Part of being a caring dog owner includes being a responsible dog owner. You need to:

1. Have visible identification on your dog's collar or harness as you are no longer required to license your dog.
    
2. Learn where you can and cannot take your dog.
    
3. Clean up after your dog.
    
4. Know and follow the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw 37-2017 (328.8 KB)

Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw changes

Licensing changes:

• Effective April 1, 2024 dog owners in Strathcona County will no longer be required to purchase an annual dog licence. 
• On February 13, 2024, Council approved Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw amendments that replace the licence requirement with the requirement that dogs wear visible identification on a collar or harness beginning April 1, 2024. The Dog ID must include the owner’s current phone number. (Some exceptions apply, but failure to comply can result in fines).

Items remaining in the bylaw:

• Over-limit Permits and Dangerous Dog Permits ARE still in effect.
• Excessive barking, not picking up dog waste, dog in distress, dog at large and other offences remain in the bylaw.

Penalties under the bylaw

If you do not abide by the dog control bylaw, you could be fined. Fines are for first-time offences and increase for subsequent offences. Updated fines are effective April 1, 2024.

FAILURE TO ATTACH DOG'S IDENTIFICATION TAG (with owner's current phone number) TO DOG'S HARNESS OR COLLAR
$150 - 1st offence
$300 - 2nd offence
$500 - 3rd offence

 

FAILURE TO KEEP INFORMATION CURRENT
$150 - 1st offence
$300 - 2nd offence
$500 - 3rd offence

 

IMPOUND FEES
Dog wearing current dog tag - $100
Dog NOT wearing current dog tag - $150

Examples of other fines

• Dog barking or howling excessively - $150
• For not picking up your dog's droppings - $150
• Unsecured dog in vehicle - $100
• Dog in distress - $250

A full list of offences and fines can be found in the updated Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw (01-2024). The amended bylaw will be uploaded soon..

Lost dogs

If the lost dog is wearing visible identification on the collar, we will contact the owner before the dog is transported to the Edmonton Humane Society. If an owner does not reclaim a dog within ten (10) days from the date the dog is impounded and will become property of the Edmonton Humane Society.

Microchips and tattoos increase the likelihood of reuniting you with your pet. Library card holders can borrow a microchip scanner from the Strathcona County Library to check an animal for a microchip, to check if a pet’s chip is working or to ensure the pet’s information is updated. Visit sclibrary.ca/kits for more information.

If you've lost your dog, or you've found one, call 780-449-0170 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After hours, call 780-467-7741.

Dogs at large in rural areas

If you are experiencing stray dogs on your property, you may borrow a trap free of charge. Call 780-449-0170 for more information.

Clean up after your dog

You are responsible to pick up after your dog and dispose of the droppings in a garbage container. It's as easy as keeping a few plastic bags in your pocket. If you use a compostable bag, you can dispose of it in the organics bin.

Keeping the Peace

If your dog is crying, barking or howling, it is probably a concern to people who live near you. It's up to you to make sure your dog does not disturb your neighbours.

Support for pet owners

In October 2024, the Edmonton Humane Society launched a new online tool called HELP to help support pet guardians who may be experiencing unexpected challenges. If you are thinking about surrendering or rehoming your pet, HELP can connect you to supports, resources, advice, and solutions to help keep you and your pet stay together. 

Contacts

• Dog control, lost and found, complaints, over-limit permits: Strathcona County RCMP and Enforcement Services, 780-449-0170
• Permit application for animal breeding and/or boarding facilities, hospitals or shelters: 780-464-8080
• Edmonton Humane Society
  • Lost dog inquiry: 780-491-3522
  • General inquiry: 780-471-1774
  • http://www.edmontonhumanesociety.com

The Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw is also available for review at Strathcona County RCMP and Enforcement Services, 911 Bison Way, Sherwood Park. A copy of the bylaw can also be purchased at Enforcement Services for $.35 per page.

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Disclaimer: This webpage includes information relating to the Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw. This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the bylaw. Strathcona County accepts no responsibility for persons relying solely on this information.

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