Animal Services

Effective January 1, 2026, we no longer require animal licenses for cats and dogs (as per By-Law No. 3557-1). Instead, pet owners are required to ensure that all dogs and cats either:

• Wear a collar tag with the pet’s name and the owner’s contact information, and/or
• Be microchipped with up-to-date contact details.

This will help ensure that lost pets can still be quickly reunited with their families.

Abuse and neglect of animals is not tolerated in Ontario. If you believe an animal is in distress or being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625). This includes any animal, such as pets, farm animals, or wildlife in captivity, that:

• Is injured, in pain, sick, suffering, or abused
• Lacks proper care, water, food, or shelter

Animal Welfare Services (AWS) within the Ministry of the Solicitor General enforces the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act. Provincial inspectors, including those with specialized expertise, handle inspections, respond to concerns, and provide education on animal care best practices.

Calls to AWS are answered by the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625), available 24/7.

The Town of Perth’s only designated off-leash area is the Perth Dog Park, located at Darou Farm. Dogs are not permitted to roam off-leash anywhere else, including parks, trails, and public spaces.

Opened in 2025, the Perth Dog Park offers a safe, enclosed space for dogs to run, play, and socialize. Please ensure your dog is under control at all times and follow posted park rules.

Dogs bark for many reasons—communication, boredom, loneliness, or to alert their surroundings. However, ongoing or excessive barking can impact neighbours and may require follow-up.

If you’re experiencing a barking issue, we encourage you to document the concern and submit a complaint form. Providing detailed and accurate information helps our Animal Control By-law team review the situation and determine appropriate next steps.

Before submitting a complaint:

• Review our Barking Complaint Form and include as much detail as possible
• Keep a log of the barking for at least one week
• Record specific times and durations (avoid general notes like “off and on”)

Barking complaints can be complex and may require supporting documentation if further action is needed.

Once completed, forms can be submitted to us by email or dropped off in-person at Town Hall.

Please be a responsible pet owner - have your pet spayed or neutered! 

• Lanark Animal Welfare Society Spay/Neuter Assistance Program - for individuals and families in our communities with household incomes of $40,000 or less, to access affordable spay and neuter services for up to two pets per household (proof of income required). 
• Lanark Leeds Grenville Spay Neuter Clinic - Spay and neuter surgeries for all breeds of cats and dogs, and neuter surgeries for male rabbits.

• Lanark Leeds Grenville Spay and Neuter Clinic provides Rabies Vaccination Clinics
• Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit provides low-cost rabies vaccination clinics once a year in September.
• Other rabies clinics in Ontario (as compiled by the Ontario Association of Veterinarian Technicians)

To report a dead animal located on a town street or other public property, call 613-267-3311 ext. 0 or report it through our form.

Most wildlife, including bears, prefer to avoid humans. While sightings can be startling, most encounters are non-aggressive and attacks are rare.

To report a bear sighting or for more information, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website or call the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327.

For concerns about nuisance wildlife (including coyotes, foxes, and bears), contact the Ministry at 1-800-667-1940.

We do not have a pest control department. Residents and businesses should contact a private wildlife or pest control service.

If you find injured or orphaned wildlife, please use these resources to get the help you need:

• Wildlife Centres in Ontario
• Ontario SPCA Animal Centres
• Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
• Ottawa Wild Bird Care Centre
• Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre
• Ministry of Natural Resources