Animal Control By-law

The Town of Milton enforces the Animal Control By-law to regulate licensing and identification of domestic animals. 

This includes: 

  • Investigating by-law infractions
  • Patrolling for dogs running at large
  • Picking up confined stray cats and dogs or cats and dogs hit by vehicles
  • Barking dogs
  • Enforcing dog licensing requirements
  • Leash requirements 

For animal welfare concerns, please contact 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).

Lost and found pets

If your pet goes missing or you find a stay pet, you can contact DocuPet to make a report. 

You can also contact:

Coyotes

Coyotes are usually wary of humans and avoid people whenever possible, however, they are wild animals and we should avoid contact. Most negative coyote interactions are preventable. 

How to discourage coyotes from entering your property 
  • Never feed or leave food out for a coyote
  • Store garbage, compost and pet food in a place coyotes cannot access
  • Supervise animals when they are in the yard. Cats should not be permitted to roam freely
  • Clean up after your dog. Coyotes are attracted to dog feces

What to do if you encounter a coyote

If you encounter a coyote on your property or when out for a walk:

  • Practice hazing to let the coyote know they are not welcome
  • Appear aggressive: stand tall, wave your arms, shout, clap your hands and make a lot of noise
  • Keep pets attended and on leash
  • Do not turn your back on, or run from, a coyote
  • If you see pups or suspect there are pups in the area or if the coyote is not easily frightened away, keep your dog on a short leash, pick up small pets and children, and back away from the area
  • Do not leave food waste in park garbage as this may attract rodents and coyotes

If you see a sick or injured coyote and would like to report it, please contact the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.  

Rodents

With its variety of land uses, it is common to find rats and mice in Milton. Property owners are responsible for dealing with mice or rat issues and ensuring they comply with the Town by-laws and standards. 

Rodent prevention

Whether you own or rent property in Milton, you can play a proactive role in rodent prevention by: 

  • Securing garbage or organic compost in containers with tight-fitting lids
  • Not leaving food scraps out or around your yard
  • Rodent-proofing your home by blocking or covering gaps, cracks, vents and soffits
  • Removing nesting sites in unused clutter around your house and garage
  • Cutting tall grass and weeds from the back of your house

For more rodent prevention tips and ways to manage rodent issues, please visit Halton Region’s website.

When to contact the Municipal By-law Enforcement Unit

If you think that the rodent issue may be related to surrounding yard conditions, you can report your concern to our Municipal By-law Enforcement Unit.

A by-law enforcement officer will investigate complaints under applicable Town by-laws and charges may be laid.