Winnipeg, MB - As of January 1, 2015, cats over six months of age residing in Winnipeg are required to have a licence. More than 13,000 cat licences have been sold either online, through 311, at the Animal Services Agency or at a number of pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and other retail outlets.
“We are thrilled and grateful that so many Winnipeggers have licensed their cats. Not only are people adding extra protection for their own cats, they are also helping to provide spay/neuter funding for cats they have never met,” said Leland Gordon, Chief Operating Officer of the Animal Services Agency. “Half of the gross revenues from cat licensing will support community spay/neuter programs to help reduce the cat overpopulation problem in Winnipeg.”
Winnipeg’s most vocal cat rights activist, #Whiskerpeg, has helped promote cat licensing and equality for cats. #Whiskerpeg’s efforts can be seen at Winnipeg.ca, and on the City of Winnipeg’s Twitter feed, Facebook page and YouTube channel.
#Whiskerpeg is also encouraging all fellow feline fans of responsible pet ownership to enter our #1 Cat Contest, open until March 27. One lucky kitty will be named Winnipeg’s #1 Cat and will receive the #1 cat licence, which will be a free licence for the life of the cat. Enter your cat into the #1 Cat Contest at City of Winnipeg - #1 Cat Contest.
Annual licence fees for spayed and neutered pets are $15 for cats and $31 for dogs ($50 for intact cats and $66 for intact dogs).
When pets are caught without a licence, owners may be subject to impound and boarding fees, as well as a $250 fine. With a licence, Animal Services and 311 can reunite dogs and cats with their owners, typically avoiding fees and fines.
Pet owners can purchase or renew licences in a number of convenient ways:
- Online at Winnipeg.ca/animalservices
- By calling 311, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- In person at the Animal Services Agency (1057 Logan Avenue)
- At a number of pet supply stores, veterinary clinics, animal shelters and other retail outlets. For a list of participating locations, please visit: Licensing Retail Outlets and Veterinary Clinics.