Animals

Following concerns raised by citizens concerning dust in local dog parks, the City of Westmount hired an independent laboratory, SOLROC, to carry out a study. Complaints included discomfort experienced by some from dust raised by the activity of dogs and wind. Referencing workplace studies, it is known that fine airborne dust can have an impact on lung health, and that crystalline silica dust is considered a potentially ‘risky’ material. Taking this into consideration, the City of Westmount decided to mandate SOLROC. As far as we know, it is the first time a dog park has been the object of this type of study. 

SOLROC concluded that the sand mix used in the park conforms to the product profile as stated on the product data sheet. Smooth river sand is not only more comfortable to dogs’ paws, it provides better surface drainage and facilitates waste removal. Although wind and canine activity will cause sporadic dust clouds, the irregularity of those conditions is very different from a constant exposure. Furthermore, no significant trace of heavy metals or other toxic substances was found in the samples collected for analysis. The risk of silicosis, both to humans and to dogs, is therefore considered to be low due to the limited exposure to silica dust. It should be noted, however, that no health data on silicosis in dogs was found.

SOLROC recommends implementing prevention measures to minimize silica dust from forming — partially, if not entirely — and reaching our lungs. Dust Stop Powder, a product known to be effective and biologically proven to eliminate dust, has already been identified as a possible preventive measure. A trial of this product will be carried out in the King George Park dog run during the coming weeks. 

Consult the full report

It is the responsibility of the dog owner or of its custodian to be aware of all relevant by-laws and regulations currently in effect.

Westmount dog regulations, outlined in the By-law 1522 concerning dogs, stipulate, among other things, that:

• Dogs must wear a valid licence issued by the City at all times.
• Dog feces must always be collected.
• Dogs are to be on a maximum six foot leash in all public places, except designated dog runs.
• Households may keep a maximum of three dogs older than six months at any one time.
• Unattended or lost dogs may be impounded by the Public Safety Department.

Consult by-Law 1522 concerning dogs

Provincial regulations with regard to dogs also apply, including, among other things:

• In a public place, a dog must at all times be under the control of a person capable of controlling it.
• A dog of 20 kg and more must wear a halter or harness attached to its leash.

Consult the regulation respecting the application of the Act to promote the protection of persons by establishing a framework with regard to dogs.

The dog owner may be prosecuted if:

• the dog bites a person or damages public or private property.
• the dog barks or howls excessively.
• the dog is off-leash or unaccompanied while off the owner’s property.
• the dog is without a valid licence.
• the owner does not clean up after his/her dog.

Using a Westmount dog run is an excellent opportunity for your canine buddy to get some exercise, but remember that a dog license is mandatory and all regulations apply. Please note that a curfew is in effect in all of Westmount’s public parks between midnight and 5 a.m. daily.

Fenced Dog Runs

Dogs off-leash during designated hours

• King George Park: off-leash 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Westmount Athletic Grounds: off-leash 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Westmount Park: off-leash 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Summit Woods

It is prohibited for anyone to allow or to bring more than four dogs at a time in Summit Woods. Please note that off-leash hours vary by season, according to the dates listed below, and that Public Safety officers will issue fines to those that fail to observe the by-law. 

• November 1st to April 15th: off leash 5 a.m. to midnight
• April 16th to June 15th: on leash AT ALL TIMES
• June 16th to October 31st: on leash 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; off leash 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to midnight.

Interactive map of Westmount's dog parks

Found animals

If you see an abandoned or injured pet in Westmount, call the Public Safety Department at 514 989-5222. If the animal is wearing an EMILI tag, our officers will contact the owner. A found pet will be kept at the Public Safety offices at 21 Stanton for approximately one hour before being transferred to Contrôle animal Vaudreuil-Soulanges, where it will be housed at the owner’s expense, which includes a pick-up fee and any other maintenance fees.

Lost animals

Residents who have lost a pet should first contact the Public Safety Department at 514 989-5222, then Contrôle animal Vaudreuil-Soulanges at 450 510-1508. We also recommend to checking local social media platforms (ex: pet finder, Montreal-lost dogs, cats and pets, Montreal SPCA, etc.).

Public Safety Department

21, Stanton Street
Westmount, Quebec  H3Y 3B1

Telephone: 514 989-5222

Contrôle animal Vaudreuil-Soulanges

1269 Harwood Road
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec J7V 8P2

Telephone: 450 510-1508
Email: info@canindusuroit.com

Resource person: Richard Seymour

The City of Westmount has signed an agreement with the Centre Canin du Suroît to provide animal services. The Centre Canin du Suroît will provide trapping and relocation services to residents. These services will be provided at the expense of the pet owner and in accordance with applicable government regulations.

Lost animals can be sheltered at the Centre Canin du Suroît in Vaudreuil-Soulanges. Owners will be asked to pay pound costs directly when claiming their animal.

Important reminder to dog owners: it is mandatory to obtain a valid permit for your dog issued by the City. This permit, issued by Public Security, will help you find your pet. You must also ensure that the information on your pet is updated on the emili.net website, as this is the only way we can identify your pet if it goes missing.

You can reach the Centre Canin du Suroît at 450 510-1508, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you are transferred to an answering machine, please leave a detailed message and you will be called back as soon as possible.

More information on the Centre Canin du Suroît

Westmount launched a new online system for dog permits on November 1st, 2016, making it easier than ever to obtain or renew a permit by visiting the City’s website. The new permit includes a permanent medal for your dog.

Access the new online system for dog permits.

No person shall keep a dog in the City, unless a license has been issued by the City for such dog and is still in force, and unless such dog bears a numbered tag or plate indicating such license for the current year.

You can also obtain a license in person at the Permits Office at Public Safety, 21 Stanton Street, 2nd Floor, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and between 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., by submitting:

• a completed and signed Westmount dog licence application form;
• a certificate signed by a veterinary surgeon that the dog has been inoculated against rabies within thirty-six (36) months prior to applying for the permit.

The dog permit is valid for one year from the date of purchase. The following fees apply:

• $50 for obtaining an annual permit ($100 for non-residents)
• $15 for the replacement of the medallion

Permits Office, Public Safety Department

21 Stanton Street, 2nd Floor
Westmount, Quebec  H3Y 3B1

Telephone: 514 989-5225

Consult Westmount dangerous dogs registry

Per Article 1 of By-law 1522, any dog that has, in the opinion of the competent authority, without any provocation nor malice, bitten a person or another animal will be presumed dangerous.

Rules to Follow

• A dangerous dog must always wear an appropriate muzzle in a public place.
• A dangerous dog must be kept on a leash at all times by a person 18 years of age or older.
• When a dangerous dog is on private property, the dog’s keeper must ensure that the property is secure so that the dog cannot escape.
• Keepers of a dangerous dog in a public place may not have custody of another dog in the same public place at the same time.

If your dog has been declared dangerous or potentially dangerous, has already bitten or attacked a person or pet in another city, or has attempted to do so, please contact the Public Safety Department (514 989-5222) before your arrival in the City for verification purposes.