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Pet education

Education programs postponed

All pet education programs have been postponed until further notice.

Pet ownership quiz challenge

Test your knowledge of responsible pet ownership!

Responsible Pet Ownership By-Law

The Responsible Pet Ownership By-Law regulates the presence of wild and domesticated animals within the City of Winnipeg, their activities and the activities of their owners.

Dog and cat ownership information

Visit these external agencies for helpful information on dog and cat ownership:

Spay/Neuter

Spaying or neutering your pet:

  • Helps control the pet overpopulation problem
  • Provides health benefits
  • Reduces roaming
  • Provides a significant discount when licensing
  • Improves community safety

To spay/neuter your pet simply contact a veterinarian!

Low income spay/neuter programming

Available at the Winnipeg Humane Society and is partially funded by the City of Winnipeg:

  • SNAP Program: 204-888-SNAP
  • We are Here for the Animals Program: 204-421-7297

The City of Winnipeg’s Prevent a Litter (PAL) Program expands access to spay/neuter and vaccinations for dogs owned by Winnipeggers living on low income. This program is available for a limited time, and is made possible by a generous donation from a Winnipeg resident and the support of select local veterinary clinics.

Vaccinations

Vaccinating your dog or cat:

  • Helps protect the health of your pet and the community
  • Is required by law (the Rabies vaccine)
  • Visit your veterinarian for more information

Heartworm prevention

Dogs and cats can get heartworm disease from mosquitos.  Heartworm can kill your pet.  Heartworm prevention products are available from your veterinarian.

Harness use

Use a front latching harness which provides more control than a standard collar when taking your dog for a walk.  Be sure to remove the harness after use.

Muzzle use

If your dog is expressing aggression toward people or animals, use a muzzle when in public. 

Training

Training can be beneficial to any dog.  Consult available resources online or at a local training business.

Dog housing

Let your dog live in your home

  • Dogs kept indoors in an urban city have less neighbourhood impact
  • Dogs kept indoors are exposed less to fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, the heat, and the cold
  • Dogs left in yards over time can become territorial and aggressive

Preventing dog bites

  • Only approach a dog if you have permission from the owner
    • If there is no owner there – stay away from the dog
  • When you have permission to pet a dog, let the dog sniff the back of your fist and move slowly and quietly
  • Always move slowly and quietly around dogs –DON’T run or make loud noises around strange dogs
  • Don’t disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or looking after puppies
  • Don’t try to take any toys, food or any other object from a dog’s mouth
  • If a strange dog is approaching you:
    • Stand still and be quiet
    • Don’t try to run away because this will make the dog chase you
    • Don’t stare into the dog’s eyes
  • If the dog tries to grab you:
    • try to let him have your jacket or backpack, etc.
    • put something between you and the dog
  • If you fall or are knocked down:
    • Curl up into a ball with your hands over your ears and stay still
    • Try not to scream or roll around
    • Wait for help to arrive before getting up
  • Never cut through someone’s yard, even if you know the people. You could run into a dog that might bite you.

Keeping your pet safe

Community outreach

Our team is available with these customizable options:

Community events

  • Set up of an educational booth
  • Animal Services Officer with an adoptable dog

Corporate events

  • Set up of an educational booth
  • Animal Services Officer with an adoptable dog
  • Half day corporate volunteering at Animal Services
  • Tour of Animal Services

Schools

  • Responsible pet ownership presentation at school or Animal Services
  • Animal Services Officer with an adoptable dog
  • Tour of Animal Services

Northern Outreach Initiative course

  • 3-day course at Animal Services regarding the basics of animal control and welfare
  • Limited availability for indigenous communities in Manitoba

For more information email: animalservicesagency@winnipeg.ca

Last update: September 17, 2021->

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This form is not intended to collect personal information; however, any personal information you choose to include in your comments is collected by the City of Winnipeg under the authority of section 36(1)(b) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of improving our website and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes, except as authorized by law. Contact the Corporate Access and Privacy Officer by mail (City Clerk’s Department, Susan A. Thompson Building, 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB, R3B 1B9) or by telephone (311) if you have any questions about the collection of this information.

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