Animal Control and Services

Dog Control Services

The Stratford Perth Humane Society (SPHS) provides animal control for dogs, by-law services, and pound services.

The Stratford Perth Humane Society is located at 125 Griffith Road, Stratford. Residents should call the Stratford Perth Humane Society at 519-273-6600 for the following:

• To report lost or found dogs
• To report stray dogs
• To report sick/injured dogs
• To report a dog bite
• The Stratford Perth Humane Society can accept stray cats however they strongly suggest people call first as they may not have space available and cats may have to be placed on a waiting list. Stray cats will not be picked up and must be brought to the Stratford Perth Humane Society.

Dog Licences

Dog owners are required to obtain a licence for their dog (see By-Law #36-2022 Section 2.1). Invoices are sent out at the beginning of each year to registered dog owners. Please ensure that the tag is attached to the dog at all times when it is off your property. A dog tag is the best form of ID for your dog, as it will assist in recovering your dog if it is lost. If you are unsure if your dog is registered, contact the Township office.

To obtain a licence for your dog, please fill out the online form below.

Number of Dogs

No more than three (3) dogs may be kept in or about a dwelling unit within the corporate limits of the Township without a kennel licence (see By-Law #36-2022 Section 5.2).

Why do I need to register my dog?

Every dog in the Township of Perth South must be licensed annually (see By-Law #36-2022 Section 2.2).

Dog tags identify your pet and get your pet home safely if they are lost. If your dog is picked up by the Stratford Perth Humane Society and it does not have a dog tag, you may incur additional fees and charges.

How do I register my dog?

Fill out the online form above to register a new dog with the Township of Perth South. Upon review of your application, you will receive your dog tag and an invoice in the mail. The Perth South Animal Control By-law requires that all dogs living in Perth South be registered. A dog tag is the best form of ID for your dog and will assist in recovering your dog if it is lost.

The Township has moved to a generic dog tag system with no year on the tag. Your dog will have the same tag while they reside in Perth South. We will send out an invoice annually for tag payment.

If you no longer have a dog, please fill out the online form below.

What do I do if I no longer have a dog?

Fill out the online form above to notify the Township of Perth South that you no longer have a dog. Upon review of your application, your dog will be removed from our list.

Kennel Licences

A kennel licence must be obtained from the Township for an annual fee of $60.00.

In accordance with Section 5 of By-Law #36-2022, the following conditions must be met for a Kennel Licence:

• A kennel licence shall only be issued to an owner of pure-bred dogs (a dog registered or eligible for registration with an association incorporated under the Animal Pedigree Act of Canada).
• Kennels must contain an enclosed and fenced area for the keeping of dogs with a suitable fenced outdoor run for the dogs.
• A kennel licence shall be renewed each year and shall automatically lapse if not renewed by June 30th of the year following the last licence issued.

It is important to contact the Township office prior to building any type of kennel structure, etc. as there are certain zoning requirements and standards in place.

Dog and Kennel Licence Fees

Lost and Found Pets

If you see a dog running at large, please contact the Humane Society.

The Stratford Perth Humane Society is located at 125 Griffith Road, Stratford. They can be reached by phone at 519-273-6600. More information about lost and found pets is available on their website.

Dogs Running at Large

No person owning, possessing or harbouring a dog shall allow it to run at large within the Township.

A dog is "running at large" when it is found in any other place than the premises of its owner or keeper and not under the control of any person.

If a dog is found running at large it may be seized and removed to the pound as established in Section 3 of By-Law #36-2022, by any peace officer or by the Animal Control Officer of the Township.

Keep your dog(s) on a leash

All dog owners must keep their dogs on a leash and abide by "poop and scoop" regulations as established in Section 3 of By-Law #36-2022.

In accordance with the Provincial Offences Act, owners will be issued a set fine as set out in By-law #36-2022 if the Animal Control Officer impounds an unregistered dog or a dog running at large.

Penalties

Section 8.0 of By-Law 36-2022 outlines enforcement and penalties and Schedule A indicates the Set Fines approved under the Provincial Offences Act.

The Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (OWDCP) provides compensation to eligible producers whose livestock and/or poultry have been injured or killed as a result of wildlife predation or whose bee colonies, beehives and/or beehive-related equipment has been damaged as a result of wildlife predation.

OMAFRA maintains its commitment to supporting industry growth and market competitiveness by limiting financial hardship to Ontario producers who have experienced loss or damages due to wildlife predation.

If your livestock has been killed, please contact the Township office to get in contact with our livestock evaluator.

See the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Wildlife Compensation Program Guidelines for more information.

Provincial regulations on deadstock disposal

Wildlife and Rural Living

Rural living means that there is the potential for encounters with wildlife. While this is generally an excellent opportunity to appreciate nature's beauty, precautions must be taken. Education and prevention are essential for safe and enjoyable co-existence.

Please note that wildlife issues on private property are the responsibility of the landowner. Landowners can call pest control or animal control companies to remove wildlife from their properties if necessary.

Immediate Danger

If you are in immediate danger or if an animal is being aggressive and may injure someone, call Police at 911.

Contact with Potentially Rabid Animals

If you have been bitten, or had direct contact with an animal, seek medical attention and report it to the Perth District Health Unit at 519-271-7600 ext. 267.

If a dead or alive, potentially rabid raccoon, skunk, fox or bat is encountered and it has been in contact with domestic animals, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency at 613-384-1230.

If you suspect wildlife disease, the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre can diagnose. They can be contacted at 866-673-4781 or you can report and submit information on their website.

Large Wildlife Sightings

While it is highly uncommon, there have been instances in the Township of Perth South and surrounding Perth County where large wildlife such as animals resembling a cougar or bobcat have been sighted.