Being a responsible dog owner means keeping your dog happy, healthy, and safe by taking care of their basic dietary, medical, physical, and psychological needs. It also means monitoring your dog’s behaviour in public spaces and respecting the Band’s bylaw so that you and your dog are being good members of your community. The first step to responsible dog ownership is licensing your dog.
Dog Responsibility and Control Bylaw 2017-07 states that all dog owners who possess a dog(s) over the age of six months must licence the dog(s) every year with the Band.
→ Link: Fees and Registration Form
Benefits of a Dog Licence
- Provides a dog identification service, which allows the Band to reunite you with your dog if they are lost or stolen.
- Owners of licensed dogs will save costs on fines and penalty fees.
- Licence revenue helps support animal control and regulatory services associated with pet ownership.
Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc allows up to three dogs over the age of six months per parcel of land; however, this does not apply to a kennel or a hobby kennel.
Three Dog Limit Variance
If you have more than three dogs, you can apply to Chief and Council for a variance. The applicant must pay a non-refundable $350 variance application fee. If approved, the variance applies only to the specific dogs listed in the variance application, and no dog in excess of the three dog limit may be replaced in the future.
Dog Owner Responsibilities
- Licence and vaccinate your dog
- Tattoo and put identification on your dog
- Train your dog
- Spay or neuter your dog
- Muzzle aggressive dogs
- Keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times
- Clean up after your canine friend. Always have an extra plastic bag on hand for when nature calls.
- Ensure your dog is happy when you leave home—your neighbours don’t like a barking dog.
- Have peace of mind—secure your yard so your dog can’t go on the run.
- Consider your dog’s behaviour—exercise your dog where they are most comfortable.
- Leave your dog at home on hot days—they cool their bodies differently than we do. Learn More
- Take your dog in when it is too cold outside. Learn More
Familiarize yourself with Dog Responsibility and Control Bylaw 2017-07 to know the ins and outs of owning a dog on Reserve.