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Animal Care and Control Bylaw

The Town of Gibsons has a new Animal Care and Control Bylaw that came into effect in 2026 to replace the existing Dog Licensing and Regulation Bylaw 2002.

The new bylaw modernizes animal-related regulations, expands coverage beyond dogs, and introduces clear standards for animal welfare, control, and licensing. It reflects best practices from the BC SPCA and other local governments and supports responsible pet ownership and community safety.

📄 View the Animal Care and Control Bylaw (pdf)

Responsible Pet Ownership

Here are the key requirements under the Animal Care and Regulation Bylaw No. 1328, 2025.

Keep your dog on a leash

Dogs must be on a leash in all public places unless you are in a designated off-leash area. Leashes must be no longer than 1.83 metres (6 feet), and dogs must always be under the control of a capable person.

Know where dogs are allowed off leash

Dogs may be off leash only in designated areas, including:

  1. Inglis Trail
  2. All Beaches between October 16th and April 14th of each year
  3. Headlands Beach (all year)
  4. Grassy area at Georgia Beach

Even in off-leash areas, dogs must remain within sight and under effective control at all times. Owners must carry a leash and clean up after their dog.

Pick up after your pet

Owners must immediately remove and properly dispose of pet waste on both public and private property. Animal waste must not accumulate on your property.

Licence your dog

All dogs over six months of age must be licensed with the Town of Gibsons and wear their licence tag whenever they are outside the home. If you move to Gibsons with a dog already licensed elsewhere in B.C., you must register your dog with the Town within 14 days at no charge.

Keep your dog secure

Dogs must be confined so they cannot escape from your property. Owners are responsible for ensuring their dog does not chase, harass or injure people, other animals, cyclists or vehicles.

Prevent excessive barking

Dogs must not bark, howl or make other noise continuously for 15 minutes or more without a significant break.

Animal Welfare

Owners are responsible for providing:

  • Fresh drinking water
  • Nutritious food
  • Clean food and water dishes
  • Regular exercise
  • Veterinary care when needed
  • Safe, clean shelter that protects animals from heat, cold and rain

Animals must never be abandoned or subjected to abuse, neglect or distress.

Cats

If your cat goes outdoors:

  • It must be spayed or neutered.
  • It must wear identification or have a traceable microchip or tattoo.
  • Owners must prevent cats from causing damage or becoming a significant nuisance on neighbouring properties.
Animals in Vehicles

Never leave an animal in an enclosed vehicle without adequate ventilation and shade. Animals being transported must be safely secured. Pets must not interfere with the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.

Prohibited Animals

The bylaw prohibits keeping many wild or exotic animals within the Town, including large wild cats, wolves and wolf hybrids, bears, primates, venomous reptiles and other species identified in Schedule E, unless specifically permitted under provincial legislation.

Aggressive and Dangerous Dogs

The bylaw includes specific provisions for dogs that display aggressive behaviour or have been designated as dangerous. Additional requirements include secure confinement, leashing, muzzling (for dangerous dogs), restrictions on public access, and other safety measures.

Penalties

Violations of the Animal Care and Regulation Bylaw may result in fines, impoundment of animals, or other enforcement action.