Under Coalhurst’s Responsible Animal Control and Ownership Bylaw, dogs in Coalhurst must be licensed; however, cats do not require a license. Pets must remain on their owner’s property and may not roam freely. If walking a dog, the animal must be on a leash except in designated off-leash areas.
A maximum of up to three cats (over the age of three months) and two dogs are allowed to live on a Coalhurst property, unless an owner has been approved for and is in possession of a fanciers license.
You can read the complete Responsible Animal Control and Ownership Bylaw here.
DOG LICENSES
You can apply for a dog license at the Town Office during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, except holidays).
- Licenses are to be renewed on or before July 31 of each year
- NOTE: Prior to February 2025, Coalhurst dog licenses had to be renewed by January 31 of each year. However, with the adoption of the new animal control bylaw, the deadline for renewal is now July 31.
- Owners who purchased or renewed their license in 2025 do not have to renew their license again until July 31, 2026. As of August 1, 2026, dog licenses must be renewed every 12 months, no later than July 31 of each year.
- For annual dog license fees, check out the Fees and Rates Bylaw here.
- Payments can be made:
- in-person at the Town Office with cash or debit card
- by dropping a cheque in the all-hours drop box at the entrance to the Town Office
- by cheque in the mail
- by e-transfer: [email protected]
- When making a renewal payment, please ensure you reference your pet’s name and the dog license number.
- To make changes to your dog license account, please call the Town Office at 403-381-3033 or email [email protected].
FINDING A LOST PET
Has your pet gone missing? It is possible a Community Peace Officer has impounded your animal if they were found running at large. If the animal is wearing identification, attempts will be made to reconnect them with you. If after 72 hours (not including Sundays or statutory holidays) the animal has not been claimed, the Town has the right to allow the animal to be adopted, taken to an animal rescue, SPCA, or foster home.
A Peace Officer will make a reasonable effort after an animal has been impounded to contact the owner.
To see if your pet has been impounded, please contact the Town Office at 403-381-3033 or the Peace Officer at 403-635-2529.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does Coalhurst have a dog off-leash area?
A new off-leash park is currently being built in the southeast portion of Coalhurst, along 55th Avenue and Range Road 223. The park is expected to be completed in summer 2025 and will include double gated entry points and an area specified for small dogs.
What is considered ‘excessive barking’?
For barking to be in violation of the animal control bylaw, it must be frequent and persistent, and disturbing to the neighbourhood (more than one complaint), unless otherwise determined at the discretion of a Peace Officer.
Do I have to purchase a pet license for my cat?
No. Cats do not require a pet license within Coalhurst.
Can I have urban hens within Coalhurst?
Under Urban Hen Bylaw 431-21, a maximum number of 10 urban hen licenses may be issued to properties within Coalhurst. Under one of those licenses, a person may keep up to five (5) urban hens, but cannot have a rooster. Licenses must be renewed by January 31 of each year. Read the complete Urban Hen Bylaw here.
QUESTIONS?
If you have further questions, please contact us by phone at 403-381-3033, or by emailing us at [email protected] or [email protected].