Animal Control Services

Animal Control Services

The Town of Cobourg in agreement with the Northumberland Humane Society actively promotes a safe and healthy environment for people and all animals. The Town of Cobourg and the Northumberland Humane Society have entered into a five-year renewable agreement to provide certain animal control services beginning January 1, 2022. 

For those requiring assistance from an Animal Control Services Officer for regarding an animal-related incident including but not limited to a lost or found pet, sick or injured stray animal, animal-related by-law infraction, or other animal-related emergencies, call 905-372-4301 or email bylaw@cobourg.ca.

The Northumberland Humane Society is located at 371 Ward Street in Port Hope is currently closed to the public in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s regulations due to the ongoing pandemic and is operating on an appointment basis. Staff continue to care for shelter animals.

For those in need of surrendering a pet or interested in adoption email info@northumberlandhs.com or call 905-885-4131.  

Animal Licensing and DocuPet

The Town of Cobourg is responsible for its own animal licensing as well as enforcement of the Animal Control Bylaw #021-2014 requiring residents to purchase a dog tag every year. View the DocuPet webpage for more information.

Agreement with Northumberland Humane Society 

The Town of Cobourg has made an agreement with the Northumberland Humane Society for the provision of the following services:

• Providing animal shelter that meets all applicable standards of the Town and provincial or federal standards for such shelters.
• Remaining open and staffed from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Operating and maintaining the shelter including collecting any impound fees or other fees as set forth in the Animal Control By-Law.
• Participating in community activities to promote a better understanding of animal control problems.

The Northumberland Humane Society is located at 371 Ward Street in Port Hope is currently closed to the public in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s regulations due to the ongoing pandemic and is operating on an appointment basis. Staff continue to care for shelter animals.

For those in need of surrendering a pet or interested in adoption email info@northumberlandhs.com or call 905-885-4131.

 The Town of Cobourg will be responsible for providing the following animal control services:

• Providing By-law Enforcement Officers for the purposes of enforcing the Animal Control By-Law including issuing tickets or charges relating to offences under the Animal Control By-Law and any other applicable provincial legislation.
• Delivery of domestic animals to the shelter.

Joint Animal Control Service Board

The Town of Cobourg is partnered with the Municipality of Port Hope, the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand and the Township of Hamilton to provide animal control services.  A member from each municipal Council sits on the Board. The Board oversees the operation of Municipal Animal Services (formerly called Shelter of Hope).