Cochrane is a pet-friendly community, and responsible pet ownership helps keep our town safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you have a dog or cat, here’s what you need to know about pet regulations, licensing and what to do if your pet goes missing.
Animal licences
Under Cochrane’s Animal Bylaw 04/2016, all dogs and cats must be licensed. Licensing helps reunite lost pets with their owners and supports local animal services.
- Cats must stay on their owner’s property and are not allowed to roam freely.
- Dogs must always be under their owner’s control when off their property. They must be leashed unless in designated off-leash areas.
Learn more about animal licences.
Finding a lost pet
If your pet is missing, don’t panic. Animal Services officers impound pets found running at large and attempt to return them home if they have proper identification. If not, they will be taken to the local animal shelter.
Your pet may be impounded if:
- it does not have a current licence
- the owner information in our system is outdated
- no one over 18 years old is home to accept the animal
At the shelter, Animal Services will check for a tattoo or microchip and assess the pet’s health. Licensed pets are held for 10 days before being transferred to the Cochrane and Area Humane Society, if unclaimed.
To find out if your pet is at the shelter, call 403-851-2532.
If your pet is not at the shelter, try the following:
- Confirm with members of your household that no one has your pet or knows where it is.
- Search your home thoroughly — look through closets and hampers, behind furniture and in any other small space where your pet could be hiding.
- Ask friends and family to help search your neighbourhood.
- Contact local vet clinics and animal shelters.
- If you still can’t find your pet, post signs with its picture, any important details and your contact information around your neighbourhood.
If you don’t live in Cochrane, contact your local municipality:
- Rocky View County — 403-230-1401
- MD of Bighorn — 403-233-7678
- MD of Foothills — 403-652-2341
You can also check with the Cochrane and Area Humane Society to see if your pet has been brought in.