Changes to Dog Tags

Are you a dog owner? The Township of Russell has made changes to the Animal Care and Control By-Law to simplify the dog tag registration and renewal process. As of January 18, 2022, the following changes are in effect:

• Property owners/homeowners no longer require any action to renew their dog tags. The fee will be added to the yearly property tax bill and remain until the owner informs the Township that the dog is no longer part of that household.
• Since the renewal fee is already added to their property tax bill, property owners will not have late fees.
• Dog registrations and renewals are now both a basic $20 fee. There will no longer be the price difference of $20 for sterilized dogs and $25 for non-sterilized dogs.
• Dog tags as of 2022 will be used for the life of the dog, rather than a new tag being issued every year on renewal.

Tenants (and non-property owners) will continue to receive renewal invoices by mail as previously done and will be subject to late fees.

To last throughout the lifetime of the dog, dog tags going forward will be more durable. Lifetime tags will be mailed within the next few weeks. Please note:

• If you are a homeowner, you will receive the new lifetime tag with instructions not to pay, since the fee will be added to your property tax bill.
• If you are a tenant, you will receive the lifetime tag with an invoice to be paid by March 31 as usual. Payment can be made as before using our online payment service, by regular mail, or by dropping the application and fees in the outdoor drop box outside of Town Hall. Once Town Hall re-opens for in-person services (due to COVID-19), payments can also be made at the reception desk.

The Township would like to remind residents that all dogs must be registered and always wear their dog tag.

If you no longer own your dog, please notify the Township by emailing the Public Safety and Enforcement Department or by calling 613-443-3066, extension 2340 to update our information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Public Safety and Enforcement Department.