Kennel Licensing
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Effective March 6, 2023, By-Law 2221 regulating and licensing dog kennels was enacted by Council. All operators of kennels and dog daycares require an approved and issued licence from the Town of Essex.
A Kennel Licence is required for all premises, including outdoor areas, buildings, structures, or shelters, that are used or intended to be used for the purpose of breeding dogs, boarding dogs, dog daycare, recreation of dogs, or where dogs are housed for similar purposes. The Kennel Licence is required to be posted on the premises in a visible location.
In addition to this, there are specific provisions for Boarding Kennels, Breeding Kennels, Dog Daycare, and Recreational Kennels.
Every licence issued pursuant to the by-law shall expire on December 31. Owners/operators of kennels or dog daycares are required to renew their licence prior to its expiry. By-Law Enforcement Officers may conduct inspections of all kennels throughout the year to ensure compliance with the by-law.
In order to obtain a licence from the Town to operate a kennel or dog daycare, the operator must demonstrate that the operation meets the provisions of By-Law 2221. The applicant must submit a completed and signed application form, along with the required fee for a new or renewal application.
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Boarding Kennels |
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A boarding kennel licence is required if more than 3 dogs over the age of 6 months are boarded or trained for any period of time, that includes an overnight stay, for remuneration. |
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Breeding Kennel |
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A breeding kennel licence is required if more than 3 dogs and less than 11 dogs over the age of 6 months are owned and being bred or raised. A breeding kennel licence is also required if 11 or more dogs over the age of 6 months are owned and being bred or raised, but the primary housing for such dogs must be in an accessory building or structure on the property. |
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Recreational Kennel |
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A recreational kennel licence is required if more than 3 dogs and less than 11 dogs over the age of 6 months are owned, and raised for non-commercial recreational purposes without remuneration, such as dog sledding, but are not bred for sale. This limit of 10 dogs over the age of 6 months does not include:
A recreational kennel licence is also required if 11 or more dogs over the age of 6 months and owned and raised for non-commercial recreational purposes without remuneration and are not bred for sale, but the primary housing for such dogs must be in an accessory building or structure on the property. |
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Dog Daycare |
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A dog daycare licence is required if dogs are boarded at a residential facility for an aggregate period not exceeding 14 hours within a 24 hour period. During this time, the dogs are socialized with other dogs in an open, controlled, and secure setting and typically the dogs are not kept in individual kennels or dog runs. The dogs boarded in a dog daycare are typically boarded for short periods of time and during the majority of the dog’s stay, the dogs are socializing and playing wit other dogs. A dog daycare licence is not required at a location where 3 or less dogs are kept, and the dogs are licensed by the Town of Essex and owned by the person residing at that property. |
Kennel Zoning Regulations
- A kennel must be located within an Agricultural District 1.1 (A1.1) as determined by the Zoning By-Law.
- A kennel, which is not entirely within a dwelling, shall be a minimum of 60m (200f) from a dwelling not on the same lot as the kennel.
Kennel Licensing Requirements
- The applicant must be at least 18 years of age.
- The applicant must submit a detailed plan (which includes the maximum number of dogs, procedures as to how sickness and injuries to a dog will be handled, the name and telephone number of emergency veterinarian on call, and procedures for emergency evacuation).
- The premises must comply with the Zoning By-Law, Ontario Building Code, property standards requirements, and all applicable by-laws of the Town.
- If deemed necessary by the Town, the Fire Chief or designate must confirm the premises complies with all applicable fire regulations.
- The applicant must agree to indemnify and save harmless the Town.
- The applicant must provide proof of commercial liability insurance coverage in the amount of not less than $2,000,000 and endorsed to provide the Clerk with 3 days prior notice of any cancellation or material change in the insurance.
- There must be no convictions or outstanding orders against the applicant in reference to cruelty to animals.
- The applicant must pay the prescribed fee.
- The applicant must comply with the Code of Practice for the Canadian Kennel Operations, established by the Canadian Veterinarian Medical Association.
Kennel Licensing Application
New kennel or dog daycare operations must submit a completed and signed Application for a New Kennel Licence, along with the required fee. The application will not be considered a complete application until the licence fee is paid.
Please note all kennels and dog daycares will be treated as a New Kennel Licence for the 2024 calendar year to ensure compliance with By-Law 2221.
Following the initial application, kennel and dog daycare operations will be able to yearly apply for a licence renewal by submitting a completed and signed Application for a Kennel Licence Renewal, along with the required fee.
Payment can be made in person by cash, cheque, or debit at:
Essex Town Hall
33 Talbot Street South, Essex
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm
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Kennel Licence Fees |
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Type of Kennel |
New (per kennel) |
Renewal (per kennel) |
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Boarding Kennel Licence |
$120.00 |
$90.00 |
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Breeding Kennel Licence |
$150.00 |
$120.00 |
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Recreational Kennel Licence |
$100.00 |
$70.00 |
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Dog Daycare Licence |
$150.00 |
$120.00 |
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