We are a pet-friendly community, complete with a variety of dog parks and on- and off-leash areas where your four-legged companions can run free. We also license dogs, which helps missing dogs return to their owners faster with an easily identifiable tag. Here you’ll find information on applying for a dog tag, how to report a lost pet, along with tips for responding to other wildlife in the area.
Dog Tags
All dogs in Meaford must be licensed and wear a dog tag to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Dog licences are an annual requirement and must be renewed each year. Cats do not require a licence.
How to Get a Dog Tag: Provide proof of rabies vaccination and apply:
- In person at the administration office.
- Online: Dog Tag Application Form
- By mail/drop box: (Tags will be mailed to you)
- Spayed/Neutered:$15 (before March 31) | $30 (after March 31)
- Not Spayed/Neutered:$20 (before March 31) | $40 (after March 31)
Off-Leash Dog Areas
Dogs may be off-leash at: Beautiful Joe’s Leash-Free Dog Park & Memorial Park’s Dog Beach in designated areas.
Rules: Owners must be 16+, carry a leash, clean up waste, and ensure dogs remain under control. Not allowed: aggressive/sick dogs, female dogs in heat, digging, or puppies under 4 months. See the 078-2013 Control of Dogs and Care of Animals By-law for full details
Lost & Found Pets
Found a Lost Dog?
Contact:
Municipal Enforcement
Email: bylaw@meaford.ca
Address: 21 Trowbridge Street West, Meaford, Ontario, Canada, N4L 1A1
After Hours: Call 519-538-2121 and follow the prompts.
Note: Officers do not chase loose dogs or cats.
Officers check for a licence and post found dogs on Facebook.
If no owner is found, the dog is transferred to the Georgian Triangle Humane Society for microchip scanning and rehoming.
Email bylaw@meaford.ca with the following details:
- Gender, breed, age, and distinguishing features
- Last known location
- A photo
We’ll share details on Facebook to help locate your pet. Pound fees may apply.
Pet Welfare & Wildlife Assistance
Cat Spay/Neuter Assistance
Meaford partners with the Georgian Triangle Humane Society to provide financial aid for spay/neuter surgeries. In order to be eligible for this service, pet owners must have:
- Residency in Meaford & age 18+
- Household income meeting Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Offs
- Cats must be 5 months – 7 years old, healthy, and not pregnant
To apply, contact the Georgian Triangle Humane Society.
Wildlife in Meaford
Meaford is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including raccoons, deer, turtles, coyotes, and beavers. While wildlife sightings are common, it’s important to know how to respond appropriately and safely.
Commonly seen in the spring as they search for food—this is normal and not usually a cause for concern.
These species are part of our natural environment and may be spotted near residential areas, especially during seasonal changes.
How to Respond to Wildlife
- Do Not Approach: Avoid direct contact with wild animals. Do not attempt to feed, touch, or relocate them.
- Protect Pets and Children: Keep them indoors or under close supervision if wildlife is spotted nearby.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Secure garbage, remove bird feeders, and do not leave pet food outside.
- Aggressive or Dangerous Animals: If you feel threatened or see an animal acting aggressively, call the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) at 1-888-310-1122.
When to Call for Help
The Municipality of Meaford does not provide wildlife control services. For specific situations, please contact the appropriate agency below:
Ontario Wildlife Rescue: (416) 436-9892
Rabies Hotline – Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (MNDMNRF): 1-888-574-6656
Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative: 1-866-673-4781
Bounties & Livestock Claims
Coyote & Beaver Bounties
Must have a Livestock Damage Claim before trapping a coyote. Complete the Coyote/Wolf Compensation Form and submit it to the Meaford Fire Hall at 81 Stewart St
Licensed trappers must remove the beaver tail and bring it with a completed Beaver Process Claim Form to the Meaford Fire Hall
If wildlife damages livestock, poultry, or honeybees, you may be eligible for the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.
Contact Ed Ormsby (Municipal Livestock Valuer) at 519-374-0139 within 10 business days of the incident.
A site visit will be conducted, and the claim will be submitted to the Ministry.
For more details, visit the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program.
