Animal Control

The Township of Georgian Bay ensures the safety, well-being, and responsible ownership of animals within our community.

The Animal Control By-law regulates the keeping, licensing, and controlling of animals in the Township of Georgian Bay.

By following these guidelines, residents contribute to a safe and respectful environment for both people and animals. Whether you're a pet owner or simply looking to understand your rights and responsibilities, this page provides the key information you need.

Animal control services provided by the Township

Dog Licensing
Kennel Licenses
Patrolling and capturing of reported dogs at large
Investigating and enforcing dog attacks
Poop and Scoop
Barking Dogs

Dog Licensing

Dog owners must purchase lifetime dog licenses for all dogs in their ownership once the dog is 12 weeks of age or older.

How to apply

Lifetime dog licenses can now be purchased online through our application found below:

Lifetime Dog License Application

The applications are also available at the Township Office (99 Lone Pine Road, Port Severn), and the three library branches in Honey Harbour, MacTier and Port Severn.

PLEASE NOTE:

The fee is $50.00 per dog and is good for the lifetime of the dog.
No person shall keep no more than three (3) dogs at anyone time on one property. This excludes the communities of Port Severn, Honey Harbour and MacTier, which only allow two (2) dogs to be kept on one property at any one time.

Off Leash Dog Park

Baxter Ward Community Centre (Baxter Bark Park) - 25 Community Centre Dr, Port Severn, ON

Hours of Operation:

7am-8pm daily

Rules:

Use park at your own risk.
Owners are legally responsible for the behaviour of their dog(s) at all times.
Dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting the park.
Dog waste must be cleaned up by their owners IMMEDIATELY.
Owners must be within the dog park and supervising their dog with leash readily available, all dogs must be under voice control.
Dog handlers must be at least 16 years of age.
No DANGEROUS dogs or dogs with a history of aggression are permitted in the park. Any dog exhibiting signs of aggression shall be removed immediately.
Dogs must be immunized and licensed.
No unfixed dogs will be permitted.
Prohibited items
- Human & dog food/treats
- Glass containers
- Sick dogs
- Puppies (under 4 months)

Lost and found pets

All dogs found in the Township of Georgian Bay where the owner cannot be contacted are taken to the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre (15979 ON-12, Port McNicoll, ON L0K 1R0).

Dog owners must pay a fee to pick up their lost dog from the Ontario SPCA

For more information, you can contact the Ontario SPCA at (705-534-4459) or visit their website.

Reporting wildlife and animal abuse

We do not remove wildlife from private property. Property owners should contact a licensed pest control service to assist with the removal of wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks and foxes. If you or your pet has come in contact with a wild animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical attention and contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520.

Bear sightings

Call 911 if you feel a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety and:

Enters a school yard when school is in session
Enters or tries to enter a residence
Wanders into a public gathering
Kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site
Stalks people and lingers at the site

In non-emergencies, call the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (between April 1 and November 30). Visit the Bear Wise website for tips on preventing bear encounters and how to take community action.

Animal Abuse

To report suspected animal abuse or neglect, contact:

1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Your local police

The Provincial Animal Welfare Service operates on a complaints basis. Help the investigating officer by providing as many details as possible, including the type of cruelty witnessed, the date of the incident, where it took place, and who was involved.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/animal-welfare