Being a responsible dog owner means keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe by taking care of their basic dietary, medical, physical, and psychological needs. It also means monitoring your dog’s behaviour in public spaces and respecting the City’s bylaw so that you and your dog are being good members of your community. The first step to responsible dog ownership is licensing your dog.
Dog Responsibility and Control Bylaw No. 34-42 states that all dog owners who possess a dog(s) over the age of six months must license the dog(s) every year with the City.
The City of Kamloops allows up to two dogs over the age of six months and up to two cats per parcel of land; however, this does not apply to a kennel or a hobby kennel.
Two Dog Limit Variance
The City's Dog Responsibility and Control Bylaw No. 34-42 requires that no one shall keep, harbour, or have more than two dogs over the age of six months within the city. If you have more than two dogs, you can apply to Council for a variance.
The applicant must pay a non-refundable $350 variance application fee.
If approved, the variance applies only to the specific dogs listed in the variance application, and no dog in excess of the two dog limit may be replaced in the future.
Dog Owner Responsibilities
- Licence and vaccinate your dog
- Tattoo and put identification on your dog
- Train your dog
- Spay or neuter your dog
- Muzzle aggressive dogs
- Keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times (except in off leash areas)
- Use dog-friendly parks and trails—Kamloops has many! Find your nearest trail or park at Kamloops.ca/Parks.
- Clean up after your canine friend. Always have an extra plastic bag on hand for when nature calls.
- Ensure your dog is happy when you leave home—your neighbours don’t like a barking dog.
- Have peace of mind—secure your yard so your dog can’t go on the run.
- Do not bring an unvaccinated dog or a dog younger than four to six months old to a dog park.
- Do not bring a dog that is inheat into parks.
- Consider your dog’s behaviour—exercise your dog where they are most comfortable.
- Leave your dog at home on hot days—they cool their bodies differently than we do. Recognize how your pet may be suffering form heat.
- Familiarize yourself with Dog Responsibility and Control Bylaw No. 34-42 to know the ins and outs of owning a dog in Kamloops.
Stoop and Scoop
Clean up after your canine friend. Always have an extra plastic bag on hand for when nature calls. Bag dispensers are provided in several City parks. There is a $100 fine for failure to pick up after your dog. Keeping our city clean makes it more enjoyable for everyone.
