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If you own, operate or manage a kennel in Haldimand, you must obtain a kennel licence. Licences are valid for one year and expire annually on December 31.
A kennel is any facility where more than two dogs over 16 weeks of age are boarded or trained, bred, or kept as rescue dogs (with limited exceptions, such as veterinary clinics or hospitals, municipal animal shelters, and pet shops, a dog or dogs kept as a pet or companion dog). If you’re unsure if you would be defined as a kennel owner/operator, contact us to confirm.
Kennels are only permitted in agricultural zones and some industrial zones as per the Animal Control By-Law. Kennels cannot be located closer than:
Contact the Building division with any questions about your property’s suitability.
Where kennel requirements are not already defined in the Animal Control By-Law, the Code of Practice for Canadian Kennel Operations - developed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association - should be used as a reference for what is acceptable.
If you’re looking to license your kennel for the first time, please contact the Licensing Officer for guidance, follow steps 1-4 below and then complete your kennel licence application form.
Step 1 – Building division approval
Submit a site plan to the Haldimand County Building division to ensure the kennel meets all zoning requirements as outlined in the Animal Control By-Law. Ensure your drawing shows the location of the kennel in relation to the dwelling unit, neighbouring dwellings, dog runs, and other buildings on the premises.
For help with your site plan, contact the Building Division at 905-318-5932 or building@haldimandcounty.on.ca.
Step 2 – By-Law division approval
Once the Building division signs off on your site plan, you may contact the By-Law division to schedule an on-site inspection of your kennel. This inspection will ensure that the site plan and physical premises are in compliance. Inspection results will be sent directly to the Licensing Officer, who can provide a copy for your records.
Contact the By-law division at 905-318-5932 or bylaw@haldimandcounty.ca.
Step 3 – Niagara and District SPCA approval
Once the By-Law Division authorizes you to proceed with your application, you must arrange for the Niagara SPCA to inspect your kennel. The SPCA will notify Haldimand County directly once your kennel has been inspected and meets all requirements.
Contact Niagara SPCA to request an inspection by calling 1-888-222-0568.
Step 4 – Submit your application
Once you have organized inspections/approvals from Steps 1, 2, and 3, please complete a 'New' Kennel licence application. Please contact the Licensing Officer with any questions about the application process.
Licence fees can be paid:
Your application must include:
The Licensing Officer will review your application and once approved, issue the licence along with numbered kennel tags for each canine. It can take up to two weeks to process kennel applications.
Kennel licences are valid for one year and must be renewed annually, by January 1 of the licenced year. Applications received on or after January 1 will be subject to a late fee. It can take up to two weeks to process kennel licence applications, so be sure to submit your package in advance of the January 1 deadline.
Your renewal application package must include the following:
You do not need Building or By-Law approval for renewal applications unless there have been substantial changes to your kennel premises/site plan. Where this is the case, contact the Licensing Officer before proceeding with your application.
Contact Us
Licensing
53 Thorburn Street South
Cayuga, Ontario
Canada, N0A 1E0
