When applying for a license, the owner of the animal must provide:

Please note: All brand-new Animal Licenses must be purchased in person at the Town Office at 309B Macleod Trail SW, High River, AB. Once purchased, a new animal tag will be provided and registered to your animal.

• A description of the animal, including the breed, name, gender, age, and physical description.
• The name, address, and contact telephone number of the owner.
• If applicable, information establishing that the dog is neutered, spayed, or intact.
• Any other information a Peace Officer may require.

The holder of an animal license must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, renew licenses annually, and pay the fee for a license prior to receiving the license.

For more information on what you may need to acquire a pet license, please visit Part 2, Section 19 of the Animal Control Bylaw.

Already have a pet license? Renewing it is easy:

Log in to Citizen Self-Service: Use the same User ID you use for utilities, property taxes, business licenses, or invoicing.

Don't have a User ID? Email corporateservices@highriver.ca and we'll help you set up an account.

If you or Someone you know finds a dog or cat within Town limits, please contact Protective Services at 403.603.3643. We ask that you keep the animal away from your pet. Someone will come to pick up the animal or communicate with you directly about the next steps. You can also post a photo of the animal on social media in hopes that the owner will be located.

If you have lost your pet, please contact Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation, as most of the pets we pick up are taken there. You can also look on social media to see if Someone has located your pet.

If you or Someone you know has been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention if necessary and contact Protective Services immediately.

Right After the Bite (First Aid):

1. Stay Calm & Safe: Move away from the dog and assess the injury.
2. Stop the Bleeding (if necessary): Use a clean cloth or bandage and apply gentle pressure.
3. Clean the Wound: Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 5-10 minutes. Use antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or alcohol (if available).
4. Apply an Antibiotic Ointment (like Neosporin) and cover it with a clean bandage.
5. Exchange Information: Share names and phone numbers to assist in our investigation.

Seek Medical Attention If:

• The wound is deep, won't stop bleeding, or looks infected (red, swollen, warm, pus).
• You don't know the dog's vaccination history or if the dog is a stray.
• You haven't had a tetanus shot in the past 5-10 years.
• You're bitten on your face, hands, or joints – these are more prone to complications.
• You have a weakened immune system or other health conditions.

• Animal Control Bylaw
• Report a Concern
• Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation
• Highview Animal Clinic
• High River Veterinary Clinic
• Riverwood Veterinary Clinic

All dogs and cats 6 months or older must have a valid pet license and tags so that we can contact you if your pet gets lost. Keeping your pet licensed increases the likelihood that we will be able to reunite you if it ever gets lost.

Cats do not require an animal license within the Town of High River.

Urban chickens and bees Bylaws permit residents within town limits to keep chickens and beehives for personal use only. To learn more about urban chickens and bees, please visit our Keeping Chickens or Bees page.

Dangerous dogs and irresponsible pet owners can be reported to Municipal Enforcement by filling out and submitting a Report of Concern form. In severe cases, individuals can contact local RCMP to submit a report.

Yes, the Town of High River operates two off-leash dog parks within Town limits. One is behind the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex (South of 8 Avenue SE and 2 Street SE), and the second is next to the Canadian Tire (East of 5 Street SE). Visit our Playgrounds for Dogs page for more information.

While spraying and neutering are not legislated in High River, they are highly recommended. "Fixing" your pets prevents unwanted litters, improves overall health and reduces aggression in dogs. Sprayed and neutered pets are also cheaper to license.