Excess Animal Permit
An approved Excess Animal Permit (EAP) allows a resident to legally own or harbour more than the legal limit of pets.
Residents who have an approved EAP must still comply with the other aspects of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw including minimizing barking, etc.
A person having more than six dogs and cats over the age of six months, or more than four dogs over the age of six months, without holding a valid Excess Animal Permit may face charges under the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law.
How to apply
Application package
The EAP application package can be picked up at Animal Services or printed online. It includes:
- Application form
- Support form
- Support should include signatures of neighbours within your immediate area.
- It is especially helpful if your immediate neighbours (north, south, east and west) have indicated support for your application.
- Animal care check form
Complete application
Once your application package is fully complete, return to Animal Services and pay non-refundable application fee.
An Animal Services Officer will inspect your home. During an inspection, an Officer checks for:
- Health of animals - animals appear healthy and are being treated for any health issues
- Cleanliness of home - animals living in a clean home with little odors that could affect the pets or homeowners
- Minimal prior complaints regarding an applicant’s pets having an effect on their neighbors
- Full pet licensing compliance
Animal Services will review your application and the results of the inspection and make a recommendation to your Community Committee. This recommendation will include:
- Approval or non-approval of an EAP application
- Amount of animals to be allowed
- Length of time for permit
- An approved EAP holder is inspected annually and pays a non-refundable inspection fee
- Re-application can occur after expiry of an EAP
Appear before your area's Community Committee
You will be notified by letter once your appearance has been scheduled and advised of:
- The Community Committee meeting date, time and location.
- The date that required property posters will be available for pick-up at Animal Services.
- These posters indicate to your neighbours that you are requesting an EAP.
- The date that the required property posters must be erected and maintained on the subject property.
As the applicant you will be responsible to attend or authorize some other person to represent you at the Community Committee public hearing. You will be advised of the date, time and location. If you fail to appear or be represented, the application will be considered in your absence.
The decision of Community Committee cannot be appealed.
Frequently asked questions
While breeding is legal, Animal Services highly recommends you spay/neuter your pets to help control the pet overpopulation problem. There is an abundance of dogs and cats available for adoption at shelters and rescues. Breeders require a Breeding Permit.
All unsterilized dogs and cats over the age of 6 months require an Intact Pet Licence.
If you plan to operate a kennel, you will require permits from the City of Winnipeg, Planning, Property and Development Department - Zoning Division, as well as the necessary provincial permits. Contact the Province of Manitoba at 204-945-7662 for more information.
Visit the Report animal concern webpage.
No, the restriction on the number of dogs and cats in the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law refers only to animals over the age of six months.
Yes - the Responsible Pet Ownership By-law only regulates the number of cats and dogs someone can have. If you have concerns regarding cruelty or neglect, visit the Province's Animal Care and Handling page.