Guidance for Municipalities 

• Recognizing that animal guardianship varies across Alberta, communities may wish to reflect on species that are prevalent or pose unique challenges locally.  
• Consider both dogs and cats. 
• Municipalities may wish to define “animal” broadly while allowing for species-specific regulations as needed (e.g. off leash dog parks, areas permitted for livestock). 
• Consider whether regulations or restrictions specific to livestock, backyard hens, pigeons, bees, or wildlife are also needed for your community.  

Rationale & Other Considerations  

• Dogs and cats are the most common pets, therefore most animal bylaws are focused here.  
• Despite residing in households at nearly equal rates as dog, many bylaws still omit or only partially address cats.  
• Including both dogs and cats promotes equal responsibility, setting the expectation that both species should be valued and cared for. 
• Including regulations for cats provides tools for common community issues such as roaming, property damage, and wildlife predation.  
• Roughly 7% of Canadian households also care for other pets – small mammals, birds, reptiles or fish.  
• A broad definition of “animal” allows bylaws to cover less common pets that may still pose risks. For example, if a resident were to bring a large snake to a school playground, the bylaw could prohibit it, provided it restricts all animals – not only dogs – from designated areas.

Across Alberta 

Most animal bylaws in Alberta focus on domestic pets, with nearly all covering dogs. Medium to large municipalities frequently include cats as well, however they are not included consistently. Provisions for keeping urban livestock, such as hens or bees, as well as pigeons and occasionally, rabbits, are also included in some bylaws. Small municipalities are more likely to only include dogs in their bylaws, and/or define animals more narrowly.  

Some municipalities also include a list of prohibited animal species in their community. It should be noted that there are also several provincial laws that prohibit the keeping of certain animal species (usually wildlife or exotic), and are enforced by Alberta Environment and Parks (Fish and Wildlife Division): 

• Wildlife Act: Maintains a Controlled Animals List, specifying species that are prohibited in the province or require permits for possession or import.  
• Public Health Act - Includes regulations that restricts the ownership and distribution of certain wildlife species (bats, raccoons, skunks, turtles and some birds).  
• Agricultural Pests Act – Includes regulations that restricts the possession of certain species, such as rats, under pest and nuisance control.   

Example Bylaws in Effect  

Lethbridge Animal Care and Control Bylaw (2025 Update) 

• “Animal” is defined as any reptile, bird, amphibian or mammal excluding humans. 
• Includes sections on the regulation of animals, as well as sections specific to the regulation of dogs, cats, pigeons, wildlife and livestock.  
• Introduced new cat regulations in 2025 to address community feedback about nuisance cat behaviour.

Guidance for Municipalities 

• Communities may consider setting reasonable limits on the number of animals permitted per household or municipal address.  
• Consider allowing residents to apply for excess animal permits when appropriate. 
• Consider exceptions for licenced facilities when applicable (veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, humane societies, zoos, etc.). 
• Separate limits could be considered for dogs, cats, and other animals – especially those that reproduce quickly such as rabbits. 
• When setting species-specific animal limits, we recommend that social animals such as dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs, be permitted to reside in pairs.  
• Exclude juvenile animals under the age of sexual maturity (typically 3-5 months) from limits. 
• We encourage a compassionate, practical, and lenient approach to enforcement of animal limits.  

Rationale & Other Considerations 

Support Animal Welfare, Community Health & Public Safety

Animal limits can help address welfare issues early on. Issues such as animal hoarding and the irresponsible breeding and sale of animals are two common issues that can significantly impact animal welfare and community well-being. 

Species-specific limits also account for social and behavioural needs. For example, dogs, cats, and even rabbits are social animals that can thrive in pairs.  

Establishing animal limits at a municipal level may also empower municipalities to take meaningful action where gaps in enforcement may exist. For example, provincial Animal Protection Officers may be limited in their enforcement abilities under the Animal Protection Act unless clear signs of distress are observed as a result of the high animal numbers.  

High numbers of animals can also lead to unsanitary conditions, increased disease transmission, as well as noise and odour complaints. By setting reasonable limits, municipalities have the potential to act proactively and compassionately protect animals and people. 

Determining the Number of Animals Permitted 

There is not necessarily a straightforward number of animals to permit. Rather, this is subjective and may vary depending on the geographical layout of a community, size and type of animal, size of the property, as well as the individual caregiver’s capacity to provide responsible care. Therefore, the number that best suits your municipality will likely need to be determined by community leadership. 

