Responsible Pet Ownership
Responsible Pet Ownership
Owning a pet is very rewarding — our cats and dogs love us unconditionally, provide us with companionship and enrich our lives, but simply loving a pet isn't enough. The City wants to ensure that everyone who has a pet in Kingston is a responsible pet owner.
Licensing your pet
Pet licenses help keep your pet and other community members safe! All dogs in any part of the City and any cats residing in the urban area must be licensed annually.
Free initial licensing will be provided to dogs and cats that are under the age of 6 months or dogs and cats over the age of 6 months that have been spayed or neutered. See the pet license rates.
Spaying and neutering your pet
Spaying and neutering pets helps control the number of animals in shelters and on the streets. Residents who spay/neuter their pets also receive reduced rates for pet licences.
- Veterinarians in Kingston offer spay neutering services. You can contact their offices directly for prices.
- The City's responsible pet ownership program offers a limited number of $250 vouchers to help low-income households spay or neuter their pets. Households on a low income can apply for the vouchers through the City's Municipal Fee Assistance Program (MFAP). Limited number of vouchers available.
- The Lanark Leeds & Grenville Spay Neuter Clinic operates a high-volume, low-cost spay-neuter clinic located in Brockville. View the prices and booking information.
Preventing your pet from becoming a threat or nuisance
Pet owners have responsibilities under the City's Animal Bylaw and Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act. While you may know and trust your pet, other residents might not. Please be considerate of others when taking your pets to a public space.
- Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, except when they are on your property or on the property of someone who has given permission for your dog to go unleashed.
- Cats do not have to wear a leash; however, cats in the urban area will not be allowed to trespass on another person's property.
- Pick up and properly dispose of your pet's waste, both on and off your property.
- Ensure your dog does not bite, injure, chase, threaten, or disturb anyone.
Get your pet ethically and from a credible source
Having a pet means a commitment for the lifetime of that pet. Do your research on your potential pet's physical needs and what to expect for food, care and medical costs. Be aware of the type of training, socialization and exercise that will be needed and be sure that you are able to provide all of these things for your pet. Once an informed decision is made, it is important that you get your new pet from a rescue organization (such as the Kingston Humane Society) or a breeder that is both credible and humane.
The City licenses dog, cat and rabbit breeders in Kingston. If you are purchasing a pet from a breeder, make sure to ask to see their licence. This will protect you and your family and ensures your breeder follows all the appropriate City bylaws.
