pet ownership
has its rewards!
Being a Responsible Pet Owner
Every day, your pet shows you love…and it’s easy yet rewarding for you to return the favour. We’ve laid out the four principles that the City of Calgary Animal & Bylaw Services promotes for responsible pet ownership.
Remember, responsible pet owners:
1.License and provide permanent identification for their pet(s).
A City of Calgary licence is a pet’s ticket home. The licence, along with permanent identification like a microchip or tattoo, makes it much more likely that lost pets will be reunited with their owners.
- All dogs and cats residing in the City of Calgary must be licensed at three months of age.
- Dogs must wear their licence when off their owners’ property.
- A properly licensed cat will either wear the licence tag or have a microchip or tattoo.
2.Spay or neuter their pet(s).
It’s simple: spayed or neutered pets are more likely to enjoy good health and a long life.
Spaying and neutering:
- Makes for more sociable and affectionate pets.
- Reduces disease, infection, and cancer of pet’s reproductive systems.
- Prevents inappropriate spraying or marking.
- Stops cats’ crying, howling, and frantic efforts to get out and mate.
3.Provide training, physical care, socialization and medical attention for their pet(s).
- Obedience classes are recommended to strengthen the relationship between you and your dog.
- Playing with your pet and providing socialization opportunities helps reduce behavioral problems.
- Ensure your dog or cat is groomed regularly, and receives the optimal amount of quality pet food and fresh water.
- It’s important your pet visits the veterinarian on a regular basis for vaccinations and check-ups.
4.Do not allow their pet(s) to become a threat or nuisance in the community.
- Know your responsibilities and the bylaws related to pets.
- Dogs must be on a leash when off the owner’s property except when walking in a designated off-leash area.
- Dogs are not allowed in school grounds, playgrounds, sports fields, golf courses, cemeteries, and wading or swimming areas.
- Dog owners must pick up and properly dispose of their dog’s defecation both on and off the owner’s property.
- A dog owner must ensure their dog does not bite, injure, chase, threaten, bark, howl at or disturb anyone.
- Cats must be confined to their owners’ property.
