Animal Control

The City of Dauphin's Animal Services Bylaw 07/2024 outlines the rules and responsibilities for pet ownership in the community. The bylaw focuses on animal welfare, public safety, and responsible ownership, and reflects feedback received from residents during public consultation.

View the full Animal Services Bylaw (PDF)

Dogs and cats in Dauphin are licensed through a one-time (lifetime) licensing system.

• All dogs and cats over 16 weeks of age must be licensed within 7 days of ownership
• Pets must be sterilized unless a valid unsterilized pet license has been issued
• Pets must wear a valid license tag or be microchipped or tattooed when off the owner's property
• Proof of licensing must be provided upon request

Pet owners must notify Animal Services within 48 hours of:

• Change of address or contact information
• Transfer or ownership
• Death of a pet

Service animals must be licensed, but are not subject to licensing fees with proper documentation. A tiered fee structure is in place to encourage pet sterilization. 

The City of Dauphin offers a Spay & Neuter Assistance Program to help reduce pet overpopulation and support responsible pet ownership.

Funding Available

Approved applicants may receive financial assistance up to:

• $175 for female dogs
• $125 for male dogs
• $125 for female cats
• $75 for male cats

Funding is subject to availability, and applications are reviewed by Animal Services until annual program funding is fully allocated. 

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program:

• You must be a resident of the City of Dauphin
• The animal must be a dog or a cat owned by the applicant
• The pet must have a current City of Dauphin licence
• Proof of income is not required
• A maximum of 2 pets per household can be enrolled in SNAP

Additional conditions may apply as outlined in the application form.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted to City Hall in person or emailed to info@dauphin.ca. 

• Complete the application form
• Provide proof of City of Dauphin residency (e.g., invoice, driver's licence, or formal correspondence showing your name and address)
• Ensure your pet has a current City of Dauphin licence (lifetime)

Application forms are available at City Hall or can be downloaded below.

Once approved, the City will issue a voucher that can be redeemed at either the Dauphin Veterinary Clinic or the Uptown Pet Clinic. Any remaining costs are the responsibility of the pet owner and must be paid at the time of the appointment.

Limits are in place on the number of animals permitted per property.

• A maximum of 5 companion animals is permitted per property
• This includes no more than 3 dogs and no more than 3 cats

For example, a household could have:

• 3 dogs and 2 cats
• 2 dogs and 3 cats

All animals must be provided with proper care, including:

• Adequate food and clean, unfrozen water
• Appropriate shelter and protection from the elements
• Sanitary living conditions
• Regular exercise and access to natural light
• Veterinary care when sick or injured

Animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment are strictly prohibited.

Animals kept outdoors must have access to a properly constructed shelter that is weatherproof, insulated, and equipped with clean, dry bedding to maintain body temperature in all seasons. 

The Animal Services Bylaw sets clear requirements to ensure animals are tethered and confined safely and humanely.

When tethering an animal:

• Animals must have access to clean, drinkable water and shade while tethered
• Tethers must be properly designed and at least 3.5 metres (10 feet) in length
• Choke collars are not permitted, and tethers must not be tied directly around an animal's neck
• The tether must allow the animal to move freely without becoming tangled
• Animals must be tethered within the property, not in the front yard, and at least 1.5 metres from the property line
• Tethering is limited to a maximum of 4 consecutive hours, and no more than 8 hours within a 24-hour period
• Permanent tethering is strictly prohibited

In addition, dogs must not be confined in an outdoor enclosure for more than 8 hours within a 24-hour period.

The Animal Services Bylaw includes requirements to protect animals from unsafe conditions in vehicles.

• Animals must not be left in an unattended vehicle when outdoor temperatures are above 22°C or below -10°C, unless the vehicle’s climate control system is active
• If an animal is in distress due to temperature, authorized officers may intervene to protect the animal, including removing it from the vehicle
• Animals being transported must be safely secured. If outside the passenger compartment, they must be in a properly ventilated kennel or secured with a harness to prevent injury

Owners may be held responsible for any damages resulting from an intervention.

The Animal Services Bylaw supports a Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) approach to managing feral and stray cat populations in Dauphin.

Through this program:

• Community cats may be humanely trapped, sterilized, vaccinated, ear-tipped (for identification), and returned to their original location
• If a cat is seriously ill or injured, humane euthanasia may be considered

Feeding of community cats is regulated to prevent uncontrolled population growth. Feeding is only permitted if:

• The individual is registered with a City-approved TNR program
• A written care plan is in place, including sterilization and vaccination
• Feeding takes place on private property for a limited time each day
• Shelter is provided for the cats

Registered caretakers may assist with trapping and returning cats and are not considered legal owners, provided they follow program guidelines.

Community cats that have been ear-tipped are part of a managed program and must not be harmed or interfered with.

Wildlife is a natural part of living in and around Dauphin. Residents may encounter animals such as deer, raccoons, and skunks.

• Do not approach or feed wildlife
• Secure garbage and remove attractants from your property
• Keep pets supervised, especially at night

The City does not provide wildlife removal services. Concerns involving wildlife should be directed to the appropriate provincial authority.

The Animal Services Bylaw allows Animal Services Officers to seize and impound animals in certain situations to protect public safety and animal welfare.

Animals may be seized if they are:

• Running at large or not under control
• On private property without permission
• Unlicensed or not properly identified
• Involved in an attack or displaying aggressive behaviour
• Not being cared for in accordance with animal welfare requirements
• Sick, injured, or in distress

When an animal is impounded:

• The City will make reasonable efforts to notify the owner
• Animals are held for a minimum of 5 days (not including the day of impoundment)
• Owners may reclaim their animal by providing proof of ownership, meeting bylaw requirements, and paying applicable fees

Additional requirements may include:

• Obtaining a pet licence
• Providing proof of rabies vaccination (or completing within a specified timeframe)
• Paying boarding, veterinary, and related fees

Failure to comply with the Animal Services Bylaw may result in enforcement action.

An offence may occur if a person:

• Violates any provision of the bylaw
• Allows or permits a violation to occur
• Fails to meet required responsibilities under the bylaw

Each day that a violation continues may be considered a separate offence.

Fines and penalties are outlined in the City’s Fees, Fines, & Charges Bylaw.