Calgary is generally very pet-friendly whether you’re visiting or staying in the city. It has many regulations in place for pet owners, but these are meant to protect animals and keep the community peaceful.
The rules set in place also minimize the stray population and prioritize getting good homes and environments for animals that are already without owners. There are more things to do in the city if you’re a dog owner, but other pets should be comfortable living here, too.
Various factors contribute to how pet-friendly a city is, so we’ll break down the most notable categories that would determine if Calgary fits the bill.
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Are there any pet laws in Calgary?
Calgary has a pet bylaw that restricts pet ownership to a maximum of six cats and six dogs, respectively. Other animals will also have to be licensed to see how many you can legally keep.
You are also required to get an official pet license, which is helpful in case your pet gets lost.
The pet licensing formula works well, too, as the city has the lowest euthanization rates and the highest return-to-owner rates in North America. They even provide licensing for urban beekeepers and pigeon keepers.
Calgary also has pretty comprehensive bylaws for responsible pet ownership. You must be at least eighteen to apply for a license, and every animal in your care must be licensed.
While this is more strictly enforced for people who live in the city, it’s best to look into it if you plan to stay long-term. Further details on pet behavior are also provided by official government sources.
On the flip side, Calgary also has laws protecting animals from abuse. Animal distress is a major part of the Animal Protection Act, which is meant to protect animals against violence, neglect, abandonment, and denying shelter and veterinary care.
Quick Rules to Remember When Having Pets in Calgary
- If you are a resident, you cannot have more than 6 cats and 6 dogs in one dwelling.
- You must keep your pets leashed unless you’re in a designated off-leash area.
- You are not allowed to abandon, neglect, or abuse animals in any way, whether or not they are your pets.
- You need to be at least 18 years old to apply for a pet license.
Are there pet-friendly spaces in Calgary?
If you are a dog owner, Calgary is a very pet-friendly city. There are over 157 public off-leash areas to let your dog run around freely.
However, Calgary requires cats to only stay on their owner’s property. Elsewhere, they must be kept in a carrier or pet bag lest they be deemed “nuisance animals.”
You’ll know you’re in an off-leash area if there’s a sign that lists the area as one. You should avoid strict “No Dog Areas” like schools, public pools, sports fields, and certain sanctuaries like Inglewood Bird Sanctuary.
If there are no signs that indicate off-leash or restrictions against dogs, then it’s safe to assume it’s an area where your dog must be on a leash at all times.
Dog owners can bring their pups to a dog park since there are quite a few good ones in Calgary. A couple of off-leash spaces that stand out are the Sue Higgins Park and River Park Off-Leash Dog Park.
They’re both open all week and have really wide spaces that your dog will likely enjoy. The natural spaces are a pretty sight and they’re safe enough that you won’t feel uncomfortable letting your pet loose.
Are there pet services available in Calgary?
Calgary has a diverse range of services available for pets. There are pet stores for food and all your pet needs, and veterinary services, along with specialty shops offering grooming, training, and even pet sitting.
If your pet needs medical attention, you’ll be glad to know that Calgary is home to many skilled veterinarians.
One particularly exceptional vet is the Fish Creek 24-Hour Pet Hospital. They have a lot of experience with cats and dogs and are open 24 hours a day.
They provide both preventative and emergency care. You can also trust their expertise as they have been running for more than a decade.
If you want to get your pet groomed, we recommend Tinkle Time. They service both cats and dogs with nail trimming, bathing, clipping, shaving, and even nail cover application.
If need be, they also offer services to walk your dog. For cats, they even offer mobile grooming services.
Finally, if you’re looking to get your dog trained, Raising Fido ranks among the best. Their expertise lies in puppies and adolescent dogs, and they offer quality training with much compassion and determination.
Each trainer is certified and they have a great history of success with various breeds.
Are there fun activities for your pet to do in Calgary?
Calgary has many fun activities your pet dog can enjoy. While the city also has services and events for other animals, the most options available are for dogs because of the city bylaws’ restrictions.
One of the more exciting adventures you can have is the Calgary Culture Scavenger Hunt Tour.
It’s basically an interactive adventure that leads you to various cool locations and art pieces across the city. It’s a pet-friendly tour, so your dog should be able to tag along if they’re leashed.
You can also visit The Bone & Biscuit Co., which has tons of toys and treats for both cats and dogs to enjoy. Your pet will likely have a ball tasting the delectable menu made especially for them.
Just remember that cats cannot be brought to the store to roam around, and any dogs must be kept on a leash.
Calgary does have an annual Cat Festival and Market, but you can’t actually bring your cat here. They do have a ton of cat-related goodies on sale, with proceeds going to local animal rescues.
Are there pet-friendly accommodations in Calgary?
Calgary has many pet-friendly accommodations whether you’re visiting temporarily or staying long-term.
If you’re looking for a hotel, you have quite a few options across price ranges. There are more hotels prepared for dog owners, but there are a few standouts that cater to both dogs and cats.
The Acclaim Hotel by Clique is a solid choice near the airport that allows up to two pets for an extra fee of $10 per pet each night. One great thing about this hotel is that they don’t have a size restriction, so small and big pets alike are welcome.
A more premium option is the Hyatt Regency, which allows up to two pets with a maximum combined weight of 75 pounds. This comes with a fee of $50.
If you’re just looking for a pet sitter to watch your pal at home, you’ll be happy to hear there are many options, too. There are specialty sitters, emergency caregivers, and 24-hour services you can check out.
If you’re just looking for a general sitter for your pet, you can try Assured Home and Pet Care Inc. They are certified in first aid and even offer a free meet and greet session.
Assured also sits for more than just cats and dogs, so you can find a good watcher for your fish, turtle, bunny, or hamster here.
Data shows that the city of Calgary has largely responsible pet owners among its population of millions. There are many off-leash ambassadors and pet recall training programs to help those new in the city to acclimate.
According to the University of Calgary, these run in harmony with the pet bylaws that are set for both owner and non-owner rights.
If you’re renting a space and your pet makes a mess, you can take a breath because there are pet-friendly cleaning solutions in Calgary. A particularly good option is Oxy-Genie, because they can get rid of resistant stains using solutions that are safe for pets.
They specialize in carpet cleaning, but they also offer mattress., upholstery, floor, and tile cleaning.
