Pets

The Township of King allows residents to have several domesticated pets at a time, but limits cats and dogs to a number of four each.

Residents in the Township of King can have several kinds of pets which include animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, chinchillas, and some small birds among others. 

Yes, some animals within the Township of King are prohibited, this is often because they are meant to be in the wild and do not make good pets. Some of these animals include those that are venomous, poisonous and non-domesticated animals. Some examples of prohibited animals include snakes, monkeys, and poisonous insects.

The Township of King has a partnership with the City of Vaughan Animal Services that provides animal control, pet licensing administration, and animal shelter services. Animal services assists in tending to sick or injured domestic animals (i.e. cats and dogs), dogs at large, lost pets and adoption. You can visit their website at www.vaughan.ca/animalservices  

Telephone: 905-832-2231
Toll free: 1-855-227-7297
animal.services@vaughan.ca​

Vaughan Animal Services responds to emergency calls 24/7. 

Any suspected cases of animal cruelty, or neglect complaints can be reported to: 

​Vaughan Animal Services

905-832-2281
animal.services@vaughan.ca

Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA)

1-888-ONT-SPCA (1-888-668-7722).

Pet waste (including kitty litter) is considered organic material, and can be disposed of in certified compostable bags inside of your green bin. Make sure to pick up after your pet when out in public too. If there are no Township bins available to dispose of pet waste or if they are full, bring it home. For more information about disposal of pet and other waste, visit: king.ca/waste. 

It is a requirement under the Animal Control By-law to pick up and properly dispose of pet excrement. Failure to do so could result in a fine. 

Effective January 2, 2025, the City of Vaughan now administers King's pet licensing program. 

Cats and dogs within the Township of King are required to be registered and pay an annual licence fee. A lifetime tag will be issued which will be valid for the life of your pet.  

Cats and Dogs within the Township need to be registered to ensure the best care for your pets. Records of the most up to date information such as rabies vaccinations, veterinary contacts and their home address in case they get lost or injured are kept on file.

• Dogs: $25.00 (2025 Fee)
• Cats: $25.00 (2025 Fee)
• Replacement Tag: $14.00 (2025 Fee)

• Service animals are exempt from licensing fees but must
  still be registered with the Township

• Seniors: $12.50 (2025 Fee)

• Biting or Menancing Dog: $55.00 (2025 Fee)

​​Once you apply for a pet licence, you will be administered a lifetime tag which will stay with your pet at all times. This tag is used for identification purposes. Please affix the tag to the collar of your dog. 

Online Pet Licence Applications

Licensing your cat or dog in the Township is a requirement for having pets. The Township keeps records of the most up to date information such as rabies vaccinations, veterinary contacts and their home address in case they get lost or injured.

There are many benefits of licensing your dog or cat with the Township of King. Your pet's licence is their ticket home. If he/she is ever lost, his/her licence provides Animal & Bylaw Services with critical information that will help us return him/her to you safely.

  No, the Township of King recognizes the work that service animals and other working animals do, and have exempted them from paying the licence fees. However, they do still need to be registered with the Township annually. You may be asked to provide proof of service for the animal for the exemption. 

King Township has contracted animal services from the City of Vaughan Animal Services. Therefore there is an an animal shelter located at 70 Tigi Court, Unit 47,​ offered through the Vaughan Animal Services. Vaughan's animal shelter provides adoption services, a foster care program and volunteer opportunities. ​

• ​Telephone: 905-832-2281
• Toll free: 1-855-227-7297​
• animal.services@vaughan.ca 

​​Prepare Now, Learn How...

Pets are a part of our families and including them in an emergency plan is essential to maintaining their safety. During an emergency situation, it is important to know how to keep our animal companions safe.

Pet Emergency Kits

• Food, portable water, bowls, paper towel and a can opener
• Blanket and a small toy
• Sturdy leash/harness
• Cat litter/pan and plastic bags
• Carrier for your pet
• Medications and medical records (including vaccinations)
• Current photo of your pet
• Current ID tag with your phone number and the name/phone number of your veterinarian
• Copy of the licence
• Ask any friends and relatives outside your immediate area who would be able to shelter your pets in an emergency
• Prepare a list of boarding facilities and veterinarians who could shelter animals in an emergency (include a 24-hour phone number).

Animals get nervous during emergencies. If possible, keep your pet in a carrier with a familiar blanket, so they feel as secure as possible. Most importantly, during an emergency you are still responsible for your pet.

Keep this kit in the same spot as your family emergency survival kit for easy retrieval. Pets need supplies, too.

For more information about pets and emergencies, contact the Ontario Society For the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals (OSPCA) at 1-800-ONT-SPCA, or https://ontariospca.ca/. Also visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-management.

• No dog owner shall permit any dog to bark or create any noise that is likely to disturb the inhabitants of the Township or that constitutes a nuisance.
• All dogs must be under full control at all times by being leashed and lead by leash when not on owners property. 
• No dog owner shall allow a dog to run at large.
• Every dog owner is responsible for cleaning and disposing of any excrement left by their dogs. 
• At all times Pit Bulls must be muzzled, a secure leash attached to dog and being lead by handler unless enclosed on property occupied by the owner of the pit bull.
• Information on D.O.L.A. (DOG OWNER'S LIABILITY ACT) and public safety regarding dogs.

The Township of King and the City of Vaughan are dedicated to finding safe and happy forever homes for all animals in the shelter.

• Dogs available for adoption
• Cats available for adoption
• Small animals available for adoption

Fee includes rabies vaccines, sterilization, microchip implantation. **New: the first annual pet licence is now included.

Adoption hours

• Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sunday and statutory holidays: Closed