Effective Jan. 1, 2021, updates to the City's Animal Bylaw took effect, strengthening measures to elevate standards for animal care in the community and keep residents safe. Below is a summary of rules and regulations for pet owners in the City.

Permitted Animals

To ensure the safety of all residents and other animals, the City has introduced a list of permitted animals:

• Domestic dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, birds, amphibians and fish
• Hens, according to Schedule C of the Animal Bylaw
• Pigeons, according to Schedule D of the Animal Bylaw
• Rodents
• Pot-bellied, or other mini pigs
• Sugar gliders
• Hedgehogs
• Raptors where the owner is licensed by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
• Reptiles, excluding snakes and members of the order crocodilian, that are non-venomous and do not reach an adult length greater than two metres
• Snakes that are non-venomous, non-constricting and do not reach an adult length greater than 3 metres
• Tarantulas and spiders that are non-venomous
• Livestock, according to Section 11 of the Animal Bylaw
• Ducks and geese on agricultural property or in rural areas
• Service animals as outlined in the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act.

Non-permitted species may be rehomed through the safe surrender program.

Dogs

• Animals, including dogs, cannot be tethered on public property for more than 15 minutes and cannot be tethered on public property during extreme weather events (such as extreme heat or cold).
• Dogs must be kept on a leash when not on their owner’s property, unless in a designated off-leash area. There are no maximum leash lengths.
• Unlicensed and unvaccinated dogs are not permitted in off-leash dog parks.
• All dogs within the City of Kingston (including rural areas) must be licensed.
• Excessive barking is addressed under the City's Noise Bylaw.

Cats

• Outdoor cats are not permitted to trespass on private property when outside.
• Cats in the urban area are required to be licensed.

For information about Animal Control and the apprehension of dogs and cats at large, see our Animal Control FAQ page.

Backyard Hens

Kingston residents are allowed to keep up to six hens in their yard provided they follow the Backyard Hens Rules. To keep hens residents must register annually by completing the Backyard Hens form. Applicants are also required to complete the Neighbour Notification Form and submit it with their application.

Those considering keeping backyard hens will need to fully understand the applicable regulations and responsibilities.

How to apply

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Additional regulations

• Advertising the sale of dogs, cats or rabbits is prohibited, unless by a licensed breeder, operator of a pet store or an established rescue agency.
• Pigeon-keeping regulations have been introduced and are outlined in Schedule D of the Animal Bylaw.

Safe Surrender Program

The Municipal Fee Assistance Program (MFAP) has been temporarily expanded to include a Safe Surrender Program. Eligible residents can apply for a voucher of up to $2,000 to assist with costs related to the extraction or removal of the non-permitted species and associated re-homing costs. Veterinary costs would not be covered and a surrender agreement will be required between the owner of the prohibited species and the surrender agency.

The City will assist residents in contacting an appropriate agency to help with rehoming and residents seeking to rehome a non-permitted species through MFAP would not be fined. The Safe Surrender Program will be in place until the end of 2022.

Interested residents should contact Housing and Social Services at 613-546-2695 ext. 4906.

Administrative Monetary Penalties

Violations of the Animal Bylaw will be addressed through the Administrative Monetary Penalties.