Dog Owner & Kennel Operator Responsibilities in Augusta Township
Augusta Township is committed to promoting responsible dog ownership and ensuring the well-being of animals in our community. Whether you are a pet owner or a kennel operator, it is important to understand your responsibilities under Township By-Law 3745-2024. This by-law outlines the requirements for licensing, animal control, kennel operations, and overall care to help keep both pets and residents safe.
| Licensing Fees | ||
|---|---|---|
| Before March 31st | After March 31st | |
| Dog License | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| New Dog License (within 30 Days of living in Township) | $15.00 | $30.00 |
| Small Kennels | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Large Kennels | $130.00 | $220.00 |
| Service Dog | No Fee - License Still Required | |
| Farm Dog | No Fee - License Still Required | |
| Online Licensing Tag Mailing Fee | $3.00/Dog License | |
Dog Licenses
All dogs in the Township must be licensed annually. Licensing helps reunite lost pets with their owners, supports animal control services, and ensures compliance with local by-laws.
Annual Dog License
Owners must license their dog each year by the last business day in March. The discounted price of $15* applies for early license before March 31st. After this date, the full price of $30* applies. Tags are available for purchase throughout the year, but the full fee will apply if the license is purchased after the deadline.
Please note: *An additional $3.00 fee applies when purchasing the tags online to cover postage fees.
New Puppy License
Owners of new puppies must purchase a dog tag with the Township within 12 weeks of its birth. Failure to do so could result in fines and delays in obtaining the dog license.
New Resident Dog License
If you have recently moved to Augusta Township, you must license any dogs you bring into the Township within 30 days of establishing residency. The discounted rate of $15* applies for new residents who register within this timeframe.
Please note: *An additional $3.00 fee applies when purchasing the tags online to cover postage fees.
Online License Applications
If you apply for a dog license online, there is an additional $3 postage fee added to the licensing cost. Online applications are available but be sure to plan accordingly for mail time.
Dogs at Large
A dog “Running at Large” shall mean a dog being elsewhere than on the property of the Owner and not being under the immediate care and control of the Owner.
Fines and Penalties for Dogs Running at Large
If a dog is found running at large, the owner may face a fine of $200. An Officer may seize or impound any dog within the Township of Augusta that is found running at large and the dog may be delivered to the Township Pound, or to the dog(s) Owner if the dog has a valid licence.
Owner Responsibility
Owners must ensure their dog is securely contained within their property or under their immediate control at all times. Hunting Dogs, Law Enforcement Work Dogs, Service Dogs and Farm Work Dogs are exempt from this section while fulfilling their duties but must be under care and control of the Owner at all times.
Reporting and Capturing Dogs at Large
If you find a dog running at large, you can attempt to capture it if safe to do so. Notify the Municipal Enforcement Officer (Chad Belanger 613-925-4231 Ext. 206) Leave a message if there is no answer. All voicemails are monitored remotely. If unable to capture the dog the Municipal Enforcement Officer will attempt to capture the dog. The officer will either return the dog to its owner if licensed or impound it.
Noise and Nuisance
Responsible dog ownership includes preventing excessive barking and cleaning up waste in public spaces.
Dog Waste Management
Dog owners are required to clean up any feces left by their dog on both public and private property. Failure to do so may result in a fine of $200. This helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene for the community.
Complaints and Nuisance Behavior
If your dog is found to be causing excessive noise (such as howling or barking for extended periods), or is acting in a disruptive manner, you may be subject to a fine under Noise By-Law - 3704-2024. It is important to ensure that your pet does not disturb the peace of your neighbors.
Reporting Noise or Nuisance Complaints
To file a noise or nuisance complaint, contact the Municipal Enforcement Officer with details of the incident. The Township will assess the situation and issue fines as necessary.
Kennels
Operating a kennel requires a valid municipal kennel license. Kennel owners must follow regulations for animal welfare, zoning, and property use.
License Requirement for Kennels
A kennel is defined as any property that houses 5 or more dogs. If you own 5-10 dogs, you need a small kennel license; for 11-30 dogs, you need a large kennel license. Kennel licenses are required to be renewed every year by the last business day in March.
Kennel Size Classifications
Small Kennel: 5-10 dogs, maximum of 8 puppies.
Large Kennel: 11-30 dogs, maximum of 20 puppies.
Inspection: Kennels may be subject to inspection before a license is granted.
Kennel Identifier Tags
Kennels must issue each dog a “Kennel Identifier Tag” or provide a unique kennel-specific tattoo. This tag must be securely affixed to each dog, and proof of the tag or tattoo must be shown to Township staff when applying for the kennel license.
Zoning and Site Plan Requirements for Large Kennels
Large kennels must meet zoning requirements, including maintaining sufficient space between the kennel and any nearby dwellings (300 meters/984 feet). Additionally, a site plan control agreement may be required for new large kennel applications. This ensures compliance with Township regulations regarding parking, setbacks, landscaping, and more.
