Dog ownership in Strathcona County

Part of being a caring dog owner includes being a responsible dog owner. Here are some things to know about owning a dog in Strathcona County.

For the health and safety of the public and your dog, Strathcona County has a dog control bylaw.

Dog control Bylaw 85-2006

Licensing your dog is easy and important in the return of lost dogs!

Where dogs are allowed and not
You must have your dog on a leash and keep control of your dog when off your property in both rural and urban areas.

Dogs are not permitted, under any circumstances, in playgrounds, tennis courts or floral gardens; on spray decks; at the Broadmoor Public Golf Course; or at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre.

Off-leash area: At the off-leash area, you can walk your dog without a leash; however, you must be able to control your dog using verbal commands. The off-leash area is located three kilometres south of Wye Road on Range Road 231, then east on Highway 628. Enjoy this natural parkland and remember to pick up after your dog.
Further information: 780-416-6729

Lost dogs
If your dog is wearing its licence tag, we will use the information in our records to try and contact you before the dog is impounded. Dogs are impounded at the Edmonton Humane Society for only four consecutive working days, after which time they become the property of the Edmonton Humane Society.

If you've lost your dog, or you've found one, call 780-449-0170.

Dogs at large in rural areas
If you are experiencing stray dogs on your property, you may borrow a trap free of charge. Call 780-449-0170 to arrange.

Cleaning up after your dog
You are responsible to pick up after your dog and dispose of the droppings in a garbage container. It's as easy as keeping a few plastic shopping bags in your pocket.

Keeping the peace
If your dog is crying, barking or howling, it is probably a concern to people who live nearby. It's up to you to make sure your dog does not disturb your neighbours.

Strathcona County's definition of a vicious dog
A vicious dog can be any dog, from a poodle to a pinscher, that behaves in a malicious manner. Any dog that attacks; threatens or inflicts a serious wound upon another domestic animal or human may be deemed a vicious dog by Strathcona County.

Penalites under the dog control bylaw
If you do not abide by the bylaw, you could be fined. Fines are for first-time offences. Fines double for subsequent offences.

Fine for not having a dog licence

  • Any dog - $250
  • Vicious dog - $2,000

Examples of other fines

  • Dog barking or howling excessively - $150
  • For not picking up your dog's droppings immediately from public or private property - $150
  • Vicious dogs:
    • that chase a motor vehicle or person on a bicycle - $500
    • Attacking any person - $2,500
    • Threatening any person - $1,500
    • Attacking, harassing, injuring or killing livestock - $1,000

A full list of offenses and fines can be found in the Dog Control Bylaw 85-2006

Canine contacts

  • Dog control, licensing, lost and found, complaints, over-limit permits: Strathcona County RCMP & Enforcement Services, 780-449-0170
  • Dogs in parks, off-leash area: 780-464-8476
  • Permit application for animal breeding and/or boarding facilities, hospitals or shelters: 780-464-8080
  • Edmonton Humane Society

Dog Control Bylaw 85-2006 is also available to review at Strathcona County RCMP & Enforcement Services, 911 Bison Way, Sherwood Park. A copy of the bylaw can also be purchased at Enforcement Services for $.35 per page.

[This is a summary of the main points in the dog control bylaw. This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the bylaw. Strathcona County accepts no responsibility for persons relying solely on this information.]

Last updated: Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Page ID: 3571

County Hall: 2001 Sherwood Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada T8A 3W7