Are there rules regarding keeping pets in public places?

Calgary has comprehensive and detailed rules for keeping pets in public places, which are regulated by the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw. These rules are designed to ensure the safety and harmonious coexistence of pets, their owners, and the public in all public areas of the city.

Basic rules for dogs in public areas

Licensing and identification

All dogs three months of age or older must be licensed by the City of Calgary. The license fee is:

  • $70 for unneutered dogs
  • $44 for neutered dogs
  • $44 for all unneutered dogs under 6 months of age

Replacement tags cost $5, and licensing violations are punishable by a $250 fine.

Leash rules

Dogs must be leashed in all public areas of Calgary, except in designated off-leash areas. Basic requirements include:

  • Leashes must not exceed two meters in length on sidewalks
  • Owners must remain on the right side of the sidewalk
  • Bicycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading with a dog on a leash is prohibited
  • The fine for not having a leash is $100

No-dog zones

Dogs are prohibited in the following areas at all times:

  • School grounds
  • Playgrounds
  • Sports fields
  • Golf courses
  • Cemeteries
  • Bathing and swimming areas

The fine for being in a no-dog zone is $100.

Off-leash areas

Calgary has over 160 public off-leash areas, covering approximately 1,145 hectares. This is one of the highest rates in North America. Rules for these areas include:

  • Dogs must be under the control of their owner and respond to voice or visual commands
  • A maximum of 6 dogs off leash may be under the supervision of one person at a time
  • All parking lots are leash zones, even near off-leash areas
  • Only dogs are allowed in off-leash areas; other pets are prohibited

Waste disposal

Owners are required to clean up after their dogs on both their own property and on public property. Basic requirements:

  • Always carry waste disposal supplies
  • The fine for not cleaning up after your dog is $250
  • Do not dispose of dog waste in public trash cans without the owner's permission

Rules for cats

Cats are also subject to licensing:

  • $43 for unneutered cats
  • $21 for neutered cats

Cats must remain on their owner's property and must not:

  • Disturb the peace by meowing or crying
  • Damage other people's property
  • Scatter trash
  • Chase or attack people or other animals

Fines for violating cat ownership rules range from $25 to $1,500.

Public transportation

Dogs are allowed to ride on all Calgary Transit buses and trains free of charge, provided they:

  • Are on a leash
  • Are well-behaved
  • Do not sit on seats

Other pets must be in carriers or cages. This rule makes Calgary one of the most pet-friendly cities in terms of public transportation.

Restaurants and cafes

Patio rules

As of May 2022, provincial legislation allows restaurants, bars, and cafes to allow dogs on outdoor patios without a health inspector's approval. Key requirements:

  • Dogs are only allowed on outdoor patios
  • Dogs must not pass through indoor food preparation areas
  • Owners must have physical control of their dogs with a leash or other means of restraint
  • Dogs are not allowed on chairs, tables, or other surfaces
  • Establishments must have written procedures for cleaning up after dogs

More than 50 restaurants in Calgary have already adopted this policy, including popular establishments such as Una Pizza + Wine, Native Tongues Taqueria, and The Guild.

Service dogs and emotional support animals

Service dogs

Qualified service dogs are allowed access to any public place, including:

  • Restaurants and hotels
  • Retail stores and movie theaters
  • Schools and hospitals
  • Taxis and buses
  • All other public areas

Service dog owners must carry a service dog ID card and may travel free of charge on public transportation.

Emotional Support Animals

Regular emotional support animals (dogs, cats) do not require special permission as they are allowed under the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw.

Farm animals as emotional support animals

A unique feature of Calgary is the ability to keep farm animals as emotional support animals (LESA). Requirements include:

  • Letter from a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist
  • Veterinarian contact information
  • Alternative home for the animal outside the city
  • Permit fee of $65 per year
  • Inspection of the premises prior to permit issuance

Expected animals include chickens, mini ponies, and pigs, but large animals such as horses require sufficient space.

Stores and shopping centers

Pet-friendly stores

Many retail stores in Calgary welcome well-behaved dogs:

  • Canadian Tire (policy set by each store)
  • Home Hardware with wide aisles
  • Lowe's for home improvement
  • Winners and Homesense
  • Indigo bookstores (except café areas)

Shopping malls

Most shopping malls in Calgary do not allow dogs. CF Market Mall and CrossIron Mills have bans on animals. In 2020, Southcentre Mall tried allowing dogs but quickly reversed the policy due to excessive demand.

Penalties and enforcement

Fines

Fines for violating the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw:

  • Dog off leash: $100
  • No leash: $100
  • In a restricted area: $100
  • Failure to pick up after your dog: $250
  • No license: $250
  • Dangerous animal license: $310
  • Nuisance animal license: $123

Increased fines

In 2022, fines for aggressive animal behavior were increased to create a safer environment for pets and Calgarians.

Enforcement

To report a Bylaw violation, call 311. Peace officers can:

  • Issue fines for violations
  • Remove animals from dangerous situations
  • Investigate complaints of animal cruelty

Special Programs and Initiatives

Pet Drive Home Program

Peace officers can return lost licensed animals to their homes free of charge, which encourages licensing and helps reunite families with their pets.

Animal Sales Policy Review

In December 2024, the Calgary City Council voted to consider banning the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in retail stores. A decision will be made by the fourth quarter of 2025, which could make Calgary the fourth Canadian city with such a ban after Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

Leash-free zone updates

The city is constantly reviewing and improving its leash-free zones, including:

  • Creating new zones in established areas
  • Setting minimum standards for successful leash-free zones
  • Improving accessibility to existing zones

Environmental and health considerations

Improper disposal of dog waste can cause:

  • Soil and water contamination
  • Spread of diseases such as E. coli and Giardia
  • Attraction of pests and wildlife
  • Unpleasant odors in neighborhoods

The city conducts surveys and educational campaigns to encourage responsible pet ownership and improve the condition of public spaces.

Calgary's pet regulations are among the most progressive in Canada, combining strict safety requirements with exceptional opportunities for pets and their owners to enjoy the outdoors. Understanding and following these rules will not only help you avoid fines, but will also contribute to a safe and enjoyable environment for all members of the Calgary community.