Skip to content

Dog ownership

The City of Airdrie's Animal Control Bylaw outlines the responsibilities of dog ownership. Please refer to the bylaw for more detailed information.

Dog owners must ensure their dogs:

  • have and wear a dog licence from when they are three months old
  • only 3 dogs per household
  • do not run at large
  • are on a leash at all times, unless the dogs are in a fenced private yard
  • are under control in designated off-leash dog parks

Dogs must not:

  • bite anyone
  • injure anyone
  • chase, threaten or attack a person or animals
  • bark, howl or disturb anyone
  • cause damage to property or other animals
  • scatter garbage
  • wander into any swimming, bathing or splash pool/park that is provided for public use

Dog owners are responsible for:

  • picking up all feces produced by their dogs both on and off their property
  • not owning more than three dogs per household

Dog barking complaints

Barking can be a major annoyance for your family and your neighbours. If your dog’s barking is an issue, you could try:

  1. Putting your dog in a private area of your yard away from neighbourhood noises
  2. Enrolling your dog in obedience classes
  3. Purchasing or renting a barking deterrent device through a pet store or your veterinarian
  4. Speaking with your veterinarian about other options

If you would like to make a complaint about a barking dog in your neighbourhood, there are a few steps you are required to follow:

  1. Request a Dog Barking package by filling in the Dog Barking package request form.
  2. Complete the dog barking package over a period of time.
  3. Municipal Enforcement will review your form. When it is complete and if it provides sufficient detail, Municipal Enforcement will follow up with the dog owner.