Dog Regulations

The City of Calgary's Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 23M2006  (454 KB) regulates animals in our city.  While Animal & Bylaw Services enforces this municipal bylaw, the The Calgary Humane Society  enforces Alberta's Animal Protection Act  that mandates the humane treatment of animals.  This page will provide you with a brief overview of the City's bylaw, but please refer to the actual bylaw for more detailed information.  Original copies of the bylaw are available at the City Clerk's office.

What is the law?

• All dogs three months of age and older must be licensed.
• Dogs are not allowed to run at large in Calgary.  This means that dogs must be under the control of their owner at all times.
• All dogs must be on-leash at all times, unless posted signs indicate otherwise or they are in a securely fenced private yard.
• Dogs must still be under the control of their owner in designated off leash areas, meaning they will respond to sight and sound commands.
• A dog owner must ensure their dog does not:
  • Bite anyone
  • Injure anyone
  • Chase or threaten anyone
  • Bark, howl or disturb anyone
  • Cause damage to property
  • Cause damage to other animals
  • Scatter garbage
• Dogs are not allowed in:
  • School grounds
  • Playgrounds
  • Sports fields
  • Golf courses
  • Cemeteries
  • Wading or swimming areas
• While on a pathway a dog must:
  • Be on a leash no longer than 2 metres
  • Remain on the right hand side of the pathway
  • Not interfere with or obstruct other users
• You cannot leave your dog unattended while tethered.
• You cannot cycle, skateboard or in-line skate with a dog on a leash while on a pathway.
• You must pick up all feces produced by your dog both on and off your property.  Ensure that you bring along suitable mean to pick up feces.
• Dogs are only allowed to be transported in the back of a truck if the dog is either in a fully enclosed trailer, a truck bed covered with a topper, contained in a ventilated kennel which is secured to the truck bed, or securely tethered and not standing on bare metal. 

Have a complaint?

Bylaw Officers enforce these regulations with fines between $75 and $1500.  If you would like to report a bylaw infraction please:

• Call 3-1-1 or 403-268-CITY (2489) - if calling from outside Calgary; or
• Contact us