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Animal Services

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1. What should I do if my pet is lost?

First of all, don't panic! There are many things you can do. Double-check with members of your household to ensure that no one has your pet, or knows where your pet is. Do a thorough search of your home: if you have lost a cat or small dog, look carefully through closets and hampers, behind furniture and any other small space your pet could be hiding in.

Enlist the help of friends and family to search the neighbourhood. Ask them to carry cell phones so they can contact you when they find your pet. Contact neighbours, local vet clinics and other animal shelters to ask if they have seen your pet. To find out if your pet is at the animal shelter, call 403-851-2532 to arrange an appointment to view impounded animals. Place a lost pet report on Petlynx. If necessary, make posters with your pet’s picture to put up around your neighbourhood.

2. I have lost my pet, but I don’t live in Cochrane, who can I contact?

Depending on where you live, you must contact the County or Municipal District in which you reside. You can also contact the Cochrane and Area Humane Society at 403-932-2072 to see if your pet has been brought in. If you have internet access, you can create a lost report for your animal at Petlynx.

Contact Numbers:

• Rocky View County: 403-230-1401
• MD of Bighorn: 403-233-7678
• MD of Foothills: 403-652-2341

3. When does my dog require a licence?

All dogs that reside within the Town of Cochrane must be licensed with the Town. The owner of an animal shall obtain a licence for such animal on the first day on which the Town Office is open for business after the dog becomes three months of age.

4. How much does a dog licence cost?

Dog licences for a spayed or neutered dog cost $35. The cost for an unaltered dog is $70. The fine for an unlicensed dog is $150. For more details, visit the licences and fees section online.

5. Does my cat need to be licenced within the Town of Cochrane?

Yes, all cats over three months old must have a current Town of Cochrane licence. Licences can be purchased at the Cochrane RancheHouse at 101 RancheHouse Road, Cochrane (cash, debit, VISA and MasterCard) or by phone at 403-851-2500 (VISA and MasterCard). Cat licences can also be purchased online once you fill out a registration form. 

6. Why does my cat need a licence?

All cats over three months old must have a current Town of Cochrane licence.  One of the most important things you can do to keep your cat healthy is to prevent it from roaming at-large. 

Even if your cat is already tattooed or microchipped, a Town licence is an essential form of traceable identification. An annual licence renewal gives owners an opportunity to update contact information, making sure their cat can be returned safely should they become lost.

7. What if my cat never goes outside?

Even the best cared for cats sometimes make a break for the great outdoors. Municipal Enforcement sees numerous indoor cats each year that took advantage of a door or window that was accidentally left open. As a responsible pet owner, you can protect your cat by licensing it and providing permanent identification such as a tattoo or microchip. For information on tattoos and microchips contact your veterinarian.

8. How much does a cat licence cost?

Cat licences for a spayed or neutered cat cost $15. The cost for an unaltered cat is $40. For more details, visit the licences and fees section online.

9. What does an animal licence pay for?

Animal licence payments are used to:

- Reunite lost cats and dogs with their owners
- Shelter and feed lost cats and dogs
- Deliver public education programs
- Help neighbours resolve their animal-related conflicts
- Provide emergency care to cats and dogs for injured animals
- Waste bag dispenser program on our pathway systems
- Online animal search
- Free trip home with active license

10. How can I purchase a licence for my dog or cat?

Dog and cat licences can be purchased on our website: just fill out the form online or visit our office at The Station (306 Railway St W) or Cochrane RancheHouse (101 RancheHouse Road). Once the application has been processed we will mail you the tag and the payment information. Please refer to the back of your renewal notice for payment methods. If you wish to pay by phone please call 403-851-2500 and ask to be transferred to animal licensing.

