Animal Care and Control

Bylaw Enforcement & Animal Services is responsible for all aspects of animal care and control including dog licensing, bylaw enforcement issues such as barking complaints, care and handling, off leash infractions, and aggressive dog investigations. 

View the Animal Care and Control Bylaw Number 4240, 2011 (PDF)

What You Need to Know 

Dog Licencing 

  • All dogs residing in Coquitlam over six (6) months of age must be licensed.
    • New licences and renewals can be purchased online or in person at Coquitlam Animal Shelter, 500 Mariner Way or at Coquitlam City Hall, 3000 Guildford Way.

Dogs in Public Places

  • Dogs must be leashed at all times unless in a designated off-leash area. 
  • Dogs that are found roaming off leash in Coquitlam are taken to the Coquitlam Animal Shelter at 500 Mariner Way. 
  • Owners are required to pick up, and properly dispose of their dog’s waste from all private and public spaces. 

Off-Leash Areas

  • Dogs may be off-leash only in designated off-leash areas. The person responsible for the dog must carry a leash with them, maintain a clear line of sight to the dog at all times, and keep the dog under control including returning to the person when called and not displaying aggressive behavior.
  • Dogs that display aggressive behavior, or dogs that have or may cause injury to a person or another animal are not permitted to enter any off-leash area in Coquitlam.

Barking Dogs

  • Excessive or unreasonable amount of barking noise by dogs or noise from other pets disturbs neighbourhoods. 
    • Ensure that your dog does not bark or howl uncontrollably by not leaving your dog outside unsupervised 

View the Noise Regulation Bylaw Number 1233, 1982 (PDF)

Animals in Vehicles

  • Do not leave your pet in a vehicle on a warm or hot day. Even parked in the shade or with windows open, the temperature inside the vehicle can reach dangerous levels and cause serious harm or death in a very short period of time.
  • Dogs cannot withstand high temperatures for long periods of time as they have no sweat glands and are only able to cool themselves by panting and releasing heat through their paws.  Please see detailed information from the SPCA
  • Do not transport a dog in the back of a pick-up truck unless inside a kennel or secured on a body harness to prevent the dog from falling out.

Number of Pets Per Household

  • Residents are limited to 3 pets per property including a combination of dogs and cats.

Bees, Poultry & Livestock

  • Beekeeping, chickens and livestock are not permitted in Coquitlam residential areas; only permitted on properties zoned for such use  

View the Zoning Bylaw Number 3000, 1996

How to Report

To report an Animal Care & Control Bylaw concern, call 604-927-3580 or email.

Learn more about Animal Regulation Bylaws