Animals

According to the Act respecting the conservation and development of wildlife, it is prohibited to kill or capture a wild animal without first attempting to scare it away or prevent it from causing damage. It is also forbidden to feed animals on public property in Westmount (by-law 1475).

Learn more about best practices when encountering wild animals

To report a small wild animal injured or dead, please follow these instructions:

• Injured animal: Contact the Public Safety Department at 514 989-5222 (Please note that Public Safety officers may not be able to capture the animal depending on its species, size and overall condition.)
• Dead on public property: Call the Public Works Department at 514 989-5311.
• Dead on private property: Bury the animal or dispose of it in the trash (using a double bag). Always wear gloves, avoid direct contact, and wash your hands afterward.

Preventive Measures

To discourage wildlife from entering your property, consider the following:

• Secure high points: Install chimney caps and prune tree branches near buildings.
• Ground maintenance: Treat your lawn for white grubs and apply animal repellent.
• Plant protection: Wrap fruit tree trunks with smooth vinyl guards and use protective netting over gardens or trees.
• Food control: Do not leave pet food outdoors.

For large animals on private property, you may contact a private company specializing in wildlife removal. Certain birds and mammals must be reported to the au Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs. In some instances, they may need to be handed over to a wildlife officer.

If you are unsure how to proceed, the Government of Quebec website offers detailed fact sheets in its "Nuisance Wildlife" section.

Westmount is home to dozens of ducks, and we know how adorable they can be! However, it remains important to treat wildlife with love and respect. As a reminder, it is forbidden to feed, attack or disturb animals, and this includes ducks.

When we all change our behaviours to coexist with wildlife, it's the entire city that wins!

Wild turkeys are becoming more and more common in the metropolitan area, and Westmount is no exception. These birds, although they aren't known for being dangerous, can sometimes chase or even attack humans and/or cars. While they can fly, the turkeys tend more to walk. If you encounter a wild turkey, here are some tips to prevent aggressive behaviour:

• Do not approach the turkey
• Do not feed the turkey
• Do not hit the turkey
• Try scaring the turkey away
• To prevent the birds from approaching your yard, safely close your garbage and compost bins

When we all change our behaviours to coexist with wildlife, it's the entire city that wins!

Infectious diseases such as rabies can spread promptly among wildlife. It is crucial to be informed about the disease and to know how to act as soon as your pet is bitten by a wild animal.

While the disease can spread quickly, it is important to note that no cases of rabies have been reported in Westmount. However, if your pet was bitten by a wild animal or is suspected of having rabies, veterinarians in Westmount can provide treatment.

To help control the spread of rabies, the Government of Quebec has implemented a plan to limit the spread of the disease throughout the province.

View Quebec's plan to combat rabies

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, 2^nd floor, from Monday to Friday during business hours (closed for lunch from 1-2 p.m.). You will be required to present:

• 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

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

Consult Westmount's registry of dangerous dogs

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.

The City of Westmount has signed an agreement with the Contôle animal Vaudreuil-Soulanges to provide animal services. The Contrôle animal Vaudreuil-Soulanges 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 Contôle animal 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 the Public Safety Department, 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 Contrôle animal Vaudreuil-Soulanges at 450 510-1508, or by email at canindusuroit@outlook.com 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.

Compost Montréal offers a subscription service for weekly collection of pet waste at your doorstep, along with the mandatory equipment to use for at-home storage and collection. Composting pet waste helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and supports the production of sustainable fertilizer. The waste collected is composted and used in agricultural fields .

Eligible products

• 12-week subscription with equipment
• 52-week subscription with equipment

Specific conditions

One subscription per address or per unit.

Grant amount
before taxes

• 50% of subscription cost up to a maximal reimbursement of $150

Access the grant application form