Learn more about the City's animal licensing and pound services. You can also discover more about our off-leash dog parks and urban wildlife control.

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers respond to calls dealing with dogs in the City of Thunder Bay. Municipal Enforcement Services will impound stray dogs, and help reunite them with their owners. Officers also investigate issues with vicious dogs, or dog bites.

Found pets

If you've found a stray dog, please contact Municipal Enforcement Services at 807-577-MLEO (6536) with the following information:

  • Your name, address and phone number
  • Where you found the animal
  • Dog licence tag number
  • Collar
  • Tattoos (if any)
  • Breed of animal
  • Colour or any special identifying features
  • Gender (if known)

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

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will impound dogs at large if unlicenced, and they will be brought to the city pound until they can be returned to their owner, or adopted by the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society. Pound fees and/or fines may apply to impounded animals.

Lost pets

If you've lost a dog, call 807-577-MLEO (6536) or visit the Municipal Pound at 882 Alloy Place (off Central Avenue) to claim a stray dog. Stray dogs will be held for a minimum of three working days.

Report a missing animal

Please contact Municipal Enforcement Services during business hours. The number to our office is 807-577-MLEO (6536).

Stray cats can be reported to the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society, located at 1535 Rosslyn Road. They can be contacted at 807-475-8803.

Animal response by Enforcement Officers

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will respond to the following calls involving animals:

  • Emergency calls and dogs threatening public safety
  • Stray dog pick-up
  • Dog bite investigations
  • Pick-up of dead dogs and cats from City property

As a pet owner or a possible pet owner, it is important to familiarize yourself with the City's policies around pet care. View the City by-laws related to animals. 

Pet licences and fees

Pets must be licensed within 14 days of ownership. You need to keep the licence on your pet at all times. This helps us find lost pets.

Licensing fees (2023)

  • $63.00 annually for an unaltered dog 
  • $62.00 annually for an unaltered cat
  • $47.00 annually for an unaltered dog or cat with a microchip implant
  • $32.00 annually for an altered dog
  • $31.00 annually for an altered cat
  • $27.00 for a lifetime licence for an altered dog with a microchip implant
  • $26.00 for a lifetime license for an altered cat with a microchip implant

Make sure you have proof of your pet's spay or neuter certificate and microchip implant certificate before you purchase your licence.

You can apply in person at 882 Alloy Drive, or visit one of the following locations

  • Highview Animal Clinic, 860 Red River Road
  • Licensing and Enforcement, Victoriaville Civic Centre, 2nd floor
  • Northwestern Veterinary Hospital, 1160 Oliver Road
  • Thunder Bay and District Humane Society, 1535 Rosslyn Road
  • Thunder Bay Veterinary Hospital, 920 Carrick Street

Microchipping gives us a permanent way of identifying a lost pet and helps us return it back to its owner. Microchipping also saves you money, with a lifetime dog licence available for a reduced rate, if your dog is altered.

Impoundment fees (2023)

  • First day on first offence $63.00
  • Each additional day $32.00
  • First day on second offence (within calendar year) $123.00
  • Second day on second offence (within calendar year) $62.00
  • Administrative Release Fee (return without fine laid, includes first night) $135.00
  • Administrative Animal Care Fee (starting second night) $35.00

Hours and location

Please note that the Municipal Enforcement Services office is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday. 

Municipal Law Enforcement Officers are available to respond to calls 7 days per week. Calls to our dispatch line, at 807-577-MLEO (6536). Calls received after hours will be directed to a 24-hour answering service.

Animal By-laws

As a pet owner or a possible pet owner, it is important to familiarize yourself with the City's policies around pet care. View the City by-laws related to animals.

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