Vaughan and Richmond Hill partner to expand animal services

Nov. 26, 2019 9:00 a.m.
A person holding a dog's paw.
​New contract begins Dec. 1, 2019

A new partnership will expand the City of Vaughan’s animal services to also serve the residents of Richmond Hill.
 
Beginning Dec. 1, 2019, Richmond Hill residents will be able to contact 905-832-2281 (toll free: 1-855-227-7297) or animal.services@vaughan.ca​ for animal services including:
  • animal by-law violations and complaints
  • off-leash or stray animals
  • a lost or found pet
  • pet adoptions
  • injured animals
  • dog bite or attack
  • to report dead animals on private or public property, including the road
  • animal cruelty concerns
  • 24/7 emergency animal services
Vaughan Animal Services, a specialized unit of Vaughan’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, is dedicated to creating a safe environment for pets and their owners. A leader in its field, the department provides a specialized area of public service – the care and control of animals – that contributes to the current and future sustainability of the quality of life within the community.
 
Currently, the City of Vaughan provides these animal services throughout Vaughan and the Township of King. Extending this cross-jurisdictional partnership into the City of Richmond Hill establishes a much-needed service to its residents, human and fuzzy, while enhancing the overall program in Vaughan.
 
QUOTES
 
“The City of Vaughan is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership in the community and beyond. As a city with a well-established Animal Services team, we are proud to support other municipalities with this important service offering. Delivering on our commitment to Service Excellence, we are expanding this much-needed resource to our neighbours in Richmond Hill. Caring for animals is an important community cause. The bonds shared between people and their pets go far beyond simple ownership. Pets are a part of the family. Our staff focuses on the welfare of animals in our community and we are happy to extend this offering outside our borders. This partnership is a demonstration of how working together can provide the highest quality of services to all citizens.”
- Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
“We know the safety of our pet animals is very important to you, our residents. This partnership is a great example of two municipalities coming together to find efficient and effective ways to deliver service to meet the needs of residents and provide an exceptional level of care for animals.” 
- Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • Vaughan Council approved the extension of Vaughan’s animal services into the City of Richmond Hill in the Council Meeting on Nov. 19, 2019.
  • The City of Richmond Hill will adopt Vaughan’s animal services beginning Dec. 1, 2019.
  • The City of Vaughan implemented its animal control services in the spring of 2011, providing services to the residents of Vaughan. Services were also extended to the Township of King in 2011.
  • The Animal Shelter is located at 70 Tigi Court, Unit 47. It is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for adoptions) and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sundays and statutory holidays, the shelter is closed to the public. It operates 24/7 due to the care needed for the animals.
  • Animals for adoption can be found at vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
 
LEARN MORE
 
 
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