Dog Licensing & Off-Leash Areas

Quick Links:

Dog Tags

All dogs in Meaford must be licensed and wear a dog tag to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Cats do not require a licence.

  • How to Get a Dog Tag: Provide proof of rabies vaccination and apply:

    • In person: 21 Trowbridge St. W. (Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM. - 4:30 PM)

    • Online: Dog Tag Application Form

    • By mail/drop box: (Tags will be mailed to you)

  • Fees:

    • Spayed/Neutered: $15 (before March 31) | $30 (after March 31)

    • Not Spayed/Neutered: $20 (before March 31) | $40 (after March 31)

Off-Leash Dog Areas
Dogs may be off-leash at:

  • Year-round: Beautiful Joe’s Leash-Free Dog Park & Memorial Park’s Dog Beach

  • Seasonal (Dec 1 - Mar 31): Memorial Park (excluding playgrounds)

Rules: Owners must be 16+, carry a leash, clean up waste, and ensure dogs remain under control. Not allowed: aggressive/sick dogs, female dogs in heat, digging, or puppies under 4 months. See the 078-2013 Control of Dogs and Care of Animals By-law for full details.

Lost & Found Pets

Found a Lost Dog?

  • Business Hours (Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.): Call 519-538-2121 or email bylaw@meaford.ca.

  • After Hours: Call 519-538-2121 and follow the prompts.

  • Note: Officers do not chase loose dogs or cats.

What Happens Next?

  • Officers check for a licence and post found dogs on Facebook.

  • If no owner is found, the dog is transferred to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society for microchip scanning and rehoming.

Lost Your Pet? Email bylaw@meaford.ca with:

  • Gender, breed, age, and distinguishing features

  • Last known location

  • A photo

We’ll share details on Facebook to help locate your pet. Pound fees may apply.

Pet Welfare & Wildlife Assistance

Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance
Meaford partners with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society to provide financial aid for spay/neuter surgeries. Eligibility includes:

  • Residency in Meaford & age 18+

  • Household income meeting Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Offs

  • Cats must be 5 months - 7 years old, healthy, and not pregnant

To apply, contact the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.

Wildlife in Meaford

Meaford is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including raccoons, deer, turtles, coyotes, and beavers. While wildlife sightings are common, it’s important to know how to respond appropriately and safely.

What to Expect

  • Raccoons: Common in the spring as they search for food—this is normal and not usually a cause for concern.

  • Coyotes, Deer, and Other Animals: These species are part of our natural environment and may be spotted near residential areas, especially during seasonal changes.

How to Respond to Wildlife

  • Do Not Approach: Avoid direct contact with wild animals. Do not attempt to feed, touch, or relocate them.

  • Protect Pets and Children: Keep them indoors or under close supervision if wildlife is spotted nearby.

  • Eliminate Food Sources: Secure garbage, remove bird feeders, and do not leave pet food outside.

  • Aggressive or Dangerous Animals: If you feel threatened or see an animal acting aggressively, call the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 1-888-310-1122.

When to Call for Help

The Municipality of Meaford does not provide wildlife control services. For specific situations, please contact the appropriate agency below:

Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

Ontario Wildlife Rescue: (416) 436-9892

Dead or Potentially Rabid Wildlife

Rabies Hotline – Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF): 1-888-574-6656

Other Dead Animals (e.g., birds or bats)

Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative: 1-866-673-4781

Bounties & Livestock Claims

Coyote & Beaver Bounties

  • Coyote Bounty: Must have a Livestock Damage Claim before trapping a coyote. Complete the Coyote/Wolf Compensation Form and submit it to the Meaford Fire Hall at 81 Stewart St. 

  • Beaver Bounty: Licensed trappers must remove the beaver tail and bring it with a completed Beaver Process Claim Form to the Meaford Fire Hall.

Livestock Damage Compensation
If wildlife damages livestock, poultry, or honeybees, you may be eligible for the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.

  • Contact Ed Ormsby (Municipal Livestock Valuer) at 519-374-0139 within 10 business days.

  • A site visit will be conducted, and the claim will be submitted to the Ministry.

For more details, visit the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.

Contact Animal Services

  • Dog Licensing, Lost/Found Pets & Bylaw Inquiries:

  • Wildlife Assistance & Compensation Claims:

    • Contact appropriate authorities as outlined above.

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