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The term “dog at large” is commonly used in animal bylaws and animal control work, but many pet owners are not fully sure what it means. Some people assume it only applies to aggressive dogs, stray dogs, or dogs that have been missing for a long time. In reality, a dog at large is usually… Read more: What Is a Dog at Large, and Why Does It Matter?

Cats are curious, agile, and natural hunters. For many cat owners, allowing a cat outdoors may seem like a normal part of pet ownership. Cats may enjoy exploring, climbing, sunning themselves, and watching the world around them. However, outdoor access also comes with real risks, both for cats and for local wildlife. Responsible cat ownership… Read more: Outdoor Cats and Wildlife: Why Responsible Cat Ownership Matters

Many dogs have a natural instinct to chase. A bird taking flight, a deer crossing a trail, a rabbit darting through grass, or a squirrel running up a tree can all trigger a dog’s prey drive. For some dogs, the chase happens quickly, before the owner has time to react. While it may seem harmless… Read more: Why Dogs Should Never Be Allowed To Chase Wildlife

Finding a cat outside can be confusing. Unlike dogs, cats are often seen roaming independently, and it is not always obvious whether a cat is lost, owned, stray, or part of a community cat population. Some cats spend time outdoors and know their way home. Others may be indoor cats that have escaped and are… Read more: What To Do If You Find a Lost Cat

Trails are shared spaces. They are used by dog owners, hikers, runners, cyclists, families, children, seniors, and people who may or may not feel comfortable around dogs. In many communities, trails are also used by wildlife and connect through sensitive natural areas. Because so many different users rely on these spaces, courtesy matters. For dog… Read more: Be Courteous on Trails: If a Dog Needs Space, Give Them Space

Many cat owners keep their cats indoors to protect them from traffic, predators, disease, harsh weather, and other outdoor risks. Indoor living can be a safe and healthy choice for cats, but it can also create a false sense of security. Even indoor cats can get lost. A cat does not need to be an… Read more: Indoor Cats Can Get Lost Too: How To Prevent Escapes

Many cat owners believe identification is only necessary for outdoor cats. If a cat lives safely inside, it may seem unlikely that they would ever become lost. Unfortunately, indoor cats can and do escape. A door may be left open, a window screen may come loose, guests may arrive, contractors may enter the home, or… Read more: Why Cat Identification Matters, Even for Indoor Cats

Many dog owners have heard the phrase, “Don’t worry, my dog is friendly.” It is often said with good intentions, usually when an off-leash dog is running toward another dog. But while the approaching dog may be friendly, that does not mean the interaction is safe, welcome, or appropriate. When an off-leash dog approaches a… Read more: Why Off-Leash Dogs Should Not Approach Leashed Dogs Without Permission

In many communities, dog owners hear the phrase “under control” when talking about responsible pet ownership, public spaces, trails, parks, and animal bylaws. But what does it actually mean? A dog being “under control” does not simply mean the owner can see the dog. It does not mean the dog is friendly. It does not… Read more: What Is a Dog Under Control, and What Is Not?

Summer is a great time to get outside with your dog, but warm weather also brings added safety risks. One of the most overlooked hazards for dogs during the summer months is hot pavement. While many owners think about hydration, shade, and avoiding hot cars, they may not realize how quickly asphalt, concrete, sidewalks, parking… Read more: Paws on Hot Pavement: How To Keep Your Dog Safe During Summer Walks

Coastal Animal Services would like to provide a quick update to the community regarding recent email issues. As part of ongoing updates to the back end of our system, we experienced some technical difficulties with our email service. We are aware that some residents and partners may have had trouble reaching us by email during… Read more: Update: Email Service Restored

Warm weather can create serious risks for dogs, especially when they are left inside parked vehicles. Every year, animal services, police, and welfare organizations receive calls from concerned members of the public who see dogs left in cars during hot weather. In many cases, the owner may believe they will only be gone for a… Read more: Dogs in Hot Cars: What To Do and When To Call for Help

Coastal Animal Services is proud to share that we have joined the Local Government Compliance and Enforcement Association of British Columbia, commonly known as LGCEA BC. This is an important step forward for our team, our municipal partners, and the communities we serve. As animal services work continues to evolve across British Columbia, professional development,… Read more: Coastal Animal Services Joins LGCEA BC: A Step Forward for Education, Compliance, and Community Safety

Animal bylaws help communities balance pet ownership, public safety, animal welfare, and neighbourhood comfort. For pet owners in British Columbia, understanding local bylaws is an important part of responsible ownership. Rules can vary by municipality or regional district, so owners should always check the bylaws that apply in their own community. Local governments in British… Read more: Understanding Animal Bylaws in British Columbia

Pet licensing is one of the simplest parts of responsible dog ownership, but it is also one of the most valuable. Many owners think of a licence as a yearly requirement or a small administrative task, but a current pet licence can make a major difference if your dog ever becomes lost. In many communities,… Read more: Why Pet Licensing Is One of the Most Important Things You Can Do for Your Dog

Animal Control Officers are often misunderstood. Many people think their work is limited to picking up stray dogs, but their role is much broader. Animal Control Officers help protect public safety, support animal welfare, enforce local bylaws, educate residents, and reunite lost pets with their families. Their work is an important part of community animal… Read more: What Animal Control Officers Actually Do?