Animal Services

Dog owners are responsible for renewing all dog(s) licenses on an annual basis.

Licenses cost $15 and can be purchased from the following locations. 

• Municipal Office, 1000 Taylor Court
• Pet Valu, 32 Depot Drive
• Pet Valu, 500 Muskoka Road 118 West

For more information, review the Dog Control in Bracebridge Brochure or visit the Applications, Licences and Permits page.

• Dogs must be securely attached to a leash with a maximum length of 3 metres when being walked along a sidewalk or roadway.
• At no time is a dog permitted to be running at large or causing a nuisance within the Town of Bracebridge.
• Owners must pick up and dispose of their pet’s waste in all public places.

Persistent barking, whining or other similar noises from dogs are not permitted. This prohibition is in effect 24 hours a day.

For more information, review the Noise Control in Bracebridge Brochure and Barking Dog Concerns Brochure.

To report persistent barking, email bylaw@bracebridge.ca.

By-law Enforcement officers do not have the authority to open a vehicle to remove a dog. Only a police officer or provincial animal inspector has that authority.

If you observe an animal in obvious distress within a parked motor vehicle and the owner is not able to be located, call 9-1-1. Alternatively, you can call the Provincial animal welfare hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).

The keeping of certain exotic or wild animals, known as "prohibited" animals, is prohibited in Bracebridge.

Regulations prohibiting the keeping of certain "exotic" animals are necessary for public health and safety, as well as animal welfare, particularly as it relates to appropriate care for species with highly specialized needs.

For more information, review the Exotic and Wild Animal Control By-Law.

Stray Cats in Bracebridge

The Town of Bracebridge does not regulate domestic cats, have a licence program or have by-laws for cats.  

If a neighbour’s cat is causing a nuisance on your property, you are encouraged to speak with the owner of the cat (if known) to let him/her know about your concerns. If you do not know where the cat lives or the problem persists, you are able to take safe and non-harmful measures to discourage the cat from trespassing on your property.

Feral Cats

The Town of Bracebridge has an agreement with Muskoka Animal Rescue to provide feral cat assessments. Report feral cats to Muskoka Animal Rescue.

Livestock is defined as farm animals that are regarded as an asset.

• For example, cows and pigs raised by a farmer are livestock

• Poultry is defined as domestic fowl, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese
• Contact the Planning and Development Department before committing to raise livestock within town limits.

There are a number of provincial guidelines to be mindful of when raising livestock and poultry in Ontario. Visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) website for more information.

The Town of Bracebridge has appointed a Municipal Investigator to investigate livestock or poultry killed or injured by eligible wildlife. The value of livestock is determined by the Province.

• In the event of livestock or poultry being killed or injured, contact the Town's By-Law Enforcement Staff immediately.
• Do not attempt to remove the carcass until the livestock investigator has attended your property to investigate the loss. The livestock investigator files a report with the Province (OMAFRA) and the Town.

Contact our By-Law Enforcement Staff for more information surrounding Livestock Valuation.

• Brown or Black Bears - Bear Wise Program
• Species at Risk (turtles, birds, plants)
• Wildlife Management

Deceased wildlife must not be left and should be taken care of immediately as they can be hazardous to safety or health.

On Private Property

• Property owners are responsible for disposing of dead wild animals on private property. The MNRF is not responsible for the removal of dead wildlife.
• Private businesses, such as a pest removal company who specializes in the removal of dead wildlife, will dispose of the animal for a fee.
• If you choose to dispose of a dead animal yourself, consider burying it next to a tree or property line.
• If the species is too big to bury, the MNRF suggests moving the animal to Crown Land away from any residential areas, cottages or homes to provide food for carrion-eating animals, and to increase the growth of surrounding plants, which attracts many herbivorous insects and their predators.

On Public Property

• To report a dead wild animal on public property (i.e., parks, roads or sidewalks), call 705-645-5264.
• The MNRF is not responsible for the removal of dead wildlife.
• Trained Public Works or Animal Services staff are responsible for disposing of dead wild animals on public property.

Additional Information:

• Do not place a dead animal in your recycling, organics, or garbage for collection.
• Learn more about disposing of a dead animal or fish on your property.