Pick up after your pet – it’s the law!

As the weather begins to get warmer and with more people home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Vaughan is reminding pet owners that picking up after your dog is not just the neighbourly thing to do, it’s the law. 

By-laws are in place to keep the community safe and clean. The primary route of parasite transmission between pets is through ingesting infected eggs/larva in the environment, which can be found in animal feces. Illnesses, including bacteria and parasites that can affect humans are also found in excrement, and it can attract wildlife, such as coyotes. 

While park facilities – including dog parks – remain closed to help break the chain of transmission of COVID-19, residents may walk through parks and trails with their dogs if physical distancing is observed and pets are on a leash. Owners must pick up after their pets, whether on public or private property. The fine for failing to clean up after a pet is $205. 

Pet adoption

As a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19, the Vaughan Animal Shelter is closed to the public; adoption and pet recovery services are available by appointment only. Book your appointment by calling 905-832-2281 or emailing animal.services@vaughan.ca. Visit the City’s website for details on the pets that are available for adoption. 

Pet licensing

All dogs and cats in the city of Vaughan must wear a licence (numbered tag), purchased from the City, at all times. Licences must be purchased within 30 days of acquiring a new dog or cat. Online pet licensing is available. 

Lost pets

If your pet gets lost, contact Vaughan Animal Services immediately at 905-832-2281; staff will assist with helping to reunite you and your pet safely and quickly. 

Wildlife

With more people staying home and practising physical distancing, it is important not to forget about our wildlife neighbours. Vaughan is home to many types of wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, birds, foxes and coyotes. With understanding, and some simple precautions, residents can learn to safely coexist with the wild animals who share our backyards. 

Here are some simple tips to keep in mind to help manage urban wildlife. 

Be wildlife aware

Know your wildlife neighbours. Enjoy your surroundings but keep a safe and respectful distance from wild animals. 

Do not invite unwanted houseguests

Keep your home properly sealed to exclude wildlife. Remove things that may attract them by securing garbage/compost containers, picking up dog feces and cleaning outdoor grills. 

Be a responsible pet owner

Free-roaming pets are vulnerable to a multitude of dangers. Almost all conflicts between wildlife and domestic dogs occur when dogs are off-leash. Always keep dogs on a leash when outdoors and keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure. 

Do not feed wildlife

Directly or unintentionally feeding a wild animal will increase its tolerance to people and pets. Reconsider bird feeders as they attract small mammals, which encourage larger wild animals to visit your yard. 

What to do if a coyote or fox approaches you

• Stop: Pick up children and small pets, if necessary.
• Stand still: Never run from a coyote, fox or domestic dog. 
• Make yourself big: Wave your hands above your head.
• Be loud and assertive: Shout, stomp your feet and clap your hands.
• Use a noisemaker: It could be your voice, a party horn, pots and pans banged together, a shaker can (such as a pop can filled with pebbles), a plastic bag (pull it out of your pocket and snap it around) or an umbrella popping open and closed.
• Slowly back away: Be assertive as you leave, so the animal knows it is not welcome. 

To report a sick or injured wild animal, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281. For more information, go to vaughan.ca/AnimalServices. 

To receive the City’s latest COVID-19 updates as they happen, sign up for the City Update eNewsletter at vaughan.ca/CityUpdate and follow the City’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram channels.

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