What rules apply to keeping large dogs in apartments?

Keeping large dogs in Calgary apartments is regulated by a complex system of municipal by-laws, condominium rules, and lease agreements. For Ukrainian newcomers who are planning to get a large dog or already have one, understanding these rules is critically important for successful coexistence in an urban environment.

Calgary municipal rules for large dogs

Calgary is a “leash city,” which means all dogs must be kept on a leash in public places, except in designated areas for off-leash walking. This requirement is especially important for owners of large dogs, as their size and strength may pose a greater potential risk to public safety.

Licensing

According to the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw:

  • All dogs over three months old must have a City of Calgary license.
  • The cost of the license depends on the sterilization status of the animal and can range from $21 to $310 per year.
  • For owners of large dogs, compliance with this requirement is particularly important, as unlicensed large dogs may attract increased attention from authorities.

Limit on the number of animals

Calgary has set a limit on the number of animals in a household:

  • Up to six dogs and six cats.

This limit was introduced in 2022 to address odor and noise issues in homes with large numbers of animals. For households that exceed these limits, excess pet permits are available, especially for breeders and animal rescue organizations.

No breed restrictions at the municipal level

An important feature of Calgary is the absence of breed-specific legislation (BSL), which prohibits specific breeds of dogs. The city is the second largest in Canada without breed bans, making it attractive to owners of large breeds that are often subject to bans in other jurisdictions.

In 2020, the city held extensive public consultations on the possible introduction of restrictions on pit bulls, but the majority of over 100,000 respondents opposed breed-specific legislation.

The Calgary Humane Society and the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society actively support the position against breed bans, arguing that:

  • Aggression is determined by individual factors,
  • not breed.

Focus on behavior, not breed

Instead of breed restrictions, Calgary focuses on owner responsibility and the behavior of specific animals. This means that large breeds such as:

  • German Shepherds,
  • Rottweilers,
  • Mastiffs,

are not subject to automatic bans, but their owners are fully responsible for their behavior.

Features of rented accommodation for large dogs

The situation with rented accommodation for owners of large dogs is much more complicated than municipal regulations. Alberta provincial law does not regulate pets in rented accommodation, giving landlords complete freedom to set their own rules.

Weight restrictions

Most landlords in Calgary impose restrictions on dog size, often limiting them to a weight of 15-20 kg. This creates significant difficulties for owners of large breeds, which usually exceed these limits.

Even in cases where landlords allow large dogs, they often require significant financial guarantees.

Financial requirements for large dogs

Typical costs may include:

  • non-refundable fees — from $100 to $500 upon entry,
  • monthly additional fees — from $25 to $50,
  • mandatory tenant liability insurance with coverage up to $100,000.

These additional costs can significantly increase the total cost of rent for owners of large dogs.

Condominium and homeowners' association rules

Condominiums in Calgary have the strictest rules regarding large dogs. Condominium boards have discretionary authority to establish detailed policies regarding animals, which may include strict restrictions on the size, breed, and behavior of dogs.

The most common restrictions in condos are a 20-pound weight limit (approximately 9 kilograms) for dogs. This effectively excludes all large breeds from most condos. Some condos set a 30-pound limit (approximately 14 kilograms), but even this restriction excludes many medium and large breeds.

In addition to weight restrictions, condos often have breed restrictions, which typically include breeds considered aggressive or dangerous. These lists often include:

  • Pit bulls
  • Rottweilers
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • German Shepherds
  • Mastiffs

These restrictions are based on perceptions of aggression and potential harm rather than objective data about the behavior of specific animals.

Pet approval procedures in condominiums

Pet approval procedures in condominiums require written permission from the board of directors. Applicants must provide detailed information about the animal, including breed, size, weight, medical records, and behavioral characteristics. Even after approval, permission may be revoked in the event of complaints or rule violations.

Insurance and liability for owners of large dogs

Owners of large dogs face special insurance requirements due to the increased risks associated with the size of their animals. Insurance companies consider large dogs to be a higher risk factor due to their potential to cause more damage in the event of an incident.

  • Standard renter's insurance typically covers liability for pets up to $100,000.
  • Some insurance companies may require higher coverage limits or additional premiums for large breeds.
  • Special requirements apply to breeds that insurance companies consider “high risk” — pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, etc.
  • Some insurance companies may completely deny coverage or significantly increase premiums for certain large breeds.

This makes finding adequate insurance coverage an additional challenge for large dog owners in Calgary.

Large dogs' exercise needs

Large dog breeds have specific exercise needs that can be difficult to meet in an apartment setting. A study conducted in Calgary found that breed-specific exercise requirements significantly influence the amount of time owners spend walking their dogs.

  • The British Kennel Club recommends more than 2 hours of exercise per day (more than 840 minutes per week) for many popular large breeds.
  • The Calgary study found that only 8 respondents in the sample walked their dogs more than 840 minutes per week.
  • This is especially problematic in winter, as walks are a key source of physical activity for dogs.

Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of intense exercise twice a day for large breeds. However, this minimum may be insufficient for high-energy dogs such as:

  • German Shepherds

  • Labradors

  • Golden Retrievers

Owners of large dogs in apartments should compensate for limited space with more structured activity outside the home.

Calgary Humane Society emphasizes that large dogs do not get enough exercise just by being in the yard on their own. They usually spend most of their time lying by the door waiting for their owners. This means that owners of large dogs in apartments need to be especially active in organizing physical activity.

Use of off-leash areas for large dogs

Calgary has one of the largest networks of off-leash areas in North America, with over 160 public off-leash areas covering 1,145 hectares. This represents approximately 13% of all parkland managed by the city.

