Skip to main content Skip to footer

Animal Services

Animals are a part of the Township as pets, livestock and wildlife. The Township provides canine control services, distributes licences for kennels and backyard hens, and has a by-law to manage exotic pets. All dogs in the Township are required to have a dog tag.


Canine Control

By-law Enforcement is responsible for canine control within the Township of Wilmot. Any resident who has lost their dog should contact By-law Enforcement or the KW Humane Society.

For after hours canine control, please contact the KW Humane Society at 519-745-5616.

Canine control concerns like noise, kennels, dogs at large and dog waste can be reported to By-law Enforcement or through our Report a Problem form. 

Report a Canine Control Problem

Dog and Kennel By-law

Canine control is enforced through the Dog and Dog Kennel By-law. The most common questions about this by-law concern noise, number of dogs a resident may have, dogs at large, dog waste and dog bites.

Most dogs bark. This is a fact and most people are willing to tolerate occasional barking.

When barking becomes excessive then neighbours become less tolerant. Owners are responsible for controlling their dog's barking so that it does not disturb others.

Please talk to your neighbours if their dog's barking is bothersome, most people want to be good neighbours. If it continues, please contact By-law Enforcement.

Any resident who owns more than three dogs must apply for a kennel licence.

There are certain conditions that must be met for a kennel licence which are outlined in the Dog and Dog Kennel By-law.

Residents with questions about kennels can contact By-law Enforcement for more information or to get an application.

If your dog is missing please contact By-law Enforcement during office hours or the KW Humane Society.

You can also report dogs running at large to the Township but unless the dog is contained it can be very difficult to catch.

If the dog is friendly please try to contain the dog and contact By-law Enforcement.

Dog owners must clean up their dog's waste on any property other than their own. This includes private and public property.

Undisposed of dog waste is annoying (and disgusting) to adults, children and other animals.

If there is a dog bite or other form of dog attack on either a person or other domestic animal please seek immediate medical attention, if necessary, and contact By-Law Enforcement.

If contacting By-Law Enforcement outside of regular business hours, please leave a message and we will respond as soon as possible. 

Kennel Licenses

Any property with more than three dogs is classified as a kennel under the Dog and Dog Kennel By-law. If you are interested in applying for a kennel licence please read through the by-law, contact By-law Enforcement and fill out the Kennel Licence Application Form.

If you want to open a kennel you are advised that in addition to speaking with By-law Enforcement you will also need to speak with Development Services as there may be building or zoning requirements that need to be looked at first. Do not start construction or renovations based only on your decision to open a kennel. You may need a building permit or other approvals

If you are intending to increase the number of dogs on an existing Kennel Licence, change the location of a kennel or sell your property and kennel to a new owner then you need to use the same Kennel Licence Application Form to begin the process.

Exotic Pets

Exotic pets are not only animals from outside of Canada, they are wild animals or animals not considered "normal" household pets. The Township of Wilmot's Exotic Pet By-law is renamed as the Animal Control By-law, Excluding Dogs. This by-law also applies to livestock within the settlement areas as defined in the Official Plan. In 2020, the by-law was changed to allow backyard hens if your property meets certain conditions.

Exotic pets are not permitted but Council may grant exemptions to the by-law on a case-by-case basis. The applicant will be required to pay the application fee and meet specific conditions before a temporary exemption will be considered. If you are interested in applying for an exemption to the Animal Control By-law, Excluding Dogs, please fill out the Application Form and speak with a By-law Enforcement Officer for more information.

Wildlife

We share the Township of Wilmot with a variety of animals. Because food and shelter are plentiful these animals continue to live in and around our cities and towns. If we learn to share the Township with wildlife and get rid of their sources of food and shelter on our properties, we can enjoy these visitors as they make their way to a more suitable home.

The Township rents cages for catching and releasing wildlife. The cages are available at the Administration Complex. The cost to rent a cage is $10 plus a refundable security deposit of $50. For nuisance animals please contact a licensed wildlife trapper. 

Contact the KW Humane Society at 519-745-5615 if you encounter sick and/or injured wildlife.

Contact

By-Law Enforcement

Administration Complex
60 Snyder's Road West
T: 519-634-8519 ext. 9257
Toll Free: 1-800-469-5576 
TTY: 519-634-5037
Email

Sign up for news alerts

Stay up to date on the city's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our news alerts.

This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.