---
title: Coquitlam rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs
question: "What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?"
place: Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada
place_path: ca/bc/coquitlam
category: Pets, animals and wildlife
owner: municipal
owner_body: City of Coquitlam
sources_read: 2026-11-05
review: machine_checked
canonical: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/dangerous-dogs/"
json: "https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/dangerous-dogs.json"
---

# Coquitlam rules for aggressive and dangerous dogs

**Question:** What are the rules for aggressive or dangerous dogs?

**Short answer:** In Coquitlam, the City's Animal Control Manager can designate a dog "aggressive" or "vicious" under the Animal Care and Control Bylaw 4240. The owner must keep an aggressive dog leashed and never at large; a vicious dog must also be muzzled in public and locked up at home with warning signs.

**Who handles it:** Municipal (City of Coquitlam, https://www.coquitlam.ca)  
**Cost:** Annual licence on or before February 1: aggressive $157.40 ($105 spayed or neutered); vicious $262.40 ($209.90 spayed or neutered). Bylaw notices $100 to $500; municipal ticket $1,000.  
**Where:**
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Services, 604-927-3580
- Phone: Bylaw Enforcement and Animal Services (alternate), 604-927-7387
- Phone: Coquitlam RCMP non-emergency (vicious-dog emergency), 604-945-1550
- Phone: Engineering Customer Service, 24 hours, 604-927-3500

## Key facts

- **How a dog is declared dangerous or aggressive:** The Animal Control Manager decides, after a Bylaw Enforcement Officer's written report, whether to designate a dog "aggressive" or "vicious" and sends the owner written notice. Aggressive: without provocation showed aggressive behaviour to a person or animal in a public place, or caused a minor injury. Vicious: caused minor injuries on more than one occasion, or the manager has reasonable grounds from repeated aggressive behaviour, or it is a Dangerous Dog under the Community Charter.
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022), s. 11.1-11.3](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
  - Official wording: "the Bylaw Enforcement Officer may submit a written report to the Animal Control Manager" … "designate the dog as an aggressive dog;" … "designate the dog as a vicious dog." … "shall deliver written notice of the designation to the owner of"
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022), s. 3.1](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
  - Official wording: "AGGRESSIVE DOG means a dog that:" … "has, without provocation, caused a minor injury to a person or domestic animal;" … "has, without provocation, caused a minor injury to a person on more than one" … "is a Dangerous Dog;" … "DANGEROUS DOG has the same meaning as defined in the Community Charter;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Rules for owners:** Aggressive dog: never at large; in public on a leash no longer than 1.2 m (not retractable); no off-leash areas; permanent ID (tattoo or microchip) within one month. Vicious dog: all of those plus a muzzle in public; if left unattended, locked in an enclosure inside locked, fenced premises; warning signs at every entrance; tell the City within 3 days if the dog moves or dies, and tell any new owner of the designation.
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022), s. 11.4](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
  - Official wording: "not cause, permit, or allow that dog, at any time, to be at large within the City," … "with a maximum length of 1.2 metres from owner to dog;" … "ensure the dog has permanent identification within one month of the dog being"
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022), s. 11.7, 11.8](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
  - Official wording: "when in a public place, muzzle the dog in a manner to prevent it from being able to" … "secure the dog in an enclosure located within securely fenced premises" … "post a clearly visible sign at all points of entry onto any premises where the dog is" … "notify the Animal Control Manager in writing within three (3) days if the dog" … "notify the prospective owner that the dog has been designated as a vicious dog prior to the transfer of"
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022), s. 3.1 (ENCLOSURE)](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
  - Official wording: "at least two (2) metres in height, width and length;"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Licence fee:** Annual licence (rate if paid on or before February 1): aggressive dog $157.40 not spayed or neutered, $105 spayed or neutered. Vicious dog $262.40 not spayed or neutered, $209.90 spayed or neutered. The $18 late charge applies after February 1.
  - Source: [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5484, 2025, Schedule I, Schedule I, Annual Licensing Fees for Dogs](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6285879)
  - Official wording: "(d) aggressive unspayed or unneutered dogs $ 157.40" … "(e) aggressive spayed or neutered dogs $ 105.00" … "(f) vicious unspayed or unneutered dogs $ 262.40" … "(g) vicious spayed or neutered dogs $ 209.90" … "an $18.00 late payment charge will be assessed in addition"
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022), s. 7.9, 8.2](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
  - Official wording: "only obtain a dog licence for an aggressive dog or a vicious dog if the dog has" … "will become invalid and the owner of that dog must apply to the City for a new dog licence"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **How to report:** Call Bylaw Enforcement & Animal Services at 604-927-7387 or 604-927-3580, or email them; give your name, address and phone number (no anonymous complaints), the location, and for a bite the other dog's owner's details. After a bite report the City sends a Dog Bite Statement Form. After hours, leave a message; for a vicious-dog emergency call the RCMP non-emergency line 604-945-1550 or 24-hour Engineering Customer Service 604-927-3500.
  - Source: [Complaint Process, Complaint Process; Reporting Hours](https://www.coquitlam.ca/528/Complaint-Process)
  - Official wording: "Phone: 604-927-7387" … "Your name, address and phone number as we do not accept anonymous complaints" … "In the event of a dog bite, the contact information for the other dog and/or owner" … "Dog Bite Statement Form" … "please call the non-emergency RCMP number at 604-945-1550 or the 24-Hour Engineering Customer Service number at 604-927-3500"
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control, How to Report](https://www.coquitlam.ca/1059/Animal-Care-and-Control)
  - Official wording: "To report an Animal Care & Control Bylaw concern, call 604-927-3580 or email Bylaw Services."
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Fine:** Bylaw notice (within 14 days / full): aggressive dog at large $200 / $300; aggressive dog improperly leashed, in an off-leash area or without ID $150 / $200; vicious dog at large $400 / $500; vicious dog not leashed, not muzzled, improperly unattended, in an off-leash area or without ID $300 / $400; no vicious-dog warning sign $150 / $200; failing to remain at a dog bite $100 / $150. Municipal ticket: $1,000 for each.
  - Source: [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3749, 2006 (consolidated July 2026), Schedule A, Animal Care and Control Bylaw](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303017)
  - Official wording: "Aggressive dog at large 11.4.1 200 300" … "Aggressive dog not 11.4.2 150 200" … "Aggressive dog in off leash 11.4.3 150 200" … "Aggressive dog without ID 11.4.4 150 200" … "Vicious dog at large 11.7.1 400 500" … "Vicious dog not 11.7.2 300 400" … "Vicious dog not muzzled 11.7.3 300 400" … "Vicious dog improperly un- 11.7.4 300 400" … "Vicious dog warning sign not 11.7.5 150 200" … "Vicious dog in off leash area 11.7.6 300 400" … "Vicious dog without 11.7.7 300 400" … "Fail to remain at dog bite 10.9 100 150"
  - Source: [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 4320, 2012 (consolidated July 2026), Schedule B-1](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303001)
  - Official wording: "Aggressive dog at large 11.4.1 1000" … "Vicious dog at large 11.7.1 1000" … "Vicious dog not muzzled 11.7.3 1000"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06
- **Bylaw:** Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022), s. 1](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
  - Official wording: "Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011"
  - Source: [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022), Recital C](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
  - Official wording: "authority to regulate and control dangerous dogs"
  - Check: wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-06