Juvenile Animals 

Municipalities should consider the age of the animal at which the animal limit applies. Most communities exclude young animals under a certain age (typically ranges from 3-6 months) towards the animal limit. 

Some communities specify that puppies and kittens not included in the total animal limits must be the progeny of a licenced adult dog/cat in the household. While this may appear to be a helpful tool in deterring irresponsible breeding and sale of animals, it is important to recognize that there may be instances where an unmothered litter is reliant on the care of humans and/or still benefiting from the socialization of their littermates.

Exceptions  

Allowing flexibility through excess animal permits helps to acknowledge that not all situations are alike. Examples may include, but are not limited to: 

• Residents relocating to the municipality with existing pets. 
• Humane societies or other animal care/boarding facilities. 
• Licenced veterinary clinics, education or research facilities. 

Municipalities may want to consider including the ability for officers to inspect premises in order to approve exception. 

Enforcement 

If a caregiver is providing responsible care for their animals, despite being over the limit, it may be reasonable to encourage that person to apply for an excess animal limit or its equivalent, rather than receive a fine or be forced to part with their animal to avoid penalties. 

This approach recognizes the importance of the human-animal bond and why it is often of the best interest to both the animal and the caregiver to remain together in the absence of concerns for animal welfare or public safety.     

Across Alberta 

Approaches to animal limits varies across the province.  

• Limits on dogs are common, ranging from 2-6 per municipal address.  
• When included, limits for cats are either the same or higher than the number of dogs permitted, with maximums for cats reaching 6 more commonly than for dogs.  
• Some municipalities specified a maximum number for dogs, as well as for cats but did not allow for the total number of animals at a municipal address to surpass a specified quantity.  
• Some municipalities specified a reduced total animal limit if one of the animals was deemed to be aggressive/restricted/aggressive. 
• The size of the property was taken into consideration in some municipalities. 

Example Bylaws in Effect 

City of Lloydminster - Domestic Animal Bylaw, 2020: 

“No residential household shall have more than five (5) Dogs, or five (5) Cats, or 

one (1) Restricted Dog or combination thereof to a maximum of five (5) Domestic 

Animals in total, residing in any residential household within the City of Lloydminster.” 

Strathcona County - Responsible Dog Ownership Bylaw:  

“Unless an over-limit permit is issued to a person for a residence, that person may not keep, allow, suffer or permit more than the following number of dogs to reside or remain at a County residence:  

(a)Not more than three (3) dogs, for residences of five (5) acres or less; and  

(b)Not more than five (5) dogs for residences over five (5) acres.”

Guidance for Municipalities 

• Consider implementing a municipal pet licencing or registration program when it is practical for the community and designed with both animal welfare and community well-being in mind.  
• Consult with residents and local stakeholders to determine the most effective and compassionate approach.  
• Ensure there are accessible systems for licence applications, renewals, and updates.    
• Include regular public education campaigns that highlight the benefits of licensing your pet, application and renewal details, and the importance of keeping information current.  
• When a licencing program is not practical, municipalities may wish to prioritize requirements for animals to have identification.  
• Consider requiring visible identification (e.g., tags worn on a collar or harness) when animals are off their guardian’s property to make it easier for lost animals to be returned home quickly. 
• Encourage the regular use of visual identification, combined with permanent identification methods (registered microchips, legible tattoo) for the greatest chance of reunification. 
• Consider linking each pet’s permanent identification details (e.g. microchip number) to their municipal licence for increased probability of quick and reliable tracing. 
• Special licensing requirements for where animals are bred or sold, with provisions for inspection when appropriate, could help ensure animal welfare standards are being met. 

Rationale & Other Considerations 

Effective animal licencing programs can help municipalities: 

• Protect animal welfare by facilitating the fast and safe reunification of lost pets with their guardians. 
• Reduce stress, fear, and anxiety for both animals and their caregivers when pets go missing. 
• Limit the time animals spend in shelters or impound facilities, improving their welfare and reducing care costs.  
• Provide data on the number and type of animals in the community, helping to plan for services that support both animal and public well-being.  
• Assist first responders during emergencies by identifying where animals reside. 

