Bylaw Enforcement & Investigations

By-law Enforcement and Information - By-law Enforcement and Information
Running at large:

Dogs and cats are not permitted to be at large – meaning they are not permitted to be straying or roaming off the owner’s property.

Leash requirements:

Dogs must be on a leash at all times unless on the owner’s property or at a designated leash-free dog park.

Dog excrement:

Excrement left by your dog on any property, including your own property, must be picked up and disposed of in a proper refuse receptacle.

Biting dogs:

Any dog that bites or attacks a person or domestic animal may be declared a biting or potentially dangerous dog.

Barking dogs:

Dogs that disturb an individual’s peace and quiet by barking or howling are monitored by the Town of Oakville. Complaints may be made to ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601 or service@oakville.ca.

By-law Enforcement and Information - By-law Enforcement and Information

A Standards of Care section is now included in the Animal Control Bylaw (2018-006), which will allow Animal Protection Officers to address issues such as dogs left in cars, unsanitary living conditions, and adequate shelter and protection from the elements.

Animals in Oakville must be provided with a clean, sanitary environment and adequate care that meets the physical and behavioural needs of the animal, such as food, water, shelter, warmth, light, adequate ventilation, physical exercise, and veterinary care.

By-law Enforcement and Information - By-law Enforcement and Information

Leash-free dog parks are fully fenced areas where owners are allowed to have up to two dogs off-leash at a time. They are self-funded by dog walking groups and operate year round, seven days a week from dawn to dusk. Search the Leash-Free Dog Parks map for location details.

Outside of leash-free areas, the requirements of the dog control by-law must be met at all times:

  • Dogs must be on a leash
  • Dogs must wear an up-to-date Town of Oakville license tag
  • Owners must “stoop and scoop” their dog's waste
  • Owners must maintain control at all times — other dogs and people may not appreciate your dog approaching them

Visit the town's by-laws web page for by-laws relating to dogs (licensing, biting, dogs at large).

Dogs are not permitted in the following areas under any circumstances:

  • The sand base surrounding or beneath playground equipment
  • Tennis courts
  • Spray pads
  • Floral gardens
  • Cemeteries
  • Sports fields
  • Garden plots
By-law Enforcement and Information - By-law Enforcement and Information