Caring for Pets

Responsible Pet Ownership

Being a responsible pet owner means much more than just providing adequate water, food and shelter as pets are completely dependent on their owners.

The following are some general recommendations for how to care for your pet:

  • Owning a pet is a lifetime commitment. If you can't make the commitment, don't get the pet.
  • Spay or neuter your pets. There are too many homeless animals. Please don't add to the problem.
  • Don't make your dog a "backyard dog". Dogs thrive on companionship and need to be with their humans.
  • Provide veterinary care. Keep your pet's vaccinations up to date and make sure they have annual checkups.
  • Be aware of weather conditions. Leaving your dog in the car on a hot day or in the yard without shade or water risks your dog's life.
  • Licence your dog. Identification is your pet's ticket back home. Licences are a requirement and must be renewed each year and displayed on your dog's collar. 
  • Get an ID tag for your cat. CRD Bylaw and Animal Care Services offer free Cat Identification Tags for your pet.
  • Don't let your pets run loose. Not everyone is dog friendly, nor should they have to be.
  • Obedience train and socialize your animal.
  • Make sure your pet gets the proper amount of exercise.
  • Take extra precautions during holidays like Halloween. This is a scary time for pets. Make sure your pets are safe and secure indoors.
  • Do your duty! Please clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately.

Seasonal Tips

Emergency Preparedness for Pets

Is your family prepared for a major emergency, evacuation or natural disaster? How about your pets? Making arrangements before the chaos of an emergency can increase your pet's chances of survival and greatly reduce the fear and anxiety your pet will experience.

Your pet should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. This includes adding your cell phone number to your current information with Bylaw and Animal Care Services, completing your Pet ID Card to carry with you as well as have in your kit. Your CRD dog licence will be available to emergency staff at all times so your dog will always have a way to get home.

Remember: you are ultimately responsible for the well being of your pet in an emergency. You now have the tools and resources to assist you in meeting this responsibility.

Emergency Grab n' Go Bags

Are you prepared for your pet in an emergency? If not, not we can help you get started.

The CRD is now selling Emergency Grab n' Go Bags for pets for $10 (tax included). They can be purchased at these locations:

These kits will include:

There's room to add to your kit with items your pet will recognize, e.g., a toy or blanket. You can also email your completed pet identification card to link it with your dog licence. 

Store your kit in a pet crate/carrier. Check the kit twice a year to ensure freshness of food, water, and medication, and to restock any supplies you may have "borrowed" from it. (An easy way to remember is to do it when you check your smoke alarms bi-annually.)

Thank you to our sponsors at Heartsafe First Aid.

We need your help

Bylaw and Animal Care Services is creating an Emergency Preparedness Plan for animals/pets. Staff are looking for volunteers who would be willing to offer large fields, barns, trucks and/or horse trailers to transport animals in case of disaster. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Coral Henderson.

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Territorial Acknowledgement

The CRD conducts its business within the Territories of many First Nations, all of whom have a long-standing relationship with the land and waters from time immemorial that continues to this day. Statement of Reconciliation