Animal Licensing and Pound Services

If you've found a stray animal, please contact Municipal Enforcement Services at 807-577-MLEO (6536). If you find an animal running at large, place call our office. An officer will attend the area and safely catch the animal and bring them to the Municipal Pound/Kennel. Officers are on duty seven days a week.

Please have the following information available:

• Your name, address and phone number
• Where you found the animal
• License tag number (if available)
• Breed of animal, colour, or any special identifying features, including collar colour
• Gender (if known)
• Tattoos (if any)

We may be able to connect the animal with its owner if there is valid license information.

Dogs will be brought to the city pound/kennel until they can be returned to their owner, or adopted through our animal partners network. Cats will be brought to the Thunder Bay Humane Society. Fees and/or fines may apply to animals who stay at the pound/kennel.

The City of Thunder Bay does not have the capacity or funds to provide long-term ownership and care to lost dogs. Dogs are held for three days to give owners a chance to claim their dog. Pets currently in the care of our kennel, or those who have been recently brought to a partner animal rescue group can be viewed on this page.

Animals not claimed after three days may be held for an extended period of time, however, the City works with animal rescue organizations to have animals adopted. Once the animal is no longer in the care of MES, we encourage the public to reach out to the animal rescue group for additional information, or if you are interested in adopting the animal.

Call 807-577-MLEO (6536) or visit the Municipal Pound/Kennel at 882 Alloy Place (off Central Avenue) to claim a stray dog. Stray animals will be held for a minimum of three working days. Hours are Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. 

Stray cats may be found at the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society. They can be contacted at 807-475-8803.

If you see aggressive life-threatening wildlife, call 911 or the local police.

If you see injured or sick larger wildlife (moose, deer, bear, wolf) and/or orphaned wildlife, call the Ministry of Natural Resources at 807-475-1471.

Property owners are responsible for the disposal of small deceased animals on their own property. If you need assistance, a waste disposal company might be able to help. 

Learn more about our Urban Wildlife Control, preventative measures, and what to do when encountering a wild animal.

For injured stray cats and dogs, please contact Municipal Enforcement Services at 807-577-MLEO (6536).

For other injured wildlife, please visit our Urban Wildlife page. Property owners are responsible for the disposal of small deceased animals on their own property. If you need assistance, a waste disposal company might be able to help. 

If you think an animal is in distress or is being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (Provincial Animal Welfare Services website)

Call 911 in an emergency when any life is in immediate danger, such as when there is:

• an animal attack resulting in serious injury to people or other animals that requires emergency medical attention
• a dog or cock fighting ring underway
• an act of animal cruelty underway, such as beating or torturing of an animal
• an animal left unattended in a hot or cold vehicle

How to report an animal in danger, distress, or experiencing abuse

If you think an animal is in danger, distress, or is being abused, call 1-833-9-ANIMAL (Provincial Animal Welfare Services website)

Call 911 in an emergency when any life is in immediate danger, such as when there is:

• an animal attack resulting in serious injury to people or other animals that requires emergency medical attention
• a dog or cock fighting ring underway
• an act of animal cruelty underway, such as beating or torturing of an animal
• an animal left unattended in a hot or cold vehicle

• $67.47 annually for an unaltered dog 
• $67.47 annually for an unaltered cat
• $51.90 annually for an unaltered dog or cat with a microchip implant
• $41.52 annually for an altered dog
• $41.52 annually for an altered cat
• $77.85 for a lifetime license for an altered dog with a microchip implant
• $77.85 for a lifetime license for an altered cat with a microchip implant

• First day on first offence $67.47
• Each additional day $36.33
• First day on second offence (within calendar year) $155.70
• Second day on second offence (within calendar year) $67.47
• Administrative Release Fee (return without fine laid, includes first night) $145.32
• Administrative Animal Care Fee (starting second night) $36.33 per night
• Running at large $195.00 (minimum fine) to $5,000.00 (maximum fine for repeat offenders)
• Failure to license $195.00 (minimum fine) to $5,000.00 (maximum fine for repeat offenders)