Licensing Program Options 

There are multiple ways a municipality could design an animal licensing or registration program. Each has unique benefits and challenges that may be influenced by other factors. The best approach depends on the unique needs and factors that exist in your community.  

We recommend municipalities review their relevant community challenges and needs, as well as their available resources, and consider the following approaches:  

Mandatory Licensing  

Strengths: 

• Can improve the ability to reunite lost animals, since licensed pets can be traced quickly, provided information has been kept current. 
• Increases baseline compliance when the requirement to license can be enforced, especially when penalties or fines exist. See Calgary.  
• Generates revenue that can support animal service operations and other animal welfare initiatives. 
• Provides more accurate data about the size and distribution of pet populations, enabling better planning for municipalities.  
• Increases accountability for pet guardianship, reinforcing responsible care.  

Challenges: 

• Potential for lower compliance if fees are high or if enforcement is inconsistent.  
• High fines or fees may discourage reclaiming lost pets, prolonging their shelter stays.  
• Increased costs related to enforcement, education, public outreach and reminder systems, which are typically necessary to have an effective mandatory licensing program. 
• Low-income households may be disproportionately affected by licensing fees or enforcement penalties. This may be mitigated with reduced fees or discounts for specific circumstances.  

Licencing Fees 

Licensing fees can be a source of revenue to fund animal services and enforcement. However, higher fees may be perceived as a barrier to licensing an animal, especially if enforcement is lacking or perceived benefits are low.  

Offering lower fees, incentives, or free licensing for certain categories (seniors, low income, spayed/neutered pets, therapy animals) can help increase program participation rates. 

Lifetime vs. Annual Renewals 

Annual Renewals: 

• Municipalities could adjust yearly fees as needed to account for changing costs or inflation. 
• Creates yearly contact points for education on animal care and responsibility. 
• Encourages guardians to keep identification and contact information up to date, improving the likelihood of lost pets being safely returned. 
• Provides municipalities with current data to support animal and community service planning.  

Lifetime Licensing: 

• Helps to reduce administrative burdens and makes compliance easier for guardians. 
• May improve participation by simplifying the licensing process. 
• May be best suited for smaller communities or those with limited administrative capacity.  
• Pairing lifetime licensing with a simple annual information update could help maintain accurate data and ensure information stays current. 

For more information see Pet Licensing in North America Research Report (2019). 

Across Alberta 

There is a range of approaches to licencing and identification requirements across Alberta, demonstrating there is likely no single “right” model. 

Larger cities like Edmonton and Calgary have licencing requirements for both dogs and cats, offer online renewals, reduced fees for spayed/neutered pets, have tag identification requirements, and utilize active enforcement and fines. Licensing revenue supports their animal services and both municipalities offer a free “ride” home if a licenced pet is found at large off their guardian’s property. 

Medium-sized municipalities (e.g. Red Deer, Lethbridge, Canmore, etc.) are often similar to larger cities (annual mandatory licences, tag requirements, spay/neutered discounts), but fee levels, administration, and program details vary. Some municipalities have licencing requirements for dogs but not cats. When cats are not included in licencing requirements, they may still be required to have identification when off their guardian’s property. Some municipalities contract with local humane societies to administer registration/renewals or shelter services.  

More variation is seen in small municipalities; however, many still require annual licences or offer lifetime licence options. Some towns are moving away from licences entirely but now require visible ID on collars instead (e.g. Okotoks).  

Example Bylaws in Effect  

City of Calgary - Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 

• “Licences Required 

3. (1) A Person must not own or keep any dog within the City without a valid and subsisting dog licence for that dog. 

(2) A Person must not own or keep any cat within the City without a valid and  subsisting cat licence for that cat.” 

• “Responsibility of Owners to Ensure Proper Licensing 

8. (2) An Owner of a licensed Animal must:

a) ensure that such Animal wears a Tag whenever the Animal is taken by the Owner off the property of the Owner as evidence of the valid and subsisting licence purchased for that Animal;  

(b) ensure that such Animal has a valid and subsisting licence at all times by applying for and renewing the licence in accordance with this Bylaw;  

(c) obtain a licence on the first day on which the Animal Services Centre is open for business after becoming the Owner of the Animal;  

(d) obtain a licence for the Animal notwithstanding it is under the age of three months where the Animal is found Running at Large; and  

(e) obtain a licence on or before the day specified by the Animal Services Centre as the expiry date of the licence that corresponds to that Animal.  

