Pets are important to Red Deerians, and The City wants to ensure the safety of not only those pets, but all residents. There have been discussions over the years about cats, and other pets that residents may have, or would consider keeping on their property. This public participation process was conducted in order to hear from residents about what animals they would like The City to consider regulating, and garner feedback on implementing an animal bylaw.
Future Animal Bylaw

Future Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw
Pets are important to Red Deerians, and The City wants to ensure the safety of not only those pets, but all residents. There have been discussions over the years about cats, and other pets that residents may have, or would consider keeping on their property. The goal of the public participation process was to hear from residents about what animals they would like The City to consider regulating, and garner feedback on implementing an animal bylaw.
Public Participation Summary:
In February of 2021, hundreds of residents provided their input about keeping animals in our city - everything from cats to bees to chickens - what works, what doesn't and what you want us to regulate going forward.
Residents told us their top three issues were:
- Cats roaming
- Dogs roaming off-leash
- Dog feces
Read the full What We Heard Report. (pdf)
Read the draft Bylaw. (pdf)
In October 2022, residents had the opportunity to view the draft bylaw and tell us if we got it right. The survey closed October 21, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in September 2009, a new dog bylaw came into place addressing aggressive dogs and the ownership of dogs in general. On July 7, 2014, Red Deer City Council approved a Chicken Bylaw to regulate and control the keeping of chickens on a property within an urban area. This Bylaw requires residents to apply for and maintain a Chicken License on an annual basis. The Cat Bylaw was created and implemented in 1996 and is in need of updating to cover current issues.
Now that we have gathered initial public feedback, have a draft Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw, we want to check with you that we got it right. Share your thoughts on the draft bylaw until October 21, 2022. We anticipate the draft bylaw to go to City Council for review in late 2022.
For more information
Phone: 403-342-8111
Email: licensing@reddeer.ca