Animal Control FAQ
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1. Do I have to license my dog?
Any dog over the age of six months must be licensed.
Senior citizens over the age of 65 years, as well as, owners of certified seeing-eye dogs, hearing dogs, police dogs and assisted living dogs are exempt from all animal license fees.
If you become the owner of an unlicensed dog that is over the age of six months, you must obtain a license within one month after becoming the new owner. However, should your dog be picked up by animal control during that time all pertinent fines in addition to licensing fees will be applicable.
You can obtain a license at either of the Woodlands County offices in Whitecourt or Fort Assiniboine.
2. How much does a license cost?
| Spayed or neutered dog |
$5 |
| Intact dog |
$15 |
| Replacement tags |
$2.50 |
| Guide dog/seeing-eye dog |
No charge |
| Hearing ear dog |
No charge |
| Wheelchair assist dog |
No charge |
| Trained police dog |
No charge |
All pet tags and associated license numbers are issued for the lifetime of the dog while residing in Woodlands County.
3. Is there a limit to the amount of dogs I can have on my property?
If you have more than four dogs over the age of six months living on your property, you must obtain a kennel permit from the Woodlands County office. Call (780) 778-8400 for further information.
4. Do I have to keep my dog on a leash?
You must keep your dog leashed or on a lead when it is off of your property; otherwise, the dog will be considered running at large, which may result in a penalty (see penalty chart below).
5. What should I do if I find a stray dog?
Please call the Woodlands County office at (780) 778-8400 and an animal control officer will be sent to retrieve the animal. DO NOT pick the dog up and bring it to the County office or the veterinarian clinic, as you will automatically assume full responsibility for impoundment and veterinarian fees should you choose to do so.
6. How can I retrieve my dog if it has been placed in the impound?
If your dog has been picked up by animal control, you may come to the Woodlands County office and pay the associated fine to have it released. We accept cash or Interac payments.
Animal Control Ride Home Program:
In the event that a licensed dog is at large and is captured, the owner will be eligible for participation in the Animal Control Free Ride Home Program. The captured dog must have a valid license and must be wearing the license at the time of capture. Eligible participants can then report to the County Office with their tag number and their fine will be waived (one time only). The owners can then pick up their pets. However, if dogs are impounded for more than one day, boarding fees shall still apply.
Dog owners may only benefit once from the Animal Control Free Ride Home Program. Any subsequent offences will result in the immediate impoundment and issuance of related fines prior to the release of the animal.
7. Do I have to leave my name when making a dog complaint?
Yes; however, your name will be held in confidence in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).
8. In what zoning areas is the Animal Control Bylaw effective?
| A1 District |
Agriculture (One) - south of the Athabasca River |
| A2 District |
Agriculture (Two) - south of the Athabasca River |
| ARE District |
Agriculture Rural Estate - south of the Athabasca River |
| CR District |
Country Residential |
| CRR District |
Country Residential Restricted District |
| CR1 |
Country Residential (One) District |
| RR District |
Rural Recreation District |
| RMHP District |
Rural Mobile Home Park District |
Penalty Chart
| |
1st offence
|
2nd offence
|
Additional offences
|
| Dog found running at large |
$50
|
$150
|
$300
|
| Dangerous dog found running at large |
$400
|
$400
|
$400
|
| Dangerous dog not confined to an enclosure |
$500
|
$500
|
$500
|
| Harbouring an unlicensed dog |
$25
|
$50
|
$50
|
Impoundment fee per day:
A charge established by Woodlands County per day for the portion that the dog has been impounded from, and including, the day it was captured.
Veterinarian fee:
Any veterinarian fees incurred by Woodlands County while the dog has been impounded from, and including, the day in which it was captured.
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