(3) An Owner of an Animal may, in place of ensuring the Animal wears a Tag pursuant to subsection 2(a) above, ensure that the Animal bears a visible tattoo or microchip that identifies the Animal and Owner.  

(4) An Owner of a licensed Animal must notify the Animal Services Centre forthwith of any changes to the Owner’s mailing address and phone number so that this contact information is kept current at all times.” 

• Also have an urban livestock licensing program for the keeping of bee colonies, pigeons, and hens. 

Fort McKay First Nation – Responsible Pet Owner Bylaw 

• “4.1 Every Dog and any other Animal that the Council has determined, by Band Council Resolution, must be registered under this By-Law, shall be registered by the Owner.” 

• “4.3 The charge for registration and identification tags shall be $10.00 dollars per year per Animal or such further or other amount as may be designated by the Council, from time to time, by Band Council Resolution.” 

• “4.4 The Animal Control Officer shall issue the license tag upon registration and payment of the annual fee and, if necessary, proof that the Animal has been immunized against rabies.” 

• “4.5 In the case of a Dog, the license tag shall be securely attached to the collar or harness of the Animal at all times and in all other cases the Owner shall be responsible for the production of the license tag upon the request of the Animal Control Officer. 4.6 The registration and identification tag will be valid for one full year from the date of issuance.” 

Guidance for Municipalities 

• Consider including minimum standards of care within municipal animal bylaws.  
• Explore the development of clear requirements that promote both the physical and mental well-being of animals. 
• Municipalities are encouraged to align animal care standards with the Five Domains of animal welfare: nutrition, environment, health, behavioural interactions and mental state.  
• Consider provisions that allow for enforcement action when animals are deprived of care standards, such as adequate food, water, shelter, space, ventilation, light, exercise, sanitation and veterinary attention. 
• Engage local stakeholders when developing standards to ensure they are practical and relevant to the community. 

References:  Understanding the Five Domains Model of Animal Welfare.” The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education, University of Edinburgh, 2024. PDF. Available at: https://vet.ed.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-09/5%20Domains%20Model.pdf  

Rationale & Other Considerations 

• Establishes community expectations for responsible animal care. 
• Prevents animal welfare issues from escalating to situations requiring intervention under the Animal Protection Act. 
• Taking proactive steps to ensure animals are properly cared for can help prevent nuisance behaviours, such as excessive barking, and safety risks, including aggression or dog attacks, which are often associated with inadequate care (van Herwijnen et al, 2023; Kinsman et al, 2025). 
• Behavioural problems, including excessive barking, are associated with negative emotions and decreased life satisfaction in animal caretakers (Barcelos et al, 2024). Addressing these issues through responsible care can improve both animal welfare and guardian well-being.  
• Gives local authorities tools to address inadequate care practices. 
• Promotes consistent understanding among residents, enforcement officers and animal guardians of what constitutes acceptable care. 
• Encourages education and compliance, creating a culture of compassion and responsibility in the community.  

References:

Barcelos, Ana Maria, Niko Kargas and Daniel Mills. "The Effects of Dog Behavioural Problems on Owner Well-Being: A Review of the Literature and Future Directions." Pets, vol. 1, no. 1, 2024, pp. 53–69. https://doi.org/10.3390/pets1010007 

Kinsman, R.H., Rachel A. Casey, Sarah Tasker, Becky Cooper, Kristina Giragosian, Naomi D. Harvey, Sylwia C. Owczarczak-Garstecka, L. Samet, and J.K. Murray. “Owner-Perceived Undesirable Behaviours in Young Dogs and Changes with Age.” Animals, vol. 15, no. 8, 2025, p. 1163. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15081163  

van Herwijnen I.R., van der Borg J.A.M., Kapteijn C.M., Arndt S.S., Vinke C.M. “Factors regarding the dog owner’s household situation, antisocial behaviours, animal views and animal treatment in a population of dogs confiscated after biting humans and/or other animals.” PLOS ONE, vol. 18, no. 3, 2023, e0282574. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282574  

Across Alberta 

Several Alberta municipalities have adopted animal care standards in their municipal animal bylaws to complement provincial legislation and strengthen local animal welfare. Some municipalities also make it an offence to allow an animal to be in distress or to commit acts such as teasing or harassing an animal. 