11. If I move does my information automatically change?

No, if you move your information does not update for your dog or cat licence. To ensure proper return of your dog or cat, it is your responsibility to keep all your information up-to-date. Update Information form

12. If my dog or cat is no longer in my care or deceased, do I have to let anyone know?

Yes, if your animal is no longer in your care or deceased please update your information with the Town of Cochrane. To update your information please contact us at animal.licenses@cochrane.ca or use the Update Information Form

13. What happens if Animal Services picks up my pet?

Animal Services officers impound pets found running at large. If the animal is wearing identification, officers will attempt to take him or her home. If the animal does not have a current licence, or the owner information in our system is not up-to-date, or if there is no one over 18 years of age at home to accept the animal, he or she will be taken to the animal shelter.

Upon your pet's arrival at the shelter, Animal Services will check for a tattoo, microchip and overall health. If the animal has a tattoo or other identification, and the name and address of the owner are known, he or she is held for 10 days, during which time every effort is made to contact the owners. Animals that are not picked up within 10 days are turned over to the Cochrane and Area Humane Society.

14. Does Cochrane have a dog off-leash area?

Actually, the Town of Cochrane has four dog off-leash areas (see the map):

• South end of River Avenue
  The pathway is paved and there is access to the river, where dogs can swim. 
• Under the Hwy 22 bridge
  Park in boat launch parking accessible from Griffin Rd east of Highway 22. Dogs must be leashed until in the dog off-leash area. This area is a large space that is excellent for playing fetch. 
• West side of Hwy 22 between Quigley Dr and West Rock Rd
• South of West Rock Rd along Hwy 22
  Puppy and small dogs only.

No matter which park you use, dogs are required to be under control of the owner while in an off-leash area. Dog poop bag dispensers and garbage cans are located at all parks.

15. What are my responsibilities when I am out with my dog?

When you are out in the community, your dog must be on leash at all times. At an off-leash park, make sure that your dog is under your control at all times. This means that he must be able to respond to voice, sound or visual signs and be in your sight at all times.

Always pick up after your dog; this helps prevent the spread of disease from dog-to-dog and dog-to-human. If you forget a bag, look for one of the poop bag dispensers near Town pathways.

Pets left in cars must have sufficient ventilation, but not a way to reach people who walk by the car. Keep in mind that on a hot day, a dog can suffer heat stroke in 10 minutes. It is wisest not to leave your dog in the car on summer days.

Dogs in the back of pick-up trucks must be secured at all times.

16. All dogs bark, why can’t my dog bark?

This is not a change to the current Animal Bylaw. Barking is a natural canine behaviour. It is unrealistic to think you can train your dog to stop barking altogether. However, you, your neighbors and your dog will all be much happier if the barking is kept under control. The dog owner must ensure that the barking does not become a nuisance to others. Proper training, supervision and adequate exercise and stimulation will help prevent problem barking.

17. What should I do if I get a dog bite?

If you (or someone you know) have been bitten by a dog, get medical attention. Also, call Animal Services at 403-851-2532 to report the incident. Be prepared to provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Your name, address, home and business numbers
  
• The current location of the dog that bit you
  
• Names and phone numbers of witnesses of the incident and brief details
  
• The time, date and location of the incident
  
• The breed, size and colour of the dog
  
• Collars, markings or any identifying features of the dog
  
• Who the owner is and where the dog lives
  

18. Why aren't cats allowed outside?

Cats are allowed outside but must remain on their owner’s property at all times. Cats that roam can easily become lost. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives because they are safe from vehicles, animal cruelty, dogs and wildlife. Keeping them indoors prevents the spread of feline leukemia and parasites that can lead to expensive vet bills. Keeping cats on the owner’s property reduces neighbourhood disputes about the cat being at large, defecation and damage to other animals.

19. What should I do if my neighbour's cat is being a nuisance?

Cat owners must keep cats on their own property. If a neighbour’s cat is being a nuisance in your yard, and you know where he lives, we suggest discussing the situation with the cat’s owner. If your discussion is unsuccessful, or you are not comfortable talking to your neighbour, you can register a complaint with Animal Services by calling 403-851-2532.