Answering Your Questions About Animal Services Image Body Content General InformationDo you board animals?No. Our mandate is to provide assistance and temporary housing for stray and unowned animals until they can be reunited with their caregivers. Since we do not know the history of most of the animals in the shelter, your pets could risk contracting a serious illness from the other animals.Does the shelter offer veterinary services?No. The shelter is not licensed to provide veterinary services to the general public. Check online to find veterinarians in Brampton. How can I make a donation to Brampton Animal Services?Donations to the Brampton Animal Services can be made: Online By visiting the shelter at 475 Chrysler Drive, Brampton Ontario, L6S 5Z5 Learn more about how to make a donation How do I deter a cat from my property?There are several eco-friendly solutions that will help keep cats away from vegetable beds and private property. Cats prefer to walk on soft soil and will avoid prickly surfaces, such as pine needles or yard trimmings. Using scented products and materials, such as citrus scents, human hair or strong smelling plants like lavender lemon thyme or citronella will also assist in keeping cats away. There are other commercial products that can deter the unwanted cat from your property without harming the animal or your garden. Do not use moth balls as they are toxic to both cats and humans.How long do you keep stray animals?Provincial statutes require us to keep stray animals for 72 hours (three days). This stray hold does not include their day of arrival, Sundays and Stat Holidays. However, we hold all stray animals that people turn in to Brampton Animal Shelter for seven days.I hear an animal in my roof, do you offer wildlife removal?No, Brampton Animal Services does not offer wildlife removal from a person’s home. We will do wildlife assessments and provide advice in the case of wildlife conflicts on a person's property. You will have to call a wildlife removal company. For more information on wildlife, call 3-1-1.What dangers exist to animals in extreme hot weather?Pets can suffer from dehydration, sunburn and heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. Learn tips on keeping your pets safe during extreme hot weather. There is also an Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) initiative called Operation V.A.L.U.E (Vulnerable Animals Left Unattended Everyday) for keeping animals safe. Visit the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for more information. Where can I let my dog off its leash in Brampton?Visit our Off Leash Park page for locations and rules about using the park. Who do I complain to about a barking dog on my street?Although the noise is being created by a dog, Animal Services does not respond to this type of complaint as it falls within the City of Brampton's Noise By-Law 93-84. If you would like to report such a disturbance, contact the By-Law Office at 3-1-1.Who do I report animal cruelty to?Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario. If you think an animal is in distress or is being abused, call: 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625). Visit the Ministry of the Solicitor General website for more information. Do I have to vaccinate my pet against rabies?Yes, In Ontario it is the law that ALL dogs and cats over 3 months of age be vaccinated against rabies. Learn about the Rabies Immunization Regulation. AdoptionHow long do you keep the animals for adoption?We do not have a specific adoption period. If an animal remains healthy, happy and friendly, it remains in our adoption wings. We do not euthanize to make room for other animals. What are the fees for adopting an animal?There are many benefits to adopting an animal from Brampton Animal Services. See the break down for an adoption and what comes with the animal. What kind of animals do your shelters have available for adoption?The types of animals can vary daily within the shelter; however, animals such as the following may be available for adoption: Pocket pets Exotics Domestic Birds Fish View animals available for adoption today. Online LicensingI didn’t get a receipt for my license when I paid the fee.You will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours of your online transaction.When/How will I receive my license tag?You will receive your license tag in the mail within 10 business days of your confirmation emailWhat if I don’t receive my tag in the mail?Please contact our office. What if I no longer have my pet when I receive my renewal notice?You can go online and update your information at the time you receive your notice or contact our office and we will update your information.I have moved since I received my renewal notice, how do I change my information?You will have the option to update your information during the online renewal process.What if I no longer live in Brampton?You can go online and update your information or contact our office. Contact your municipal office to register within your jurisdiction. Some of the information on my renewal form about my pet is incorrect. Some information can be updated during the online renewal process, such as spay, neuter, and microchip. You will have to contact our office to update information such as breed