Example Bylaws in Effect 

City of Airdrie - Animal Control Bylaw: 

• “Giving Basic Care to Animal  

5.1 An Owner of a Domestic Animal must ensure that the Domestic Animal receives food, water, shelter and exercise sufficient to maintain the Domestic Animal in good health.  

5.2 An Owner of a Domestic Animal must provide the Domestic Animal with adequate care when the Domestic Animal is wounded or ill.” 

• “Tease, Torment or Annoy an Animal  

7.3 No Person shall tease, torment or annoy a Domestic Animal.” 

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo - Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw: 

• “An owner shall ensure an animal is provided with:  

30.1. potable water; 30.2. species-specific food; 30.3. sanitary food and water receptacles; 

30.4. regular opportunity for exercise sufficient for the wellbeing of the animal;  

30.5. a clean and sanitary shelter, enclosure or living area; and  

30.6. veterinary care to relieve or prevent pain when the animal exhibits any signs of pain, injury, illness or suffering, including prompt veterinary care for any potential Infectious Physical Condition.” 

• “32. An owner shall ensure that an outside animal is provided with: 

32.1. a shelter that protects from wind, heat, cold, wet and the direct rays of the sun; a shelter that is structurally sound; 

32.3. a shelter that is sanitary; 

32.4. a shelter that is sufficiently large to allow the animal to easily and comfortably stand, turn and lie down; and 

32.5. continuous access to unfrozen potable water and species-specific food.” 

City of Spruce Grove - Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw: 

• “4.6 No person or owner shall cause or permit an Animal to be in distress” 

Town of Taber - Dog Control Bylaw: 

• “3.1 The Owner of a Dog shall ensure that such Dog will not: 

3.1.9 be neglected. This includes, but is not limited to, providing adequate food, water, shelter, veterinary care, and attention.” 

Siksika Nation - Dog Care and Control By-law: 

• “22.01 No Person shall tease, torment or intentionally provoke a Dog.” 
• “22.02 No Person shall punish or abuse a Dog in a manner that is cruel, unnecessary or that is likely to cause the Dog negative psychological consequences.” 
• “25. 01 An Owner of a Dog must ensure:  

(a) that the Dog receives food, water, shelter, proper veterinary care and exercise sufficient to maintain the Dog in good health; and  

(b) that the area of the Owner's Property where the Dog is kept is at all times maintained in a clean, sanitary and inoffensive condition.”  

Guidance for Municipalities 

Municipalities are encouraged to consider the inclusion of municipal regulations that prohibit leaving animals unattended in public places.

Rationale & Other Considerations 

As per the provincial Animal Protect Act (APA): 

“An ‘abandoned animal’ includes an animal that 

(a)    is left for more than 24 hours without adequate food or water or shelter, 

(b)    is left for 5 days or more after the expected retrieval time from a registered veterinarian or from a person who for money consideration or its equivalent stables, boards or cares for the animal, or 

(c)    is found on premises with respect to which the tenancy agreement has been terminated.” 

While peace officers have the authority under the APA to investigate cases of abandonment, abandonment itself is not a standalone chargeable offence. This limitation can result in enforcement gaps and delays in addressing animal welfare when circumstances do not meet the strict definition of abandonment.  

By including a clear municipal prohibition on leaving animals unattended in public places, municipalities can help: 

• Protect public safety: Unattended animals may pose risks such as aggressive behaviour, traffic hazards, or attracting other animals, potentially leading to incidents that threaten public safety. 
• Enhance animal welfare: Animals left unattended may experience stress, injury, or exposure to extreme weather. 
• Improve enforcement efficiency: Municipal regulations can empower local authorities to respond swiftly to instances of unattended animals, ensuring timely intervention and reducing enforcement gaps.  

Across Alberta 

Approaches range across the province, with some municipalities explicitly prohibiting leaving animals unattended in public, while others address abandonment directly within their bylaws – sometimes including a formal definition. 

Example Bylaws in Effect 

City of Calgary – Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw: 

• “16. (1) The Owner of an Animal must ensure that such Animal is not left unattended while tethered or tied on premises where the public has access, whether the right of access is express or implied.”

City of Lethbridge – Animal Care and Control Bylaw: 

• “21 No Person shall abandon or leave any Animal unattended in a public place.” 

