Animal Services Agency

Pet education

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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:

• The Winnipeg Humane Society – Resources
• The Winnipeg Humane Society – Yelp Line
• WebMD – Healthy Pets
• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) – Pet Care
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association – Animal Owners
• Keep cats safe and save bird lives

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

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

• Emergency preparedness
• Fireworks or scheduled fireworks? Keep your pets inside.

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

For more information email: animalservicesagency@winnipeg.ca