Keeping animals in Woolwich is regulated by the Animal Control By-law. If you have questions about this by-law contact By-law Enforcement.
1-833-9-ANIMAL |
519-745-5615 |
911 or 519-570-9777 |
Ontario animal welfareAn animal in distress or being neglected. This includes animal cruelty and animal welfare such as animals injured, in pain, sick, suffering or abused, or lack proper care, water, food or shelter. Starting January 1, 2020, this service will be managed by Ontario Animal Welfare Services, formerly the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA). |
Humane SocietyThe Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society provides animal control for Woolwich including lost, found or at large pets and distress or deceased wild animals on public property. Other services include adopting or surrendering a pet, resources, volunteering and donations. The Humane Society has an after-hours line for sick/injured animals, dangerous dogs or Police assistance only. |
Emergency ServicesAn emergency where a life is in immediate danger or distress such as an animal attack or animal in a hot vehicle. Non-emergency crimes and illegal activity such as dog or cock fighting rings can be reported to the Waterloo Regional Police non-emergency line. Human medical emergencies involving animals, including dog bites. |
Dogs, Cats and Pets
All dogs in Woolwich must be licenced each year or within 21 days of moving into the Township. Dog owners must keep their dogs on a leash in public places other than Township dog parks and remove excrement left by their dog. Dogs who pose a threat to people or animals may be designated dangerous.
Woolwich Township does not regulate cats and other pets beyond exotic animals. Exotic wild animals cannot be kept as pets in Woolwich. A full list of restricted animals can be found in the Animal Control By-law.
Dog Tags |
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The Township’s Animal Control By-law requires that every dog residing in the Township must wear a dog tag when off of the dog owner’s property and must have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
Purchasing TagsYou can buy tags by cash or cheque at the following locations:
You can also mail a completed copy of the dog tag application form with a cheque for payment to the Township Administration Office to the attention of Corporate Services at the following address: 24 Church Street West Cheques should be payable to the Township of Woolwich. Township staff will register your dog and send the tag to you by mail. All dog owners in Woolwich are required to buy dog tags for each of their dogs annually or within 21 days of moving into the Township. Tags must be purchased each year before April 15th and expire December 31st. After April 15th outstanding dog tag fees will be added to the tax roll with a $15.00 administration fee. Owners must make rabies shot information available to the Township on request. |
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| Dangerous Dog Designations | ||||||||||||
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If you have an interaction with a dog that may be dangerous, report this to the Humane Society. If you have received a notice that your dog has been designated as dangerous or potentially dangerous, you may appeal this designation at the Dog Designation Appeal Committee within 30 days of receiving the notice. |
Dog Kennels
Woolwich licences dog kennels to make sure the dogs are safe and well cared for and to make sure the kennel does not cause nuisance to their neighbours.
| Dog Kennel Requirements and Application | ||||||||||
| Requirements for dog kennels can be found in the Animal Control By-law. Applications are available on the | ||||||||||
| Dog Kennel Fees | ||||||||||
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Effective January 1, 2020 dog kennel fees are changing. Fees are listed below.
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Livestock
Livestock is generally the responsibility of the owner unless it is on public property. Woolwich is the contact for local applications when livestock is killed by wildlife under the OWDCP program.
Report dead livestock on public property |
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To report dead livestock on a Township road or property, you can call Infrastructure Services at 519-669-6041 or report it online. Private property owners are responsible for dead livestock on their property. |
Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program |
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The Township pays owners for the cost of livestock killed or injured by coyotes through the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. If you are interested in more information about the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program please visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' website. To apply for payment farmers must:
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Wildlife
We share the Township with many animals that have adapted to our urban environment. Because food and shelter are plentiful, and natural predators are limited, wildlife will continue to live near us. If we learn to share the environment and reduce problems by getting rid of sources of food and shelter on our properties, animals will make their way to a more suitable home.
Wild animal resources |
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We do not offer a service to deal with nuisance or injured wildlife on private property. Residents should contact the Ministry of Natural Resources at 1-800-667-1940 for more information on how to deal with wildlife in urban areas. To find a private, local wildlife control service search "wildlife control" or "wildlife removal" online or in the yellow pages. |
Report a dead animal |
| To report injured or dead animals on a Township road or property, you can call the Infrastructure Services at the number below or report it online. Private property owners are responsible for dead animals on their property. |