Animal Rules and Regulations

Help create a pet-friendly community where responsible owners and pets help keep public areas clean and safe for all.

Dogs and Cats

Limits on Number of Pets

Woodstock residents can keep a maximum of three domestic dogs and two domestic cats or two domestic dogs and three domestic cats, older than 4 months. 

Only licensed kennels and veterinarians are exempt from the Dog and Cat Bylaw.

Stoop and Scoop

Please pick up after your dog. Dog feces contaminates public spaces, posing a health hazard to children and other people's animals. Together we can work to keep our public spaces safe and clean. 

All owners are required to remove waste left by dogs immediately. To comply with the Stoop and Scoop Bylaw, follow these simple guidelines:

  • Carry a plastic bag when walking your dog
  • Pick up the droppings left by your dog using the bag
  • Dispose of the bag in a closed litter container and wash your hands when possible

Licensing 

While licenses aren’t required for dogs or cats, it’s important to make sure your dog can be identified if lost. All dogs and cats in Woodstock must either be microchipped or have a personalized tag with the owner’s contact information. You can purchase a tag online, at a pet store, or get a tag or microchip from a vet to meet bylaw requirements. 

Leash Laws 

For everyone’s safety, no animals, including cats, are allowed to run at large in Woodstock. As soon as your pet leaves your property, it must be on a leash and led by a competent person.  

Muzzle Order 

If your dog has bitten, attacked or caused injury to a person, a muzzle order could be administered. Applications for a muzzle order can be submitted to the Clerk’s Department. 

For full details, read the Animal Control Bylaw.

Exotic Animals 

Within Woodstock, you are not allowed to keep exotic animals as defined in the Exotic Animals Bylaw.

Fowl, Pigeons and Livestock

There are also restrictions on the number of birds, chickens and other fowl as well as guidelines for their enclosures and use. For full details, read the Livestock bylaw. 

Contact Us

City of Woodstock

P.O. Box 1539, 500 Dundas Street
Woodstock, ON N4S 0A7
Phone: 519-539-1291

 

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