Canine Control

What are your hours of operation?

Canine Control is available for assistance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

For emergencies, such as an injured dog or cat, or a found dog that is contained, Canine Control remains on call until 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. 

If you find a dog after 8:00 p.m., please ensure the dog's safety until 8:00 a.m. the following day. Injured dogs can be taken to the closest Emergency Vet Clinic. 

What do I do if I find a dog running at large?

Contact Canine Control at 705-445-1030 ext. 3254, or by email at bylaw@collingwood.ca. 

What do I do if my dog is missing?

Missing or lost dogs should be reported to Canine Control at 705-445-1030 ext. 3254, or by email at bylaw@collingwood.ca. 

What do I do if I can no longer care for my pet?

The Georgian Triangle Humane Society handles all inquiries relating to the surrendering of animals. Please contact them at 705-445-5204, or by email at info@gths.ca

Who do I contact regarding animal distress, neglect, abuse, or abandonment?

Ontario's Animal Welfare Services handles all inquiries related to the well-being of animals. Please contact the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre: 1-833-9-ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625)

Do cats or other pets need to be licensed or registered?

No. The Town only requires licences for dogs.

Why is it necessary for me to licence my dog and have tags attached?

Dog licences play a crucial role in facilitating staff with identifying owners and contribute significantly to reuniting missing dogs with their rightful owners.

Who do I contact in regards to wildlife?

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is responsible for the management of wildlife, including coyotes.

If a sick or injured animal is on private property and posing a nuisance, property owners may contact a Pest Control Service to have the animal removed or relocated.

If a wild animal poses an immediate threat to the safety of humans, please contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122.

Animal Distress, Neglect, Abuse, or Abandonment.

Concerns about animal distress, neglect, abuse, or abandonment, can be reported to the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).

For more information, visit Ontario's Animal Welfare Services webpage.

Canine Control does not investigate or enforce concerns relating to animal distress, neglect, abuse, or abandonment.

Collingwood is surrounded by a beautiful coastline, forests, escarpment, and farmland. Wildlife, including coyotes, live in this region. Coyotes have been spotted in several areas throughout Collingwood.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry is responsible for the management of wildlife, including coyotes. The Town tracks sightings and encounters with coyotes. You should avoid encounters with coyotes at all times. If a coyote poses an immediate threat or danger to public safety, call 911.

Prevention

• Coyotes are usually wary of humans and other animals.
• Never feed coyotes! Do not leave any food outdoors for any animal, including pets. Bird feeders attract birds, squirrels and rodents, which may, in turn, attract coyotes.
• Garbage should be stored in sealed containers and placed at the curb only on the day of pickup
• Avoid composting meat products.
• Keep pets indoors. Never let pets roam at large, and always keep your dog on a leash.

If you Encounter a Coyote

• Do not turn your back on or run from a coyote. Back away calmly.
• Stand tall, wave your hands and make lots of noise.
• If the coyote continues to engage, use whatever means necessary to defend yourself.

Reporting

To report a coyote sighting or encounter:

• Option 1: Coyote Sighting Report Form
• Option 2: Town of Collingwood Coyote Hotline 705-445-1030 Ext. 3257

Wildlife Resources

• Preventing and managing conflicts with coyotes, wolves and foxes (Ministry of Natural Resources)
• Feeding wildlife: dos and don'ts (Ministry of Natural Resources)
• Coyote Watch Canada: FAQ's (Coyote Watch Canada)

More Information

In 2018, the Town completed an assessment of the reported coyote presence in the east end of Collingwood.

Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry stated that the coyotes in the east end of Collingwood were not an immediate threat to human safety, and stated that culling and trapping coyotes would not be successful in eliminating them.

Local licensed trappers expressed concerns about trapping in the east end of Collingwood, and agreed that education is paramount in reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

Town Council, using this expert assessment that the coyote situation in the east end is not an immediate threat of human safety and that a trap and kill program would not be successful, approved a Coyote Management Plan which includes a Coyote Sighting Online Form and Hotline, educational resources for residents, and educational awareness sessions.

Residents are reminded to:

• Keep pets on leashes and inside at night;
• Ensure their property is free of garbage, compost and, other attractants;
• Use deterrents such as motion-sensitive lighting and /or motion-activated sprinkler systems;
• Build fencing around their property or yard.

Introducing DocuPet: A New Pet Licensing Service

The Town of Collingwood is excited to announce that DocuPet is now available for all dog owners. With this easy-to-use platform, you can quickly licence your dog, create a personalized pet profile, and access helpful lost pet services, all in one place. 

When you licence your dog with the Town of Collingwood, you will receive a tag to attach to your dog’s collar. Through DocuPet, you can choose a standard municipal tag at no additional cost or upgrade to one of DocuPet’s designer tags for an extra fee. 

Licences can be conveniently purchased online at collingwood.docupet.com or in person at Town Hall, located at 97 Hurontario Street, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Important Update: Please note, renewal tags will no longer be issued on an annual basis. Your existing dog tag will remain valid for the lifetime of your dog. If a replacement tag is needed due to loss or wear, please contact DocuPet directly to request a new one at info@docupet.com.  

Licence Fees

New: We're pleased to announce a significant change to our animal licensing! From now on, every licence tag purchased will expire 365 calendar days from the date of purchase, rather than December 31. This change provides greater flexibility and convenience for pet owners, making it easier to keep your furry friends licensed and safe throughout the year. 

If you find an injured or distressed animal outside of the Town of Collingwood’s Canine Control operating hours (after 8:00 p.m. daily) and the animal requires immediate medical attention, please transport the animal directly to an emergency veterinary clinic.

