Spring Into Good Habits – Tips for Responsible Pet and Yard Ownership in Owen Sound 

Spring has arrived, and with it, warmer days and more opportunities to get outside and explore everything our beautiful City has to offer. It's wonderful to see so many residents out walking their dogs, out in their yards, enjoying our parks, trails, and the River District! 

 

As our green spaces get busier, the City is reminding all pet owners to be a good neighbour by keeping dogs on a leash and always cleaning up after them. 

 

Picking up after your pet is one of the simplest ways to show respect for your neighbours and your community. Dog waste doesn't decompose quickly, does not fertilize the ground, and can pollute waterways, attract rodents and coyotes, and spread disease. A quick clean-up goes a long way in keeping our parks and public spaces enjoyable for everyone. 

 

The City has received an increase in concerns related to pet waste, so this is a timely reminder that scooping is not just courteous — it's required. 

 

When heading out for a walk, bring bags with you. Bags can be disposed of in waste containers along your route, or if in a compostable bag, at home in your Green Bin. Since the launch of the home Green Bin program in June 2025, disposing of pet waste at home has never been easier.  

Dog owners can be fined $250 for failing to clean up pet waste outside of their personal property. 

 

 

Off-leash dogs can disrupt local wildlife and are at greater risk of unwanted encounters with ticks, porcupines, and other animals. The City's Leash-Free Dog Park at 1240 1st Avenue East is the perfect place for your dog to run freely in a safe, fenced environment — a great option for dogs that love open space without the risks. 

 

Owners who do not comply with the City's Dog By-law may be fined $250 for having a dog off-leash. 

 

 

Pet licensing is mandatory for dogs and cats in Owen Sound. The City is proud to work with DocuPet, a leading pet profile and lost pet licensing platform that makes licensing modern, easy, and personalized. 

 

DocuPet tags come in hundreds of colourful designer styles — or owners can design their own — and every tag doubles as your pet's official licence. Each tag includes a unique code linked to a secure online profile and comes equipped with the free HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service, so if your pet ever goes missing, DocuPet's dedicated dispatch team is available around the clock to help reunite you. 

 

Dog licences must be renewed annually and are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Cat licences are valid for life and only need to be purchased once. The registration fee is the same whether you register online, by phone, or in person at City Hall. 

 

Register your pet online through the DocuPet website.  

 

The City of Owen Sound retains 100% of all pet licensing fees in support of local animal services. 

 

 

In accordance with By-law No. 2018-048, every Property Owner shall cut and maintain the Ground Cover on their Property to a height equal to or less than 15 centimeters (6 inches) beginning June 1st of each year. This means, that beginning June 1, property owners are required to keep their ground cover of their yards at or below a maximum height of 15 centimetres. For more information about local community projects to help to support pollination efforts, please visit Pollinate Owen Sound.  

 

 

Whether you're strolling along the River District, hiking a City trail, or relaxing in one of our parks, please remember: keep your dog on a leash, scoop their poop, and be a good neighbour. 

 

For questions about City by-laws, visit www.OwenSound.ca/Bylaw, call 519-376-4440 ext. 1905, or email enforcement@owensound.ca.  

 

To report a concern, visit www.OwenSound.ca/ReportAConcern. 

 

 

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