Animals in the City
Animals in Nanaimo, such as dogs and livestock, are regulated by the
Licencing and Control of Animals Bylaw. You can find the fines, impound fees and offences related to animals in the bylaw as well.
If you need a licence for your dog, see Getting a Dog Licence.
Nanaimo has a number of Off-Leash Dog Parks to enjoy.
Nanaimo Animal Control
Located at 1260 Nanaimo Lakes Road, the Nanaimo Animal Control officers enforce the Animal Control Bylaw as well as operate the Pound & Adoption Centre for the City of Nanaimo.
To report an incident occurring in the City of Nanaimo please call 250-616-0233. For after hours emergencies listen to the recorded message for instructions
For animal control in the Regional District of Nanaimo please call Coastal Animal Services at 1-888-754-1397
For more information regarding animals within the City of Nanaimo, please visit their website at Nanaimo Animal Control
Frequently Asked Questions
Chickens/Ducks how many am I allowed to have on my property?? And info
The number of chickens or ducks that can be kept in the City of Nanaimo depends on the size of your property:
- Less than 450m2 (0.11 acre): no more than 4 chickens or ducks
- Less than 1 acre: no more than 6 chickens or ducks
- 1 acre or more: no maximum
No roosters may be kept on any property less than 1 acre
A minimum enclosure of 4 square feet per chicken or duck must be provided
Any structure containing poultry, whether portable or stationary, is subject to the setback requirements of the zone
Structures housing poultry must be kept clean, dry, and free from odours
Areas within and surrounding any structure housing poultry must be kept free from vermin
Any diseased chicken or duck must be killed and the carcass destroyed
No slaughtering of chickens or ducks may occur on the property
Chicken and duck manure and waste products must be composted or disposed of to prevent odours
Chickens or ducks are not permitted within a dwelling unit
Poultry may not stray or trespass anywhere other than the property of the owner and may not roam on any un-fenced land
Failure to comply with these conditions can result in fines of up to $100 per day. The impound fee for any poultry found at large is $10 and the board fee is $5 per day.
Other Poultry
Domesticated fowl such as geese, turkeys and quail are permitted to be kept on properties of at least one acre. They may not stray or trespass in any public place or on any private property and may not graze on unfenced land.
Who do I contact regarding dead animals?
For removal of dead animals on all City streets, please call the Animal Shelter 250-616-0233.
For removal of dead animals on the Parkway or Provincially controlled roadways, please call Mainroad at 1-877-215-6006.
What is the most common problem with wildlife?
Raccoons getting into garbage and deer destroying plants and trees. Raccoons are attracted to any food source. Keep garbage locked and removing any other food source can help keep raccoons away from your property. Deer can be kept out of your yard if it is fenced.
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Cruelty to Animals Contact
BC SPCA Cruelty Hotline
1-855-622-7722
Barking Complaints Contact
Wild Animals Contacts
Last updated: December 10, 2019