Animal Control

Animal Control

Piglets

For many of us owning livestock and pets is an important—and rewarding—part of rural life in Beaver County. Whether you live on an acreage, a quarter section, or a hamlet lot, our region is well suited for animal ownership.

With this privilege comes responsibility. Animal owners play a vital role in ensuring their animals are healthy, well cared for, and do not negatively impact the quality of life of their neighbours. Responsible ownership means understanding local regulations, following best practices for animal care, and helping maintain safe, respectful communities for everyone.

This page is packed with information and resources to help you navigate animal ownership in Beaver County. You'll find guidance on understanding common issues that can arise, how to effectively report concerns, what to expect after making a report, your responsibilities as a complainant, and other key details to support responsible ownership and community safety.

The overall aim of Beaver County Protective Services is to help make our County the safest possible place to live and work—no matter your lifestyle. We achieve this through knowledgeable, consistent bylaw enforcement and by applying a wide range of municipal best practices to support safety, respect, and community well-being.

 

Animal Control Bylaw 22-1130

Dog Limits in Beaver County

(Section 9, in the Animal Control Bylaw)

In Hamlets, Country Residential parcels, Inter-Municipal Development Plan areas, or residential lots under 0.81 ha (2.0 acres):

  • Maximum of 4 household pets total
  • Up to 3 dogs allowed

On residential parcels over 0.81 ha (2.0 acres), agricultural, or non-residential land:

  • Up to 3 dogs allowed

Your Responsibilities as a Dog Owner in Beaver County

(Section 4, in the Animal Control Bylaw)

If you own a dog in Beaver County, here are a few key responsibilities to help keep everyone safe and comfortable:

  • Keep your dog under control. Dogs must not run at large and should always be on a leash when off your property.
  • Respect shared spaces. Dogs are not allowed in schoolyards or cemeteries.
  • Be mindful of female dogs in heat. They must be securely housed and confined during this time.
  • Prevent the spread of illness. If your dog has a communicable disease, keep them safely confined and away from other animals and people.

Animal & Bird Limits for Acreages in Beaver County

If you live on an acreage between 2.0 ac and 39.9 ac in a Hamlet, Country Residential district, an Inter-Municipal Development Plan area, or next to one of these zones, there are specific rules for how many animals or birds you can keep.

Here’s how it works:

Parcel Size Allowed Animal/Bird Units
2.0 – 2.99 ac 1 unit
3.0 – 3.99 ac 2 units
4.0 – 4.99 ac 3 units
5.0 – 5.99 ac 4 units
6.0 – 9.99 ac 5 units
10.0 ac or more 5 units+*

*Examples:

  • 13.0-acre parcel: 5 units (for the first 10 acres) + 2 units (for the additional 3 acres) = 7 units.
  • 25-acre parcel: 5 units (for the first 10 acres) + 5 units (for the second 10 acres) + 4 units (for the additional 5 acres) = 14 units.

What Counts as One Animal/Bird Unit?

  • 1 horse, donkey, mule, or ass
  • 1 llama or 2 alpacas or guanacos
  • 1 cow, steer (over 1 year), or 1 swine
  • 2 calves (up to 1 year old)
  • 15 chickens
  • 10 ducks, turkeys, pheasants, geese, or similar fowl
  • 3 sheep or goats
  • 20 rabbits or similar rodents
  • 2 ostriches, emus, or other ratites*

*Special Note for Ostriches, Emus, or Ratites

If you keep ostriches, emus, or other large flightless birds on a residential parcel, you must have a secure 1.8 m (6 ft) high perimeter fence made of tight-lock game fencing or chain link with sturdy steel or wooden posts around the pen area.

If you want to keep more animals than normally allowed under the bylaw limits, you can apply for an Over-Limit Permit, as per section 11, of the Animal Control Bylaw.

Here’s how it works:

  • Apply in writing to Beaver County’s Community Peace Officer.
  • The Officer will review your request and decide whether to:
    • Approve it
    • Approve it with specific conditions
    • Or refuse the permit
  • If approved, you’ll need to pay the permit fee (set by bylaw) before receiving your permit.
  • Over-Limit Permits are valid for three calendar years and can be renewed with another fee payment.

NOTE: Permits are not transferable to other properties or owners.

To register your animal, please complete:

Animal Registration Application (Printable) or,

Animal Registration Application (Fillable)

Then submit it to the County Office.

Complaints

To file an animal control complaint with Beaver County, please call the County Office at 780-663-3730, or submit a message to Enforcement using our Contact form.