Siksika Nation – Dog Care and Control By-law: 

• “2.01 In this By-law, unless the context otherwise requires:  

(a) "Abandoned" means any Dog that is:  

(i) left for more than 24 hours without adequate food, water or shelter;  

(ii) left for five (5) days or more after the expected retrieval time from an Animal Control Facility;  

(iii) found on Premises which have been vacated by the Owner; or  

(iv) is found At Large on more than three (3) occasions.” 

• “25.04 An Owner of a Dog must not Abandon the Dog”

Guidance for Municipalities 

Municipalities are encouraged to consider the inclusion of municipal regulations regarding animals left unattended in vehicles, as well as explore enforcement authorities to remove animals from dangerous scenarios when needed.  

Rationale & Other Considerations 

Every year municipalities across Alberta are faced with situations where pets are left unattended in vehicles. In many cases, animal guardians may be unaware of the risks or how quickly these situations can become dangerous. Clear bylaw provisions can empower municipalities to respond proactively and ensure appropriate enforcement when animals are left in unsafe conditions 

Leaving an animal unattended in a vehicle can create both animal welfare and public safety concerns, including: 

• Exposure to injurious heat or cold. 
• Inadequate ventilation. 
• Lack of access to water. 
• Risk of animal or vehicle theft. 
• Aggressive or defensive animal behaviour directed toward the public if animals are not adequately secured in the unattended vehicle.  

While the Alberta SPCA is authorized under the Animal Protection Act (APA) to remove animals that are in distress, our officers are not resourced to respond to emergent situations and cannot issue tickets to guardians. Similarly, while police and RCMP can intervene, they must also prioritize these calls with other emergencies. As a result, addressing animals left in vehicles often requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach in which municipalities play a key role through local regulations and enforcement.   

The APA specifies that animals must have access to an adequate shelter and unfortunately, a vehicle does not always guarantee this. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise rapidly, even on mild days, and often exceed outside temperatures. In winter, vehicles can retain cold and act like refrigerators, placing animals at risk of hypothermia. It’s also important to consider that even vehicle climate control systems can fail. 

Opening the windows or tethering an animal to the outside of a vehicle are also ineffective and often unsafe solutions. Opened windows do not provide sufficient temperature control, and tethering animals outside vehicles can lead to injuries or uncontrolled interactions with people or other animals. 

To effectively protect both animals and the public, municipalities should consider training local enforcement officers on how to recognize signs of distress in animals due to heat, cold or confinement.  

Across Alberta 

There are several Alberta municipalities that include sections in their bylaws to address animals left unattended in vehicles. These bylaws often include references to extreme temperatures or during hot/cold weather, recognizing that vehicles can become dangerous quickly. There are often requirements for ensuring the animal is restrained such that they can’t interact with people or other animals, and that the vehicle must offer proper ventilation and water to prevent distress. 

However, there are still gaps among municipalities. Some municipalities do not yet have specific wording about animals in vehicles. Instead, they may refer generally to animal neglect but not explicitly to animals left unattended in vehicles. Some bylaws only mention hot weather or “extreme” temperatures, and some only include dogs and not other species.  

Example Bylaws in Effect 

City of Calgary – Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw: 

• “16(4) The Owner of an Animal left unattended in a motor vehicle must ensure:  

(a) the Animal is restrained in a manner that prevents contact between the Animal and any member of the public; and  

(b) the Animal is not confined in such a manner that places it in a life or health threatening situation by exposure to a period of extreme heat or cold, without proper ventilation or other protection from such heat or cold.” 

City of Lethbridge – Animal Care and Control Bylaw: 

• “20(1) The Owner of an Animal left unattended in a motor vehicle must ensure:   

(a) the Animal is restrained in a manner that prevents contact between the Animal and any member of the public; and   

(b) the Animal has suitable ventilation.  

(2) Notwithstanding section 1(b), the Owner of an Animal must not leave an Animal unattended in a motor vehicle when the temperature outdoors is below minus fifteen(15) degrees Celsius or above twenty (20) degrees Celsius except where the motor vehicle has an active running climate control system. ” 

Town of Canmore – Animal Control Bylaw 

• “43 An Owner of a Domestic Animal left unattended in a Motor Vehicle shall ensure the Domestic Animal:  

(a) is restrained in a manner that prevents contact between the Domestic Animal and any Person, Wildlife, or Domestic Animal; 

(b) has suitable ventilation and water; and  

(c) is not endangered by weather conditions.”