## How it works

A Bylaw Enforcement Officer may send a written report to the Animal Control Manager, who decides whether to designate the dog "aggressive" or "vicious" under the [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 4240](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110) and gives the owner written notice. An aggressive dog has, without provocation, shown aggressive behaviour to a person or animal in a public place, or caused a minor injury. A vicious dog has caused minor injuries more than once, or the manager has reasonable grounds from repeated aggressive behaviour, or it is a Dangerous Dog under the Community Charter.

## Rules for owners

- Aggressive dog: never at large; in public on a non-retractable leash no longer than 1.2 m; no off-leash areas; permanent ID (tattoo or microchip) within one month.
- Vicious dog: all of those, plus a muzzle in public; when unattended, locked in an enclosure inside locked, fenced premises; warning signs at every entrance; tell the City within 3 days if the dog moves or dies, and tell any new owner of the designation.
- A dog needs permanent ID before it can be licensed as aggressive or vicious.

## Good to know

- An aggressive designation can be removed after one year with no further incidents or complaints, a completed training course and permanent ID. It cannot be removed if the dog was designated more than once.
- For a vicious designation, you may make written representations within 14 days of notice.
- Bylaw notices (within 14 days / full): aggressive dog at large $200 / $300; vicious dog at large $400 / $500; failing to remain at a dog bite $100 / $150. Other breaches are $150 to $400. A municipal ticket is $1,000 for each.
- To report a dog, call 604-927-3580 or 604-927-7387 with your name, address and phone number; anonymous complaints are not accepted. After a bite the City sends a Dog Bite Statement Form.
- Vicious-dog emergency after hours: RCMP non-emergency 604-945-1550 or 24-hour Engineering Customer Service 604-927-3500.

## Official forms and pages

- [Animal Care and Control Bylaw 4240 (PDF)](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110)
- [Complaint Process](https://www.coquitlam.ca/528/Complaint-Process)

## Related questions

- [Coquitlam dog leash rules and off-leash areas](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/dog-leash-rules.md)
- [Coquitlam dog licences: fees and how to get one](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/dog-licence.md)

## The same question elsewhere

- [Dangerous dog rules in British Columbia, by municipality](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Port Coquitlam](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-coquitlam/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Port Moody](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/port-moody/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Belcarra](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/belcarra/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Anmore](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/anmore/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [New Westminster](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/new-westminster/dangerous-dogs.md)
- [Burnaby](https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/burnaby/dangerous-dogs.md)

## Sources

- [Animal Care and Control Bylaw No. 4240, 2011 (consolidated June 2022) (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=4572110) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Fees and Charges Bylaw No. 5484, 2025, Schedule I (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6285879) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 3749, 2006 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303017) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Municipal Ticket Information Bylaw No. 4320, 2012 (consolidated July 2026) (PDF), City of Coquitlam](https://publicdocs.coquitlam.ca/coquitlamdoc/getdocIF.asp?doc=6303001) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Complaint Process, City of Coquitlam](https://www.coquitlam.ca/528/Complaint-Process) (read 2026-11-05)
- [Animal Care and Control, City of Coquitlam](https://www.coquitlam.ca/1059/Animal-Care-and-Control) (read 2026-11-05)

_Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. Gov Handbook is an independent guide, not affiliated with City of Coquitlam. How answers are checked: https://govhandbook.com/methods/ · Canonical page: https://govhandbook.com/ca/bc/coquitlam/dangerous-dogs/_