The Nation Municipality regulates the care and control of animals within its boundaries. This includes rules for standards of care, stray and barking dogs, waste management, livestock, kennels, prohibited animals, and other important animal-related matters.
While dog licences are not required, all owners must follow these regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of animals, residents, and the community.
To know more, consult our Animal Care & Control By-Law.
Standards of care
- Pet owners must give their animals clean living spaces, fresh water, proper food, shelter, veterinary care, and enough exercise. Shelter must be weatherproof and suited to the animal’s size and breed. Animals cannot be kept in conditions that cause strong odours, attract pests, or disturb neighbours.
- No person shall leave an animal in a vehicle if the weather could cause distress or injury. Animals may not ride outside the passenger area of a vehicle on a public road, whether the vehicle is moving or parked.
Dogs in The Nation
- Stray Dogs: Dogs must be under control at all times and are not allowed to roam freely off their owner’s property without permission. Stray or loose dogs may be seized by a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer and taken to the pound.
- Barking: Owners must not allow their dogs to bark persistently in a way that disturbs people or the peace and quiet of the neighbourhood.
- Stoop and Scoop: Dog owners must promptly pick up and dispose of their dog’s waste when in public areas or on private property other than their own. This includes roads, parks, trails, and other public spaces. Designated dog waste bins can be found throughout the municipality.
- Vicious Dogs: Dogs must not bite or attack people, other domestic animals, or livestock without provocation. If a dog is deemed vicious, the owner will be given written notice and must follow strict safety measures set out in the by-law.
- Parks: Dogs are not allowed in areas of parks where signs say they are prohibited. They must stay at least five metres away from play structure and splash pads.
- Rabies vaccination: All dogs three months or older must be vaccinated against rabies, and the vaccination must be kept up to date.
- Kennels: Properties with more than three dogs must be licensed as a kennel, unless they are an accredited veterinary clinic or registered foster home. Kennels may be used for breeding, boarding, or recreational purposes, but must comply with zoning, municipal regulations, and all applicable laws. Kennels are subject to municipal inspection to ensure proper care and housing, and a valid municipal licence is required to operate.
Livestock
Livestock may only be kept on properties zoned or lawfully used for that purpose and must not roam off the owner’s property. Exceptions apply to facilities such as veterinary clinics, zoos, petting zoos, and the municipal pound.
Enforcement & Penalties
Anyone who does not comply with this by-law commits an offence and may be subject to a fine and/or order under the Provincial Offences Act.
Pound Fees: Consult our Fees & Charges page.
Exemptions, Permits and Licences
A Kennel Licence is required for any property with more than three dogs, with the exception of accredited veterinary clinics and registered foster homes.