls and Dog Owners Liability Act
Ontario Legislation requires you to have a muzzle on your pit bull and a limited leash length of one point eight meters if they aren't in an enclosed area on private property. Review the Ontario pit bull legislation to learn more about the restrictions and regulations of pit bull ownership.
The Ontario Dog Owners Liability Act states that dog owners are responsible for any damages resulting from their dog biting or attacking someone. You can learn more about owner liability and potential consequences of dog attacks in the Liability Act.
Stoop and scoop
Please pick up after your dog. Dog feces contaminate beaches and other public spaces. They pose health hazards to children playing nearby and to other people and animals. Diseases and parasites can be transmitted by direct contact with dog feces. We can work together to keep our public spaces safe and clean by following these guidelines:
- When you are out with your dog, carry a plastic bag
- Pick up the droppings left by your dog using the bag
- Place the bag in the nearest litter container and wash your hands as soon as possible