Animal Control
Animal Control & Licensing
Village of Borden
Animal ownership within the Village of Borden is regulated under Animal Control Bylaw #09-2025. The purpose of this bylaw is to promote public safety, animal welfare, and respectful enjoyment of neighbourhoods.
Licensing Requirements
All cats, dogs, rabbits, and chickens kept within the Village of Borden must be licensed annually.
Licensing helps:
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Identify lost or roaming animals
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Support animal control services and enforcement
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Promote responsible pet ownership
Licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31 of each calendar year.
New for 2026: the Village will be requesting photos of licensed pets to assist with identification and record accuracy.
License Applications
Cats, Dogs, Chickens, Ducks and/or Rabbits: Animal License Application Form.pdf
License Fees
Pet license (cat or dog): $25.00 per year, per animal
Replacement pet tag: $5.00
Chicken & duck license: $5.00 per chicken/duck, per year
Rabbit license: $5.00 per rabbit, per year
Number of Animals Permitted
A maximum of five total pets may be kept on any one property.
Of those:
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No more than three dogs
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No more than three cats
A maximum of five chickens/ducks and five rabbits may be kept per property.
Roosters and livestock are not permitted within the Village.
Leash, At-Large & Clean-Up Rules
Animals must not run at large within the Village.
Dogs must be kept within the owner’s yard or on a leash and under control when off the property.
Owners are required to immediately remove and properly dispose of animal waste from public or private property, except within their own yard.
Nuisance & Dangerous Behaviour
Animals must not:
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Bite, chase, or threaten people or other animals
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Bark, howl, or make noise excessively
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Damage property
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Create unsanitary conditions or disturb neighbouring properties
Repeated nuisance behaviour or dangerous actions may result in enforcement action, fines, or impoundment.
Impoundment & Enforcement
Animals may be seized and impounded if they are unlicensed, running at large, or posing a safety risk.
Impoundment fees:
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Identified animal: $25.00 per day
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Unidentified animal: $50.00 per day
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Veterinary care during impoundment: actual cost
Animals not reclaimed within the legislated timeframe may become the property of the Village.
Prohibited Animals
The ownership of certain animals is strictly prohibited within the Village, including wildlife, exotic animals, venomous reptiles or amphibians, and other animals listed in Schedule “C” of the bylaw.
Animal Licensing – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to license my pet if it is an indoor-only cat or dog?
Yes. All cats and dogs kept within the Village must be licensed, regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor pets. Indoor pets can escape accidentally and must be identifiable if found or involved in an emergency.
My pet never goes outside. Why should I have to license it?
Licensing is based on pet ownership within the municipality, not on how often a pet goes outdoors. The bylaw applies equally to all pet owners.
Why do I have to pay for a license every year for the same animal?
Annual licensing is a standard municipal practice. It ensures records remain current, supports ongoing animal control services, and distributes costs fairly among pet owners rather than funding services entirely through property taxes.
The Village already knows my pet. Why do I need to renew?
Ownership details, addresses, and contact information change over time. Annual renewal ensures the Village’s records remain accurate and up to date.
I received a renewal notice, but my pet has passed away. Why was I sent this?
We understand this can be upsetting and extend our condolences. The Village is not automatically notified when a pet passes away. Renewal notices are generated from existing records. If your pet has passed away, please contact the Village Office so the record can be updated.
Do I need to notify the Village if my pet dies or I move away?
Yes. Letting the Village know helps keep records accurate and prevents unnecessary renewal notices. A quick phone call or email is sufficient.
What happens if I don’t license my pet?
Failure to license a pet is an offence under the Animal Control Bylaw and may result in fines if enforcement action is required.
When to Contact the Village
Please contact the Village if you need to:
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Report an animal running at large
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Report aggressive or dangerous animal behaviour
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Ask questions about licensing or permitted animals
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Report unsanitary animal conditions
For emergencies involving immediate danger to people, contact emergency services first.
Related Bylaw