Animal Control

In specific areas of Grey Highlands, residents are allowed to keep backyard poultry. To do so, you must submit an application to the Municipality, which will maintain a registry of poultry owners.

There is no fee to register.  Fill out the Registration Form and it will be submitted for approval.

For more information, see the Keeping of Backyard Poultry By-law 2022-055 which outlines the process, requirements and contraventions of keeping backyard poultry.

The Municipality of Grey Highlands promotes and encourages responsible pet ownership; encourages voluntary compliance with animal-related laws; and promotes dog licensing and microchipping.

Licensing your dog helps canine control quickly reunite you with your pet if it becomes lost. To ensure this, it’s important to keep your contact information up to date. Without current information or a valid licence with the Municipality, we may not be able to return your dog to you.

2025 Dog tag application form can be printed and mailed in or obtained at our main office at 206 Toronto Street South, Markdale.  Tags are to be renewed annually based on the calendar year. By law, all dog owners must purchase a license for their pet annually, unless a lifetime tag was purchased. Or, use our convenient online form to submit your application. Your tags will be mailed after payment is received. 

Note: In accordance with the Canine Control By-law, no person shall keep or harbour more than three (3) dogs at any one time in a dwelling unit or on any individual conveyable land entity located within the boundaries of the Municipality.

Dog tag applications and payment can be mailed to 206 Toronto Street, Unit 1, P.O. Box 409, Markdale, ON, N0C 1H0

A kennel is defined as an establishment where more than three (3) dogs are kept for the purpose of work, show, training, keeping, breeding and raising for profit or gain, but shall not apply to the keeping of animals in a veterinary establishment for the purpose of observation and/or recovery necessary to veterinary treatment or, to the keeping of hunting or working dogs.

A kennel license means a certificate issued by the Clerk or designate of the municipality upon fulfilling the requirements of the by-law and by payment of the appropriate fee.

Section 5 of the Canine Control By-law outlines all of the requirements to apply and operate a kennel in Grey Highlands including the kennel application, zoning, conditions and inspection requirements.

If you have lost your dog, or found a dog during regular business hours, please contact 519-986-2811 and we will attempt to help with reunification. 

If after hours, please contact 226-910-1322. You must provide a detailed description of the dog, license number and tattoo or microchip number, if applicable.

If you are able to confine or leash a found dog please do so, however, never approach any dog that may not be friendly.

Please note that any dogs found at large within the Municipality will be reunited with their owner as soon as possible. Having a tag on your dog helps facilitate a quick and easy reunification.

If owners are unable to be located, the dog may be brought to the Canine Control Office kennel. Where a daily housing fee will be applied and required to be paid prior to release. If the dog is not registered with the Municipality, you will be required to license the dog prior to release as well.   

The Municipality of Grey Highlands does not provide wildlife removal service. As a landowner you are responsible for managing wildlife issues on your property. For assistance or information, you can call the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) at 1-800-667-1940.

To report a dead animal on a municipal road or property, contact the Transportation Department at 519-986-2811 ext. 222.

Under the Ontario Livestock, Poultry and Honey Bee Protection Act (LPHBPA), livestock and poultry producers are entitled to make claims to their local municipality for livestock losses attributable to attacks by wolves, coyotes or dogs.

When the owner of livestock or poultry believes that they have suffered a loss of livestock due to predation by a coyote, wolf or stray dog, the owner should immediately notify one of the Municipality's Valuers:

Bill Curry - 519-270-4739

Jeremy Hanley - 519-270-8618

Sherri Kenwell - 705-443-1669

Livestock Valuers Consolidated By-law 2023-085