type and colour. I have had my pet spayed/neutered, microchipped since last purchasing a license. You will have the option to update information about your pet during the online renewal process. The correct fees will be assigned during the renewal process. I am a senior resident, do I qualify for a discount on my license?Yes if you are over the age of 55, you will have the option to choose a senior discount during the online process. The correct license fees will be assigned during the renewal process. What if I move, change my phone number or no longer have my pet after I have purchased my licensePlease contact our office and we will update your file .Can I go online and make updates to my information at any time?No, you can only make updates to your information during the renewal process. You must contact our office at any other time to make changes or updates to your information. Contact Animal Services at 905.458.5800 or animal.services@brampton.ca to update your information.What if I lose my tag?Contact our office to arrange for a replacement tag.Can I transfer ownership of my pet online?No, you will have to contact our office to make these changes to your license.Can I renew or purchase my designation license tag online?No, you will have to contact our office to purchase a designation tag. License/RegistrationDo I need to license my pet? Under the City of Brampton’s Animal Services By-laws, all dogs and cats are required to be licensed with the City. Why is licensing my pet so important?If a pet gets lost, their licence is immediately visible and shows that they have a family that is missing them. It is the quickest way for someone to contact a pet’s owner. And, if the pet is brought into the animal shelter, the staff can get them back home quickly. Where can I purchase or renew my pet licence?Pet licences can be purchased or renewed online, by mail, or in-person at the Animal Shelter, any Service Brampton location or at special events. How long is my pet licence valid for?Currently, licences are valid from January 1 until December 31 of the current year, regardless of the date on which they are purchased, and the cost is not pro-rated.NEW - What is changing this year? As of November 1, 2023, dog and cat licences can be purchased as a one-year or two-year licence. These will change from expiring each calendar year to expiring either 12 or 24 months from the date of purchase.NEW - What are the new smart pet tags? New “smart” pet tags are being issued to improve the ability for anyone to reunite a lost pet with their family Tags will display a QR code that you can activate and record as much or as little of your contact information to share with someone who finds your lost pet. Residents will receive a single pet tag per pet. Lost tags will be replaced for the existing $5 fee within the first year that they are issued. Tags lost after the first year, and damaged tags at any time will be replaced for free. Your information is stored by the pet tag vendor for the purpose of getting your pet home and is not provided to Brampton Animal Services, therefore, you must still update your information with us during the licence renewal process or anytime it changes. What is the BluePaw program?The BluePaw program is our new rewards program. We have partnered with local businesses to provide special offers and discounts to responsible Brampton pet owners who license their dogs and cats. It’s our way of saying thank you. Learn more about the Blue Paw Program here.NEW - I have found a lost pet, what do I do?If the pet is wearing a smart tag, scan the QR code on the pet tag to contact the pet owner directly. Returning a lost pet directly to their family not only reduces the stress and anxiety of the pet, but it also reduces the amount of time that Animal Control Officers are involved with lost pets, allowing that time to be used for pro-active patrols and public education. If you find a pet without a tag, please contact Animal Services by calling 311. How do I update my licence information? It is important to keep your licence information up-to-date. In the event your pet gets lost, we need this information to help ensure they get home safely. Contact Animal Services at 905.458.5800 or animal.services@brampton.ca to update your information.How do I join?It’s easy! Just license your dog or cat with the City and you’ll automatically become a member. Learn more about the Blue Paw Program here.Where do my licence fees go?When you buy a licence, you’re not just helping your own pets. Your licence fees go directly back to Brampton Animal Services to help support programs like pet adoption, spaying/neutering and medical care for lost and homeless pets.Is there a cost to join the program?Membership in the BluePaw program is included in your dog or cat licence fee. Learn more about the Blue Paw Program here.What businesses are part of the program?See the current list of business members here. Brampton residents who are part of the BluePaw program also qualify for the City of Toronto’s BluePaw offers. See the list of participating businesses here. What qualifies my dog as a service dog?Under the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, O. Reg. 191/11, Section 80.45 provides the following definition of Service Animal and we would