Put pet waste where it belongs

In a garbage pail in parks or green bin at home

Having a pet as part of your family can be rewarding, but it comes with many responsibilities – including cleaning up after them when you are out for a walk.

You must pick up after your pets, whether on public or private property. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s also the law! The fine for failing to do so is $200. Disposing of pet waste is easy – it belongs in your green bin at home and a waste bin when in the community. To report pet waste on public property, contact Service Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or service@vaughan.ca.

There are also health implications to consider. The main cause of parasite transmission between pets is through ingesting infected eggs/larva, which can be found in animal feces. Excrement may also contain bacteria and parasites that can affect humans and can attract wildlife, such as coyotes.

Be a responsible pet owner

Free-roaming pets are vulnerable to many dangers. Almost all conflicts between wildlife and domestic dogs occur when dogs are off-leash or left unattended. Dangers include conflict with raccoons, skunks and birds of prey, among others. To avoid this, always keep your dogs on a leash when outdoors – including while you are out for a walk, in parks and on trails – or accompanied when you are in your secured backyard, and keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure.

Vaughan Animal Services is dedicated to creating a safe community for pets and their owners. Here are some services they offer:

Pet adoption

The Vaughan Animal Shelter is located at 70 Tigi Crt., Unit 47 and is open on Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for adoptions). The shelter is closed to the public on Sundays and statutory holidays. Visit the City’s website for details on the animals currently available for adoption.

Pet licensing

All dogs and cats in Vaughan must wear a licence (numbered tag), purchased from the City, at all times. You can get a new pet license or renew an existing one online.

Reuniting lost pets

If your pet gets lost, contact Vaughan Animal Services immediately at 905-832-2281; staff will help reunite you and your pet as safely and quickly as possible. Visit the City’s website for more information.

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

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