Municipal Bylaw & Enforcement Section

B.E.E.P. (Bylaw Education & Enforcement Program) 

The September 2010 Bylaw Education & Enforcement Program (BEEP) will focus on Cat and Dog Licensing.   

City of Medicine Hat Bylaws 3183 (Dogs) and 3382 (Cats) requires that all dogs and cats be licensed.  A Dog or Cat License identifies your pet as an important member of your family.  It greatly improves the chances of your lost pet being returned to you with little stress on the animal or your family, and it helps show that you are a responsible pet owner.  It also reduces the stress on the resources of the Medicine Hat SPCA.  

Currently you are allowed 4 dogs in the City of Medicine Hat and there is no limit to number of cats you currently have, however all must be licensed.  The bylaw related to the maximum number of animals allowed in a home is changing effective January 1, 2011.  At that time you will only be allowed 3 dogs and 6 cats.  If you currently have 4 dogs and more than 6 cats in your home, you will be able keep them after January 1st if they have valid licenses under the current Dog and Cat Bylaws. 

Licenses are good for one year from the date of issue, and they are available at City Hall, the SPCA and the Police Station.  License fees are $30.00 per year for a dog or cat that is not spayed or neutered, $15.00 per year for a dog or cat that is spayed or neutered and $10.00 for the life of a cat that is spayed or neutered and micro chipped or tattooed.   The fine for failing to properly license your dog or cat is $250.00.   

License fees are also changing in January.  Effective January 1st, a spayed or neutered cat or dog will have an annual license fee of $15.00.  An unsprayed or unneutered cat or dog will have a license fee of $50.00.  At that time there will also be a new lifetime licensing options for your pet.  A lifetime license for a dog or cat that has been spayed or neutered will be available for $150.00.  If the dog or cat is spayed or neutered and also has a microchip implanted, you will be able to obtain a lifetime license for only $80.00.   

Please remember to advise Bylaw Enforcement if you have moved or changed your phone numbers so we can contact you quickly and return your valued family member to you without a great deal of stress to you. 

For more information on this program, Supt. Fred Crittenden, Peace Officer in charge of Municipal Bylaw Enforcement, can be contacted at 529-8436.