Animal Services
Your pets are members of our community and we want them to be safe and enjoy living in Kingsville. Our Animal Control By-laws keep our community and companion animals safe by making sure pet owners understand their responsibilities.
Following our local by-laws will keep you a responsible owner, a good neighbour and to show proper care for your pet. Pet owners who fail to comply with by-law regulations may be ticketed and fined.
As a pet owner in Kingsville, your responsibilities are:
- Licence your dog every year and make sure they always wear a collar with the licence attached.
- Poop and scoop – pick up any mess made by your pet and place it in the correct waste container (By-law 31-2000).
- Keep your pet on a leash whenever you are in a public area, unless you are at an official off leash dog park.
- Make sure your dog has food, water and shelter
Dogs
Dog Licensing |
All dogs in the Town of Kingsville must have a valid dog tag.
$40 for each dog tag after April 1st
Failure to purchase and renew your licence could result in a fine. Licensing is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Not only does it help reunite an owner to a lost pet but helps provide food and shelter to lost animals. If you find a lost or injured dog contact Animal Control at 519-796-3013. Kennel PermitIf you are an owner of a kennel of dogs that are registered or eligible for registration with an association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act (Canada), you can apply if your property is in an agricultural area. Dog breeders and boarding kennels must apply for a kennel licence every year before March 31st. The cost of a kennel permit is $110. |
Off Leash Dog Park |
The Town of Kingsville has an off-leash dog park located just north of Heritage Road (County Road 50) at the intersection of Malo and Conservation Blvd. Linden Beach Dog Park is open to all residents with 2.4 acres of space for dogs to play. The area is bicycle, stroller and wagon-free to allow dogs the freedom to run unrestrained. Park users must follow the rules for everyone’s safety. |
Pitbulls and the Dog Owners Liability Act |
Cats
Cat Spay or Neuter Program |
This program is to help control the feral cat population. A feral cat is an outdoor stray cat that does not have an owner. Each year, Council sets aside money for residents to offset the cost of spay or neuter surgery for feral cats. The surgery is performed by participating veterinary clinics. You can apply to this program if you are:
Applications can be picked up and dropped off at the municipal office with proof of identification. Each voucher is worth $75.00 and any additional costs are your responsibility. Vouchers are issued on a first come, first serve basis and can receive a maximum of three (3). Vouchers are non-transferrable and expire after 90 days. They may be redeemed at any participating veterinary clinic (list to be provided upon successful application). As part of the surgery, the Town requires “ear tipping” to identify feral cats in the community. Vouchers for owned cats are reserved for qualified families. A declaration of income will be required. A maximum of 3 vouchers per household will be issued where the cats are owned. |
Cat Intake Program |
Since 2005, the Town has participated in the Cat Intake Program. This program is a service provided by the Humane Society created to address the number of stray cats running-at-large within the Town and to provide drop-off location for residents. Stray cats that are surrendered can be categorized in two ways:
Since the program’s launch, more than 1300 stray cats have been dropped off from Kingsville residents. |
Animal Public Safety
Canine Distemper in Raccoons |
Raccoons are susceptible to Canine Distemper. This virus does not pose a threat to human health but may be transmitted to dogs who have not received vaccinations. If you suspect a raccoon is affected, please contact the Animal Control Officer at 519-796-3013.
Please visit the Raccoons with Distemper FAQ for more information. Normal Behaviour
Abnormal Behaviour
|
Coexisting with Coyotes |
Coyotes are native to North America and can be found living in urban and rural areas. While coyotes are very wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible, coyote sightings in Kingsville are common. Kingsville’s green spaces and forested areas provide an excellent habitat for coyotes. As much as possible, the Town of Kingsville’s approach to coyotes in the community is to leave them alone. Coyotes naturally fear humans and should remain wild animals. Coyotes play an important role in balancing the ecosystem in southern Ontario, helping to control the populations of rabbits, rats and mice. To ensure coyotes remain wild animals and avoid interaction with people, check out Coexisting with Wildlife. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we are willing to make small changes to how we think and act. |