Please see below for a list of emergency veterinary clinics in Collingwood and the surrounding area.

Emergency Veterinary Hospital (Collingwood)

Open weekday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (phones answered beginning at 3:00 p.m.); and weekends and holidays, 24 hours from Friday at 5:00 p.m. (phones answered beginning at 3:00 p.m.) to Monday at 8:00 a.m.

• Location: 14 Ronnel Crescent, Collingwood, ON 
• Phone: 705-532-1170 

Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic (Barrie)

Open 24/7 for severe or life-threatening emergencies 

• Location: 391 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, ON 
• Phone: 705-722-0377

The Town of Collingwood has a contract with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society for Pound Services.

Any dog(s) picked up within Collingwood by Canine Control, where an owner cannot be immediately located or contacted, the dog will be taken to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society at the following address:

549 10th LineCollingwood, ONL9Y 0W1Phone: 705-445-5204

Operating Hours: 7 Days a Week, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed on Statutory holidays)

• Dogs may be claimed upon arrangement with the GTHS. If a dog remains unclaimed after the required redemption period, the dog will be transferred to the care of the GTHS, and may be sold or adopted.
• To report your lost dog or inquire about whether your pet has been taken to the pound, please contact Canine Control at 705-445-1030 ext. 3254, or by email at bylaw@collingwood.ca.
• If your dog is picked up by Town staff for running at large and taken to the GTHS, an impoundment charge, boarding fee, and licensing fee will need to be paid before the dog is released.

Impound and Administration Fees

Surrendering Cats/Dogs, Stray Cats

If you have found a stray cat, or would like to discuss the process of surrendering, please contact the Georgian Triangle Humane Society at 705-445-5204.

Causing a Disturbance (Section 4.1)

No person shall cause, permit or allow an animal to emit animal sounds or other noise for an extended or frequent period of time.  

Licensing and Registration of Dogs (Section 6.1)

Every owner of a dog over the age of six (6) months shall licence and register their dog with the Town.

Number of Dogs (Section 8.1)

No owner shall have more than three (3) dogs in any residential dwelling unit.

Running at Large (Section 10.1)

No owner of a dog shall allow their dog to run at large.

Excrement (Section 10.9)

Every owner of a dog shall immediately remove any excrement left by such dog on public or private property.

Control of Cats (Section 17.1)

No owner of a cat shall allow their cat to run at large. 

If you encounter a stray or lost dog, you can reach out to Canine Control at 705-445-1030 ext. 3254, or by email at bylaw@collingwood.ca. Canine Control is available for assistance between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

For emergencies, such as an injured dog or cat, or a found dog that is contained, the officer remains on call until 8:00 p.m., seven days a week. 

If you find a dog after 8:00 p.m., please ensure the dog's safety until 8:00 a.m. the following day. Injured dogs can be taken to the closest Emergency Vet Clinic. 

Sick or Injured Wildlife on Public and Private Property

If you observe wildlife that appears sick, injured, orphaned, or in distress, do not approach or attempt to assist the animal unless directed by an authorized wildlife rehabilitator or qualified wildlife veterinarian.

In most cases, wildlife should be left undisturbed and remain in the location where it was found.

For your safety, and for the safety of the animal:

• Do not touch, feed, move, contain, or attempt to transport the animal;
• Keep children and pets away; and
• Observe only from a safe distance.

If the animal may require care or rehabilitation, contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator or a wildlife veterinarian for advice. These professionals are trained to assess the situation and provide appropriate care while ensuring compliance with provincial regulations.

Non-Emergency Situations 

If an animal may require care or rehabilitation, contact an authorized wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.

The Town of Collingwood does not provide wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, removal, relocation, or transport services. This applies to wildlife on both public and private property, except in limited cases involving suspected distempered raccoons on public property.

For nuisance wildlife on private property, property owners may contact a licensed trapper, pest control service, or wildlife control service. Please note that most service providers will charge a fee.

Emergency Wildlife Situations

Contact the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 1-888-310-1122 if wildlife is:

• Posing an immediate threat to people;
• Acting aggressively toward people;

• Suspected of having rabies or distemper;

• Injured after being hit by a vehicle;

• Experiencing a life-threatening injury; or

• Creating an immediate public safety concern.

If you have had direct contact with wildlife (e.g., a bite, scratch, or exposure to saliva), seek medical attention immediately and contact your local public health authority.

Distempered Raccoons on Public Property

If you observe a raccoon on public property (such as a road or park) showing clear signs of distemper, report it directly to Critter Cop at 705-445-9444.

Raccoon removal services are available seven days a week, including statutory holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Removal will only occur if the raccoon is exhibiting clear signs of distemper.

If the raccoon poses an immediate threat to public safety, contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122.

• Signs of distemper in raccoons may include:
• Staggering or unsteady movement;
• Unusual aggression or lack of fear of humans;
• Discharge from the eyes or nose;
• Seizures, trembling, or signs of confusion.

Wildlife Custodians

For non-emergency situations involving wildlife, where the animal could potentially be rehabilitated, individuals can contact an Authorized Wildlife Rehabilitators.

Additional wildlife centres can be found at www.ontariowildliferescue.ca

The contacts above have been provided for informational purposes only. The Town does not endorse any particular center and cannot cover any fees or transportation costs. A Pest Control Service may be able to help in transporting an animal to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre; however, fees may apply.

For any other information or advice concerning wildlife, individuals are encouraged to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry by calling 705-725-7500.