Dog Tags

All dogs that live in Meaford must be licensed, and will be issued a dog tag. Having a licence for your dog helps us get your dog home quickly if it gets lost.

We do not licence cats.

Getting a Dog Tag

You can get a dog licence and tag at a discounted rate until March 31 every year. You must provide proof of Rabies vaccination with your application. You can get a dog tag:

• In person at the Administrative Office, 21 Trowbridge Street West from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Online by filling out the Dog Tag Application Form

Cost (Spayed/Neutered)

• First Dog: Regular $30, Earlybird Discount $15
• Second Dog: Regular $40, Early Bird Discount $20
• Third Dog: Regular $40, Early Bird Discount $20

An additional $10 charge applies for unneutered/spayed dogs.

Off-Leash Areas

Dogs may be off-leash year-round in 2 areas of the Municipality of Meaford:

• Beautiful Joe's Leash-Free Dog Park
• Memorial Park's Dog Beach

They are also permitted to be off-leash in Memorial Park (excluding playground areas) from December 1 to March 31 each year.

Off-Leash Rules

Dogs must be under the care and control of their owner/handler at all times.

Dog owners/handlers in off-leash areas must:

• Be over the age of 16
• Stay within sight of the dog
• Control the dog using commands
• Carry a leash at all times
• Stoop and scoop any waste left by their dog

Aggressive or sick dogs, digging, female dogs in heat, and puppies under the age of 4 months are not permitted in off-leash areas.

For more information on off-leash area rules, please see the Dog at Large By-Law.

Lost and Found

If you find a lost dog or cat or see a dog running loose, please contact our By-law Officers at 519-538-1060 ext. 1134, or email bylaw@meaford.ca.

Our by-law Officers will pick up lost dogs and check for a licence. If no licence is found, we will post the dog's information to our Facebook page to try to find the owner. If the owner isn't found, the dog will be transferred to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society. They will check for a microchip, try to find the owner, and work to find the dog a forever home if no owner comes forward.

If you have lost your pet, please send us an email to bylaw@meaford.ca with the animal's gender, breed, age, distinguishing features, location last seen, and a photo. We will post this information to our Facebook page in case your dog is found. Pound fees may apply for found pets.

Adoptions

If you would like to adopt a dog or cat, please visit the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.

Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance Program

In partnership with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society, the Municipality of Meaford offers a financial assistance program to cover the cost of Spay/Neuter operations for cat owners. This program is designed to help reduce cat overpopulation.

To be eligible for this program:

• You must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of the Municipality of Meaford
• The family annual household income must be no greater than the Statistics Canada Low Income Cut-Offs.
• You must have a vet that is willing to work with you for this program.
• You must be able to contribute $75 towards the cost of the spay or neuter surgery
• Cats must be over 5 months old and less than 7 years old.
• Cats must be healthy (no signs of illness such as watery eyes, coughing, sneezing, runny noses or skin conditions)
• Cats are not noticeably pregnant

For more information or to apply, please contact the Georgian Triangle Humane Society directly.

Wildlife

Meaford is home to many different species of wild animals. You might see squirrels, raccoons, deer, turtles, coyote, beavers, or more!

If there is an emergency related to a wild animal (suspected rabies, distemper, life-threatening injuries, or animals that are being aggressive or causing a hazard on a roadway), contact the OPP by calling 911 or at 519-794-7827.

If a wild animal is causing a nuisance at your home, like raccoons or squirrels living in your attic, you can hire a wildlife removal company to help remove them.