Help your furry loved one stay safe and keep King Township clean
Township of King, Ont. (May 28, 2026) — Having a pet is rewarding, but it comes with responsibilities, including cleaning up after them and ensuring they remain on a leash during walks. These simple actions are an easy way to keep King Township clean and ensures a pleasant experience for everyone on footpaths and in parks. It’s also the law.
Stoop and scoop pet waste
King Township’s Animal Control Bylaw #2016-85 mandates that individuals must collect their pets' waste. As part of an ongoing partnership with Vaughan Animal Services, officers routinely patrol King’s parks, municipal roadways, and sidewalks for animal control issues, including stoop and scoop offences. The fine for not picking up after your pet is $200.
To make it easier for pet owners, King Township provides dog waste bags at select locations, including Cold Creek Conservation Area, some locations along King’s 100 kilometres of trails, and dog parks. Attach doggy bags to your pet's lead or use a collar-clipped doggy bag holder for easy access. Dispose of the bags in a green bin at home or a garbage bin when out in the community.
Cleaning up after your dog is the neighbourly thing to do and helps public health and safety. Pet waste can transmit parasites and bacteria that affect both humans and animals and can attract wildlife. It is also a significant source of pollution and can harm landscaping efforts.
Keep your pet on a leash
King Township’s Animal Control Bylaw requires that all dogs must be on a leash when not on their owner’s property, except in designated off-leash areas. The fine for having a dog off-leash outside of these areas is $360.
King Township is home to two off-leash parks where dogs can run freely: Tasca Park and King City Off-Leash Dog Park. These parks provide a safe and controlled environment for dogs to exercise, socialize and roam freely.
- Tasca Park renovations: Based on feedback from the recent “Wood Chips or Grass?” dog park survey, King Township is transitioning the Tasca dog park from wood mulch to grass this summer. The project will occur in two phases with some temporary closures required during construction. To help maintain use, large and small dog enclosures will be combined during parts of the work. Removed wood mulch will be reused on site to help establish a new reclaimed naturalized forest area near the dog park. The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-summer, with full reopening expected in early fall.
Learn more and find a park at king.ca/parks.
Licence your pet
Pet owners are required to license their dogs and cats through Vaughan Animal Services. All pets must wear a valid licence tag at all times—including indoor cats—and licences must be renewed annually to keep your contact information up to date. Licensing helps ensure lost pets can be quickly returned home and supports animal services in the community. Online pet licensing is available and takes about 10 minutes to complete. Failure to license your dog or cat every year may result in a fine of $300 per animal. To apply for or renew a pet license call 905-832-2281 or email animal.services@vaughan.ca. For more information, visit vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
To report concerns or pet waste on public property, email Service King at serviceking@king.ca or call 905-833-5321.
For more information, visit king.ca/pets.
Adopt-a-thon and Pet Preparedness Open House
King Township’s partners at Vaughan Animal Services are hosting an Adopt-a-thon & Pet Preparedness Open House on Sunday, May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vaughan Animal Shelter—celebrating 15 years of creating a safe community for pets and their owners.
Stop by and strike a pose at the photo booth, enjoy a free barbeque, meet the adorable dogs, cats and small animals available for adoption, and learn how to keep your pets safe and prepared in emergencies. Donations are welcomed with proceeds going to Vaughan Animal Services.
Learn more at vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.
To receive updates on King Township news, follow the official corporate social media channels on X and Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to the King eNewsletter or visit king.ca.
Media Contact(s)
Township of King
Carling Fee, Communications Specialist
Township of King | Phone: 905-833-4575 | Email: media@king.ca