You wouldn’t leave it on the ground if you were home!
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Pick up after your dog to keep Vaughan safe and clean -
Getting outside and enjoying some fresh air with your family on a spring walk can be the highlight of the day, but it can quickly take a turn when you come across pet excrement along the way. The City of Vaughan is reminding pet owners to be good neighbours by picking up after their dogs. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s also the law!
By-laws are in place to keep the community safe and clean. You must pick up after your pets, whether on public or private property. The fine for failing to do so is $300. To report pet waste, please call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or accessvaughan@vaughan.ca.
As well, there are health implications to consider. The primary route of parasite transmission between pets is through ingesting infected eggs/larva in the environment, 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.
Pet owners are also reminded to keep dogs on a leash when out for a walk or visiting parks and trails.
Here are some other services offered by Vaughan Animal Services:
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 animals available for adoption.
Pet licensing
All dogs and cats in Vaughan must wear a licence (numbered tag), purchased from the City, at all times. Online pet licensing is available.
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.
Wildlife
Vaughan is home to many types of wild animals, such as raccoons, skunks, birds, foxes and coyotes. With understanding and some simple precautions, you can learn to safely coexist with wild animals.
Here are some simple tips to keep in mind to help manage urban wildlife:
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 yards. Do not leave food out for animals.
Be wildlife aware
Know your wildlife neighbours. Enjoy outdoor 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 or left unattended. Dangers include conflict with raccoons, skunks and birds of prey, among others. Always keep dogs on a leash when outdoors or accompanied when in your secured back yard and keep cats indoors or in a secure outdoor enclosure.
Coyotes
Coyote sightings in cities and rural areas are common and should not be cause for alarm. The City understands that their presence can become a challenge in residential areas, and they can also be intimidating to some people. If you encounter a coyote, keep your distance and keep pets on a leash. If the coyote approaches you directly:
- 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, Instagram and LinkedIn channels.
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