Animal Services

The Township of Springwater enforces by-laws around animal control, and approves and inspects kennels.

Our Animal Control By-law governs pet licensing and regulations and dangerous dogs in Springwater. For domestic animal concerns, contact our By-law Enforcement Officer at 705-728-4784 x2101 or contact 1-800-489-8956 for after hour concerns.

Licensing

License regulations

pets must wear the tag on its collar at all times
limit of four dogs per household (excluding kennels)
limit of four cats per single residential households or two for multi-residential units

How to apply

The Township has launched a new partnership with DocuPet to provide pet licensing and lost pet services to ensure pets get home safely. Along with this change, your dog's licence will now be valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. Lifetime tags purchased prior to December 31, 2020 will remain valid, however owners are requested to set-up an account with DocuPet.

License Your Dog

Lost and found pets

All dogs found in Springwater are taken to Devlin Farms LTD, located at 6311 12th Line in Alliston. Pet owners must pay with cash to pick up their lost pet. For more information, contact Devlin Farms LTD at 647-269-2697 (primary number) or 705-204-7099 (secondary number).

Lost and found pets taken to our pound facility are posted to the Township's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Leashing your pet

Remember that it's the law to leash your pet when out on public property. Leashed pets are:

rarely hit by cars or attacked by wildlife
less likely to run off and get lost, or eat and drink things that they shouldn't
a sign of a responsible and respectful pet owner—remember to stoop and scoop (By-law 2014-031)

Reporting wildlife and animal abuse

We do not remove wildlife from private property. Property owners should contact a licensed pest control service to assist with the removal of wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks and foxes. If you or your pet has come in contact with a wild animal suspected of having rabies, seek medical attention and contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520.

Bear sightings

Call 911 if you feel a bear poses an immediate threat to personal safety and:

Enters a school yard when school is in session
Enters or tries to enter a residence
Wanders into a public gathering
Kills livestock/pets and lingers at the site
Stalks people and lingers at the site

In non-emergencies, call the Bear Wise reporting line at 1-866-514-2327 (between April 1 and November 30). Visit the Bear Wise website for tips on what to do if you encounter a bear.

Animal abuse

To report an animal welfare concern, contact:

The Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625)
Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)
Your local Ontario SPCA Animal Centre, affiliated humane society or police

Officers operate on a complaints basis. Help the investigating officer by providing as many details as possible, including the type of cruelty witnessed, the date of the incident, where it took place, and who was involved. All information remains confidential.