Changes to dog licence requirements in Strathcona County

Beginning April 1, 2024, dog owners in Strathcona County will no longer be required to purchase an annual dog licence for their pup.

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, also beginning April 1, 2024. Dog ID must include the owner’s current phone number.

“Officers use collar identification as a first step in attempting to reunite dogs and owners,” says Tom Sutton, Director of RCMP and Enforcement Services. “While microchipping and social media can assist in locating owners in the absence of identification, responsible dog ownership remains essential in reunification and keeping dogs, people and other animals safe and well.”

Bylaw amendments also include increased fines for infractions such as failure to attach a dog tag to a dog’s harness or collar, failure to keep information current and impound fees. Other offences such as excessive barking, not picking up dog waste and dog at large as well as Over-limit Permit and Dangerous Dog Permit remain in effect.

To help owners increase the likelihood of reunification if they’re separated from their pet, microchip scanners are available at the Strathcona County Library. Card holders can borrow one of five scanners 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. 

Learn more at strathcona.ca/dogs.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595