How many dogs or cats you can keep in Vanderhoof
How many dogs or cats can I keep in Vanderhoof?
Short answer
In Vanderhoof, no one may own more than three dogs or more than three cats at one time. Animals six months old or younger are not counted. To keep more, you need a $200 kennel licence.
Key facts
| Dogs allowed | No person may own more than three dogs at any one time (a dog is an animal of the canine species over six months old).Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018, Part 3 s. 5 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingNo person shall own more than three (3) dogs at any one time. means a male or female domesticated animal of the canine species over the age of six (6) months |
|---|---|
| Cats allowed | No person may own more than three cats at any one time (a cat is over six months old).Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018, Part 3 s. 6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingNo person shall own more than three (3) cats at any one time. |
| Other animal limits | Part 3 s. 7 also limits a person to three cats or dogs, or a maximum of five cats and dogs (the wording is unclear). Farm animals, including hens, have separate rules.Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018, Part 3 s. 7 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordinga more than three (3) cats or dogs, or a maximum of five (5) cats and dogs |
| Exceptions | Puppies and kittens six months old or younger are not counted: a dog or cat is an animal over six months old. To keep more than the limits, apply for a kennel licence ($200). It does not replace a business licence, and a new kennel must follow the Zoning Bylaw.Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018, Part 3 s. 8; Part 6 s. 2-4; Schedule A · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingIf a person wishes to have over the prescribed limits for cats and dogs, they must apply to the Municipality for a kennel license. A kennel license is not a substitute for a business license. Kennel License $200.00 “Dog” means a male or female domesticated animal of the canine species over the age of six (6) months; “Cat” means a male or female domesticated animal of the feline species over the age of six (6) |
| Fine | Bylaw notice: more than 3 dogs $250 ($190 if paid within 14 days; $375 after 30 days). More than 3 cats: $250 ($190; $375).Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1288, 2025, Schedule A, A.1 Animal Control Bylaw, s. 3.5, 3.6 · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingMore than 3 dogs 250 190 375 More than 3 cats 250 190 375 |
| Bylaw | District of Vanderhoof Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018, s. 1 (Citation) · Wording matched the official text retrieved 2026-11-08Official wordingDistrict of Vanderhoof Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018 |
How it works
The Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018 says no person may own more than three dogs at one time, and no more than three cats at one time. A dog or cat is an animal over six months old, so younger puppies and kittens are not counted.
Steps
- To keep more than the limit, apply for a kennel licence ($200) at the Municipal Office, 160 Connaught Street, or call 250-567-4711.
- A new kennel must also follow the Zoning Bylaw. The kennel licence does not replace a business licence.
Good to know
- Another section of the bylaw also limits a person to three cats or dogs, or a maximum of five cats and dogs, and the wording is unclear. Ask the District which applies to you.
- Farm animals, including hens, have separate rules. See the chickens and livestock answer.
- Bylaw notice for more than 3 dogs: $250 ($190 if paid within 14 days; $375 after 30 days). More than 3 cats: the same amounts.
Official forms and pages
The same question in other places
Fort St James · Prince George · Mackenzie · Quesnel · Houston · Granisle
Sources
- Animal Control Bylaw No. 1183, 2018 (PDF), District of Vanderhoof (read 2026-11-08)
- Bylaw Notice Enforcement Bylaw No. 1288, 2025 (PDF), District of Vanderhoof (read 2026-11-08)
- Contact, District of Vanderhoof (read 2026-11-08)
Checked by script, not yet by a person: the official wording behind 6 of 6 facts was matched to the official text. How answers are checked.