use this as a means to identify and confirm for the purposes of licensing: For the purposes of this Part, an animal is a service animal for a person with a disability if, the animal can be readily identified as one that is being used by the person for reasons relating to the person’s disability, as a result of visual indicators such as the vest or harness worn by the animal; or the person provides documentation from one of the following regulated health professionals confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to the disability: A member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. A member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario. A member of the College of Nurses of Ontario. A member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. A member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario. A member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario. A member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. A member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario. A member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario. O. Reg. 165/16, s. 16. Further it refers to the Blind Persons Rights Act for the definition of Guide Dog which is as follows in Section 1: “guide dog” means a dog trained as a guide for a blind person and having the qualifications prescribed by the regulations. (“chien d’aveugle”) R.S.O. 1990, c. B.7, s. 1 (1). The information under O. Reg. 58 states the following: A dog that has successfully completed the training program at any of the following facilities is qualified as a guide dog: Eye Dog Foundation for the Blind, Los Angeles, California. The Seeing Eye, Inc., Morristown, New Jersey. Guide Dogs for the Blind Inc., San Rafael, California. International Guiding Eyes Inc., Hollywood, California. Eye of the Pacific Guide Dogs Inc., Honolulu, Hawaii. Leader Dogs for the Blind, Rochester, Michigan. Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind Inc., Smithtown, New York. Guiding Eyes for the Blind Inc., New York, New York. Pilot Dogs Inc., Columbus, Ohio. Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Windsor, England. Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, Ottawa, Ontario. Canine Vision Canada, Oakville, Ontario. National Service Dogs, Cambridge, Ontario. Any other guide dog training facility that the Attorney General or an officer of his or her Ministry designated by the Attorney General in writing determines meets the following criteria: The facility provides a minimum of three months of training for a prospective guide dog that involves, in part, exposure to situations in the field, including street traffic, public transportation and the negotiation of stationary and moving obstacles and barriers, and a minimum of 10 days of training with a guide dog user. The facility ensures that a guide dog that successfully completes a training program at the facility, does not demonstrate social behaviour inappropriate to a guide dog, does not suffer from an ailment, disease or physical disorder that would substantially interfere with its duties as a guide dog, and demonstrates basic obedience skills with a leash and voice commands. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 58, s. 1; O. Reg. 649/05, s. 1. Applicable legislation for excerpts: Ontarians with Disabilities Act Blind Persons Rights Act How can my business be a BluePaw partner?If your business is interested in being part of the BluePaw program, contact us at 905.458.5800 or animal.services@brampton.ca Learn more about the Blue Paw Program here. Lost and FoundI have found a lost pet, what should I do?Although it would be tempting to keep this animal as your own, it would be best to allow us to try and reunite the animal with its owner. Some animals could require medical attention, or subject you and your family to unnecessary hardship. The shelter would be the best housing for an animal that has an unknown history. Reporting in a timely manner is essential to this process. Find more about reporting a found animal here. I have lost my pet, what should I do?This can be a very scary time for a pet owner and we do our best to try and assist the owner in reuniting with their pet. Find more information on reporting your lost pet here. Animal BitesWhat do I do if an animal bites me?Report all animal bites to Brampton Animal Services so Peel Public Health Services can "quarantine" (isolate) the animal. If a stray animal bites you, call Brampton Animal Services so we can capture the animal and prevent it from injuring other people. What do I do if an animal bites my pet?Report all animal bites to Brampton Animal Services so the appropriate authority can be notified. If a stray animal bites your pet, call Brampton Animal Services so we can capture the animal and prevent it from injuring other pets and people. VolunteerHow do I become a volunteer or a foster parent?Volunteers are essential to running the programs at Brampton Animal Services. Are you 16 years of age or older and have some available time to help animals in need? Learn how to get involved and become part of our team. City of BramptonAnimal Services 475 Chrysler DriveBrampton, Ontario L6S 6G3Phone: 905.458.5800E-mail: animal.services@brampton.ca Contact Animal Services Hours of Operation