The Township of Essa values pets as beloved members of the family. The Township of Essa receives many complaints regarding animal control and services within our municipal boundaries. The Township of Essa enforces Canine control by-law to promote responsible dog ownership and ensure the safety and well-being of residents, pets, and the community. Please know that The Township of Essa does not currently license or regulate domestic cats within its municipal boundaries.
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers look into many different types of dog service requests from residents, of which includes:
- Picking up stray or loose dogs
- Barking Dog Complaints
- Dog Feces
- Dog Bites
- Dangerous Dogs
Buy 2025 Dog Licence: Buy a Dog Licence
Off-Leash Dog Park
Essa has an off-leash dog park located at the Glen-Eton/Wildflower Park. Users are required to follow the Rules for use of the park.
Off-Leash Dog Park Rules:
- Off-leash Dog Park is NOT supervised. People and dogs visiting the off-leash park do so at their own risk
- Off-leash Dog Park is NOT recommended for children under the age of 18. A parent or guardian is advised to closely supervise their children at all times
- Owners will be held liable for all actions of their dog(s)
- Dogs MUST be leashed when entering and exiting the Off-leash area
- Owners must be present, with a leash for each dog, and in view of their dog(s) at all times
- Aggressive dogs are not permitted in the Off-leash area or park. Owners will be prosecuted and held liable for all damages and injuries subject to the provisions of the Dog Owners Liability Act (DOLA)
- Valid dog tag licenses and rabies tags must be affixed to the dog
- No more than three dogs per owner are permitted int eh Off-leash Park or area. Unattended dogs that are tied up outside of the Off-leash area are not permitted
- People-food, breakables, spikes or chain link prong collars are not permitted in the Off-leash area
- This park is for the enjoyment of people with their dogs. No other animals are allowed
- Female dogs in heat are not permitted in the Off-leash Park
- Professional dog trainers are not permitted to use the park for the conduct of business
- Gates to the Off-leash area must be kept closed at all times except when entering or exiting.
In the event of incident, please contact By-law Enforcement Officers at 705-424-9917 ext. 109 or 123.
For comments, concerns or to report damage, please call the Parks and Recreation department at 705-424-9917 ext. 135
Lost and Found Dog
If you have found a dog during regular business hours, please contact our Animal Control Officers by calling 705-424-9917 ext. 109 or 123. An officer will be dispatched to pick up the dog and transport it to the Alliston & District Humane Society. If you find a dog after regular business hours, we kindly ask that you contact the Alliston & District Humane Society directly to arrange for the dog to be surrendered. Alternatively, if you are able to safely do so, please hold onto the dog until the next business day, at which point our officers can coordinate retrieval.
Wildlife
The Township of Essa does not remove wildlife from private property. Pests such as raccoons, skunks, foxes and any other wild animal found on private property should be removed with the assistance of a pest control specialist or a Wildlife Rehabilitator.
Report animal cruelty
If you would like to report a case of cruelty or abuse to animals, please call the Animal Protection Call Centre at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625).
Township of Essa
Municipal Law Enforcement Officers ext. 109 or 123
Phone: 705-424-9917
Fax: 705-424-2367
TTY: 705-424-5302