The Town of Yarmouth strives to foster a safe environment where people and pets can live together under our Dog Bylaw. Pet owners are responsible for licensing their dogs and ensuring that they don't cause a disturbance. Here's a quick guide to animal issues in Yarmouth, including dog licensing, lost pets, and how to register a complaint.
Dog Licensing
Our pdf Town Dog Bylaw (3.35 MB) requires all owners to license their dogs annually by April 1. The licensing year runs from April 1 to March 31. See Schedule A – Licence Registration and Impound Fees in the bylaw for more details.
As an owner, you're required to apply for a license within 10 days of acquiring a dog. If you obtain your dog before September 30, you must pay the full licensing fee. If you obtain your dog after September 30, your fee will be reduced by 50 percent.
You can license your dog in person at:
Town Hall
Main Floor Reception Desk
400 Main Street
Yarmouth, NS B5A 1G2
Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, Monday to Friday, closed on statutory holidays.
Dangerous Dogs
The owner of any dog classified as a "dangerous dog" must license their dog as a dangerous dog in the municipal registry each year. (You can find more details in section 25 and Schedule A – Licence Registration and Impound Fees in the bylaw.)
Violating the Regulations
Pet owners found to violate Dog Bylaw regulations will be liable for penalties and subject to penalty costs as outlined in Schedule B – Penalties. Be safe, be sure, and register your dog!