New! Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Regulation By-law

The Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Regulation By-law supports the health and safety of animals and the public, demonstrating our continued commitment to responsible pet ownership, public safety and animal welfare.

New changes in the by-law include:

• Cat Licensing – As of June 1, 2025, all cats (in addition to dogs) need to be licensed and wear a visible tag
• Modernized Dangerous Dog Restrictions and Owner Requirements 
• Reduced Household Pet Limits – Maximum of seven permitted animals per household, including no more than three dogs and four cats
• Permitted Pets List – Outlining approved types of animals that may be kept as household pets
• Administrative Monetary Penalty System (AMPS) enforcement for violations

Pet licences available for purchase

Richmond Hill requires all dogs and cats (as of June 1, 2025) to be licensed. Licence tags are easy to get and cost effective. They are valid from January 1 to December 31 each year.

Your pets are members of our community and we want them to be safe and enjoy living in Richmond Hill. The new Responsible Pet Ownership and Regulation By-law keeps our community and companion animals safe by making sure pet owners understand their responsibilities.

Learn about being a good pet owner in Richmond Hill:

• Responsible pet ownership
• Animal licences
• Off-leash areas

Animal services

Richmond Hill has partnered with the City of Vaughan Animal Services providing animal regulation and shelter services. Officers respond to calls about wildlife and pets.

You can contact them for:

• Animal by-law violations
• Off leash or stray animals
• Lost/found pet(s)
• Injured animals
• Dog bite or attack
• Complaints about barking dogs and/or poop and scoop
• Report dead animals on public property, including roads.  Note property owners are responsible for addressing dead and nuisance wildlife on private property.
• Animal cruelty concerns

Contact Vaughan Animal Services

Website: www.vaughan.ca/animalservices
Telephone: 905-832-2281 (press "0" to speak with Access Vaughan)
Toll free: 1-855-227-7297
Email: animal.services@vaughan.ca​

Note: Vaughan Animal Services responds to emergency calls 24/7.

Microchip and Rabies Clinics 

Check back for upcoming clinic dates and times.

Dangerous dogs

Provincial Offences Officers can designate a dog as dangerous if it bites, attacks, or displays menacing behavior like snapping or chasing. Owners must comply with a Dangerous Dog Notice, which sets out safety requirements.

Owners can appeal the Notice within 10 days in writing. Appeals are heard by a City-appointed Hearing Officer, who can confirm, change, or cancel the Notice. The appeal fee is refunded if the Notice is cancelled.

Dangerous Dog Notice requirements take effect immediately upon service of the Notice and remain in effect for the life of the dog.

Avian Influenza (H5N1) - Bird Flu

Report sick or dead wild birds: With geese starting to return to the community, York Region municipalities including Richmond Hill, may see wild birds that have died or are infected with avian influenza (H5N1), also known as bird flu.

Just a reminder that if you come across sick or dead geese, ducks or other wild birds in Richmond Hill:

• Do not touch them
• Report them to our animal services provider, Vaughan Animal Services at 905-832-2281 or animal.services@vaughan.ca 

For more information, visit our Wildlife in the City page.

Frequently asked questions about pets in Richmond Hill