Enforcement and Animal Complaints
By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services is committed to ensuring the health, safety and well-being of residents and visitors to our City. By reporting violations of City by-laws, you too can play an active role towards ensuring a high quality of life for everyone who works, plays and lives in the City of Vaughan.

How can I file a by-law complaint?
By-law complaints can be made in 3 ways:
By email
Send your complaint to bylaw@vaughan.ca
If your complaint is about an animal (i.e. barking dog or coyote) contact Vaughan Animal Services by email animal.services@vaughan.caIn person
Visit the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services Counter at Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive, Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1.
Regular business hours are 8:30am-4:30pm, Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays)By phone
Call 905-832-2281. Calls are answered 24h a day, 7 days a week.
What information do I need to make a by-law complaint?
It is important to provide as much detail as possible regarding the contravention. The following information is required when making a by-law complaint:
Address of the contravention (i.e. 123 Mango Street, Vaughan)
Date and time when the contravention was first observed
Detailed description of the contravention
Name of the contravener, if known.
Motor vehicle violations require a description of the motor vehicle and licence plate identification if possible.
Can I make an anonymous complaint?
The City does not accept anonymous complaints but your identity and information is kept confidential.
In keeping with the City of Vaughan's Anonymous Calls Policy 06.02.01 (PDF), By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services (including Animal Services) does not accept anonymous complaints. Complainant information is never released to the alleged contravener and is protected under the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act on all active by-law related complaints. Visit the City's Access and Privacy page to learn more about how your information is protected.
What happens after I make my complaint?
All by-law complaints are reviewed and investigated. The information below outlines the basic steps that City staff take for every complaint.