Animal Control & Licensing

Woman walking dog on trail in autumn

Dog Licenses 

All dog owners in Osoyoos must license their dog(s). A license is valid until December 31 of the year following in which it is issued and must be renewed every year (January - December).

  • Dogs under the age of 12 weeks, trained guide dogs owned or used by a blind person, and RCMP service dogs do not require a license.
  • Tags are issued upon payment of a license fee, and the tag is to be fastened to the dog's collar at all times. If a dog wanders off or gets lost, a tag will assist us in reuniting the pet with their owner.

For dogs residing outside of Town limits:

Dog License Fees 

Male and Female Unaltered Dog$60.00
Spayed Female or Neutered Male Dogs$30.00
Dangerous Dogs$500.00
Replacement Tag Fee$7.50
  • If a dog license is purchased by January 31, 2024 there is a $10.00 discount.
  • If a person becomes the owner of a dog after July 1, the license fee will be reduced by $5.00.

For more information on the licensing and control of dogs in Osoyoos, view the Animal Control Bylaw No. 1316, 2016

For fines relating to dog control, view the Municipal Ticketing Information System Bylaw No. 1279.

Restricted Dogs 

The Town is reminding all dog owners of their responsibilities and requirements under the bylaw and providing notice that the rules for Restricted Dog breeds are actively enforced. Animal Control Bylaw No. 1316, 2016 defines a Restricted Dog as one of the listed breeds:

  • Pit Bull
  • Pit Bull Terrier
  • American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Pit Bull Cross 
  • Timberwolf or Grey Wolf Breeds (or any mixed breeding of Timberwolf or Grey Wolf)
  • American Bull Terrier
  • Staffordshire
  • Terrier Cross (only applies if the cross includes pit bull)
  • Mix Breed (only applies if the mix includes pit bull)

If a Restricted Dog is found off their property without a muzzle the dog owner will be subject to a fine of $200. REMINDER: ALL dog owners are required to clean up after their dogs. Failure to do so could result in a fine of $100. 

Cats 

Cats owners in Osoyoos are required to provide identification to be worn by their cat(s) at all times if the cat is 2 months of age or older. For more information on the control of cats in Osoyoos, please view our Animal Control Bylaw No. 1316, 2016

Summer Pet Safety

As Canada's only natural desert, summer temperatures in Osoyoos are consistently above 30ºC with plenty of sunshine. While this is great weather for humans to enjoy the beach, the lake, or the vineyards, it can cause plenty of stress for your pets. 

Pets In Hot Cars

In climates like Osoyoos, the inside of your car can reach extreme temperatures within minutes—even in the shade with the windows open! These temperatures can cause serious harm or even kill your pet. If you plan on leaving your pet unattended in your vehicle this summer, even for just a few minutes, please consider leaving him or her at home. 

Symptoms and Treatment of Heatstroke

After a day in the sun, your pet may begin to show signs of heatstroke. For a full list of symptoms of heatstroke and emergency treatment techniques, please consult the BC SPCA's webpage on dogs in hot cars. For more health and safety tips for your pets, please visit the BC SPCA website

Lost Pets

If you find a lost pet in Osoyoos or have lost your own, please contact Town Hall at 250.495.6515. You may also contact the BC SPCA South Okanagan/Similkameen Branch.