Animal Services

If a dog bites you or someone you know, seek medical attention right away. Report the dog bite to the Durham Region Health Department and notify Clarington Animal Services through the Service Clarington portal. If you know the owners of the animal, you should inform them of the incident.

Be prepared to provide the following information when you report the bite:

• Your name, address, home, and business phone numbers
• The current location of the dog that bit you
• Brief details of the incident, including names and numbers of witnesses
• The location, date and time of the incident
• The breed, size and colour of the dog
• Where the dog lives and who the owner is
• It may be helpful to take photos of the bite area. Photos may be used as evidence of the bite.

Once notified, Clarington Animal Services will investigate the incident, and we may place an order to restrain on the animal. If your dog has bitten someone, we encourage you to be as cooperative as possible.

Sharing your name, contact information and information about the dog will help Clarington Animal Services investigate.

Clarington's noise by-law outlines rules surrounding persistent noise by a house pet such as barking, calling or whining. We recognize that many residents in our community work shifts and are entitled to a sound sleep. There are no "okay to bark" hours set aside during the day, contrary to what many people think.

What can I do about a barking dog in my neighbourhood?

• If your neighbour is approachable, try speaking with them first to share your concerns.
• If talking with your neighbour does not alleviate the barking, log in to the Service Clarington portal to file a complaint.

What happens if I file a complaint?

• When filing a complaint, be prepared to provide your name, address, phone number as well as the dog owner's address. We cannot issue a warning unless you provide this information. Animal Services does not take anonymous calls, and all information provided is confidential.
• An Animal Services Officer will issue a warning to the dog owner.
• You may need to provide a detailed log for dates and times if the warning does not resolve the problem.
• We may issue charges on the complainants' behalf when there is sufficient documentation.
• According to the Responsible Pet Owners By-law: "Every person who contravenes any provision of the by-law is guilty of an offence, and upon conviction, is liable to a fine up to $5,000."

The short answer is no. Pets, including cats, must always be on a leash when off the owner's property. Except for a leash-free dog park, dogs must be on a leash in all parks or green areas. If you encounter a dog or cat running at large, please log in to the Service Clarington portal to file a complaint.

Owners are required to "stoop and scoop" in an immediate and sanitary manner when walking their pet. It may not be a pleasant job, but it is mandatory. Our parks, boulevards, schoolyards and green spaces are for everyone's enjoyment. Be a responsible owner and a good neighbour - clean up after your dog. If you wish to report a "stoop and scoop" problem, please log in to the Service Clarington portal to file a complaint.

Contact Animal Services at 905-623-7651.

Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of warm-blooded animals, including humans. In Canada, the animals that most often transmit rabies are foxes, skunks, bats and raccoons. Learn more about Rabies on the Region of Durham's website.

Clarington's Animal Services does not provide after-hour services. View our regular business hours. If you are in immediate risk of harm from an aggressive animal or suspected rabid animal, contact Durham Regional Police Services (DRPS) at 905-579-1520. For all other inquiries, please leave a message with the Animal Shelter at 905-623-7651. We will return your call the following business day.

Ensure your pet always has access to water and a well-ventilated area. If travelling, plan ahead to avoid unnecessary stops with your pet in the vehicle. The Ontario SPCA has more tips on keeping your pet safe.

Contact local veterinarians and contact the Animal Shelter, leaving information about your lost pet.

The Clarington Animal Shelter is located at 33 Lake Road, Bowmanville, Ontario. Take Liberty Street South to Lake Road. The Shelter is on the southeast corner.

During regular business hours, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers can address minimum care requirements under the Responsible Pet Owners By-Law.

If an animal is in distress and requires immediate help to ease its suffering or to preserve life, Animal Welfare Hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).

During regular business hours, call the Animal Shelter at 905-623-7651.

Animal Services provides shelter for stray dogs and assists in reuniting them with their owners. Animal Services is a limited-admission facility for stray cats and may admit, depending on individual needs and assessment.

Report all bites and scratches to the Durham Region Health Department at 1-800-372-1102. Also, notify Animal Services so we can assist with the prevention of future incidents from occurring.

Yes. The Responsible Pet Owners By-Law requires all pets to be leashed within Clarington.

Yes, we have three leash-free dog parks.

Currently, all spay/neuter clinics are located outside of Durham Region. The Ontario SPCA has more information.

No person shall keep more than three dogs and three unaltered cats on a property without a special permit. Refer to the Responsible Pet Owners By-Law for more information.

Animal Services does not respond to anonymous complaints. Call 905-623-7651 and leave a detailed message, including contact name, address, and phone number so we can clarify any details if required. To report your concern online, log in to the Service Clarington portal.

Animal Services does not respond to anonymous complaints. To report a breach of the Responsible Pet Owners By-Law, please call the Animal Shelter at 905-623-7651 or log in to the Service Clarington portal.

Animal Services Staff may provide suggestions and tips to assist with either unexpected or persistent wildlife problems. For concerns involving personal property, contact local pest control services.

Contact Animal Services during regular business hours regarding minimum care requirements. For all concerns regarding animals in distress or immediate danger, you may contact the Animal Welfare Hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).

If the livestock survived the attack, contact your veterinarian. If you suspect a dog attacked the livestock, then please contact Animal Services by submitting a complaint online, or by phone during regular office hours. If you suspect a predator other than a dog attacked the livestock, please read the details regarding the Livestock Claims Process.