These areas are especially important for owners of large dogs, as they allow animals to get the intensive physical activity they need. The largest and most popular areas are:

  • Nose Hill Park — over 300 km of trails

  • Sue Higgins Park — 62 hectares of fenced-in land near the Bow River

Rules for using off-leash areas

  • Owners may not control more than six dogs at a time in off-leash areas.
  • Starting in September 2022, individuals who wish to walk more than six dogs must obtain permission from a professional dog handler.
  • All dogs must remain under the control of their owner and respond to voice or visual commands.
  • This is especially important for large dogs, which may pose a greater risk if they lose control.
  • Owners are also required to clean up after their animals and have appropriate means to do so.

Noise and behavior control issues

Large dogs may cause more noise issues due to their size and vocal strength. Calgary's Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw prohibits excessive barking, howling, or other noises that disturb neighbors.

Complaints about animal noise are handled through 311, and violators can receive fines ranging from $100 to $500. Community Peace Officers use objective criteria to assess complaints, taking into account the duration and frequency of barking, the time of day, and the surrounding environment.

In condominiums, noise rules are often even stricter. Excessive barking is considered a noise violation with a $100 fine, and repeated violations can result in a demand to remove the animal from the building.

Owners of large dogs should be particularly proactive in managing their animals' behavior due to the potentially greater impact of their actions. The Calgary Humane Society offers free animal behavior consultations and support programs for owners facing behavioral issues.

Designation of aggressive and dangerous animals

Calgary has an extensive system for responding to incidents of aggressive animal behavior, which is particularly relevant for large dogs due to their potential to cause greater harm. The Chief Bylaw Officer has the authority to designate animals as “aggressive” after serious human injury, serious injury or death to another animal, or other significant safety risks.

Previously, accused dogs would wait months in the city's Animal Services shelter while their case was pending in provincial court. The new system allows dogs to return home after being designated as aggressive, but with safety conditions in place.

For owners of large dogs, this means increased responsibility for controlling their animals' behavior. Even a single serious incident can result in an animal being labeled as aggressive, with long-term consequences for the owner, including muzzle requirements, enhanced fencing, additional insurance, and mandatory training courses.

Strategies for successfully keeping large dogs in apartments

Successfully keeping a large dog in an apartment in Calgary requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account all aspects of the legal, physical, and social environment. Owners should first conduct thorough research on available housing options, focusing on properties that specifically allow large dogs or have flexible pet policies.

Preparing a “resume” for the dog is critical for large breeds. This should include all veterinary records, training certificates, references from previous landlords or neighbors, proof of insurance coverage, and photos demonstrating the animal's well-trained behavior.

Financial preparation is especially important for owners of large dogs due to higher expenses. In addition to standard rental costs, owners should be prepared for additional monthly payments, non-refundable fees, increased insurance premiums, and potential expenses for professional training or behavioral counseling.

Establishing positive relationships with neighbors is critical for owners of large dogs. Proactive communication about the animal, demonstrating responsible behavior, and responding quickly to any concerns can prevent complaints that could lead to demands to remove the animal.

Alternatives for large dog owners

For large dog owners who are having difficulty finding suitable housing in central Calgary, there are alternatives. Many landlords in the suburbs and surrounding communities have more liberal policies toward large dogs due to the availability of larger units and yards.

Communities such as Airdrie, Cochrane, and other municipalities in the Calgary metro area may offer more options for large dog owners, although they will have their own municipal regulations. Rockyview County, for example, allows up to three dogs over three months of age on properties less than 80 acres.

Considering the option of purchasing a home may also be advisable for large dog owners who plan to stay in Calgary long term. Home ownership eliminates landlord restrictions, although owners must still comply with municipal regulations and homeowner association rules, if applicable.

Support resources for large dog owners

Calgary has a well-developed network of resources to support responsible dog owners. The Calgary Humane Society offers free behavior counseling, training programs, and even emergency temporary care services for owners facing housing crises.

The organization also has a “Pets and Renters” program that provides free behavioral support for animals to help them adjust to life in a rental home. This can be especially helpful for large dogs, which may need extra support to adjust to apartment living.

Community Mediation Calgary Society offers free mediation services to resolve conflicts between neighbors, including those involving pets. This can be a valuable resource for large dog owners who are facing complaints from neighbors.

For emergencies, the Calgary Humane Society provides temporary animal care through its Emergency Boarding Program. This can be critical for large dog owners facing temporary housing issues or emergency circumstances.

Long-term trends and future changes

Calgary continues to evolve as a pet-friendly city, and there are positive trends for large dog owners. The city council continues to support a policy against breed-specific restrictions, which is important for owners of large breeds who are often targeted by such legislation in other jurisdictions.

The growing demand for pet-friendly housing in Calgary may lead to more landlords willing to consider large dogs, especially if owners can demonstrate responsibility and financial stability. Programs such as the Renter's Choice Pet Program, which offer insurance coverage to landlords, may make them more inclined to accept tenants with large dogs.

The development of new residential areas in the suburbs of Calgary is also creating more opportunities for large dog owners, especially in single-family homes and townhouses with yards. These developments often have less restrictive pet policies than central multi-unit buildings.

Keeping a large dog in an apartment in Calgary is a challenging but achievable task for responsible owners who are willing to invest the time and resources to meet their pets' needs. The key to success is careful planning, understanding all applicable rules and regulations, taking a proactive approach to behavior management, and building positive relationships in the community. Although challenges exist, Calgary remains one of the most pet-friendly cities in Canada, with a well-developed infrastructure and resources to support responsible owners of dogs of all sizes.