Restricted Breeds
The Ontario Dog Owners’ Liability Act prohibits certain pit bull breeds and places restrictions on others.
Prohibited Pit Bull Breeds
The Province of Ontario prohibits the ownership of any "pit bull" breeds. This includes the following:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- Any dog that has similar physical characteristics to these breeds.
Legal Restrictions
It is illegal to own, breed, transfer, abandon, or train a pit bull for fighting. If a pit bull is found in your possession, it must be surrendered to a pound or appropriate facility.
Animal Health & Welfare
The Township is committed to promoting the well-being of animals and protecting public health. This includes ensuring proper care, preventing cruelty, and reducing the risk of diseases such as rabies.
Rabies Vaccination Requirements
All dogs and cats (including indoor pets) must be vaccinated for rabies at 3 months of age. A booster is required one year after the initial vaccination, and subsequent boosters are needed every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type. Owners who fail to vaccinate their pets could face fines.
Low-Cost Rabies Clinics
The Township hosts low-cost rabies vaccination clinics each year, typically in September. These clinics are open to all residents of Leeds, Grenville, and Lanark. Check the Township’s website for upcoming dates and clinic details.
Rabies Information
For more information on rabies prevention and symptoms, visit the Province of Ontario’s website.
Cruelty Prevention
Ontario law prohibits cruelty to animals. If you suspect that an animal is being abused or is in distress, it is important to report it to the authorities. The Ontario SPCA provides a hotline to report cases of animal cruelty: 1-833-926-4625.
Animal Welfare Resources
Additional information on animal welfare, including signs of distress or abuse, can be found on the Province’s website. If you are unsure about whether a situation warrants reporting, contact the OSPCA or local authorities for guidance.
Wildlife & Animal Control in Augusta Township
Augusta Township is a rural community where wildlife is common. While most animals are simply looking for food, shelter, or a place to raise their young, encounters may occasionally require attention. The Township does not provide wildlife removal services on private property, but there are resources and specialists available to assist.
Beavers
If a beaver is building in a municipal drain, contact Public Works at 613-925-4231 x301 or ejollota@augusta.ca.
Beavers on private property are the landowner’s responsibility. Contact a wildlife control service for removal.
Bears
- Emergency: Call 9-1-1 if a bear poses an immediate threat (e.g. enters a schoolyard or attacks livestock).
- Non-Emergency: Call Bear Wise at 1-866-514-2327 for sightings, garbage foraging, or property disturbances. This line operates 24/7 from April 1 to November 30.
Coyotes
Coyotes are part of the rural ecosystem and are often seen in subdivisions or fields.
They pose minimal risk if not fed or approached. Coyotes are most protective during pup-rearing season (spring/summer).
To avoid conflicts:
- Never feed coyotes.
- Secure food, garbage, and small animals.
- Supervise pets outdoors, especially at night.
If you encounter a coyote:
- Do not run.
- Be loud, wave arms, and back away slowly.
- Keep eye contact and maintain a strong, assertive presence.
For more guidance, visit Coyote Watch Canada.
Injured or Sick Wildlife
For assistance with injured or orphaned wildlife, contact:
- Ontario Wildlife Rescue: 416-436-9892
- Or a local wildlife rehabilitator
Rabies Awareness
Rabies is a fatal virus spread through the saliva of infected mammals.
If you suspect an animal has rabies or observe unusual behavior, do not approach.
For more information on prevention and reporting, visit the Province of Ontario’s website.
Additional Forms
Dog License Application
Apply for a Dog License Online
Please note: (Additional $3 processing fee applies)
Kennel License Application
Kennel License Application 2026 PDF
Apply for a Kennel License to operate a kennel within the Township. Licenses must be renewed annually in accordance with municipal regulations.
New Small Kennel License Application Checklist
New Small Kennel License Application Checklist PDF – For applicants without an active kennel license before August 14, 2023. This checklist must be submitted along with your Kennel License Application.
New Large Kennel License Application Checklist
New Large Kennel License Application Checklist PDF – For applicants who did not hold an active kennel license before August 14, 2023. This checklist must be submitted with your Kennel License Application.
Dog Owner & Kennel Operator Responsibilities
By-law 3745-2024 outlines the responsibilities of dog owners and kennel operators within the Township, including licensing, care standards, and waste cleanup requirements.
Zoning By-Law
By-law 2965-2012 regulates land use and development within the Township, outlining zoning categories, permitted uses, and property requirements.
For More Information
Protective Services – Township of Augusta
Chad Belanger
Municipal Enforcement Officer
cbelanger@augusta.ca
613-925-4231 ext. 206
Licensing Inquiries
Vikki Werner-Mackeler
Deputy Clerk
officeclerk@augusta.ca
613-925-4231 ext. 100
