Dogs & animal control — North Cowichan, British Columbia
Do I need a dog licence? What are the leash rules?
In the District Municipality of North Cowichan, British Columbia, licence required: True; licence fee: Fee prescribed in Fees Bylaw (amount not stated in this bylaw); leash rule: Dogs must be on leash not exceeding 6 feet held by a Competent Person in public places; off-leash permitted in designated areas listed in Schedule B; max animals: No more than 3 dogs over 8 weeks and no more than 5 cats over 12 weeks (max 6 companion animals total); kennel licence required for 4+ dogs. Source: Animal Responsibility Bylaw, verified 2026-06-08.
Animal Responsibility Bylaw
adopted bylaw
licence required
True
s. 41
licence fee
Fee prescribed in Fees Bylaw (amount not stated in this bylaw)
s. 42
leash rule
Dogs must be on leash not exceeding 6 feet held by a Competent Person in public places; off-leash permitted in designated areas listed in Schedule B
s. 29; s. 31
max animals
No more than 3 dogs over 8 weeks and no more than 5 cats over 12 weeks (max 6 companion animals total); kennel licence required for 4+ dogs
s. 3; s. 56
fine range
Not more than $10,000 per offence
s. 112
scout note
Governs ownership and control of animals including dogs; sets licensing, leashing, and dangerous-animal requirements.