Animal Services
Vaughan Animal Services is dedicated to creating a safe community for pets and their owners. Services include dog and cat licensing, animal control by-law education, pick up of injured or sick dogs, cats and wildlife (as well as stray dogs), reuniting owners with lost pets and pet adoption.
Shelter hours:
Monday to Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Sundays and statutory holidays
Adoption hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Sundays and statutory holidays
Wildlife education drop-in hours have resumed at the Dufferin Clark Community Center (1441 Clark Ave., W., Vaughan):
Tuesdays: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Thursdays: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Animal Service News and Updates
Adopt-a-thon and Pet Preparedness Open House
Celebrate 15 years of Vaughan Animal Services at our Adopt-a-thon and Pet Preparedness Open House on Sunday, May 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come meet the animals, learn about pet preparedness and enjoy a free barbecue, while supplies last. Learn more.
Microchip and Rabies Clinic
Book an appointment to bring your pets to the microchip and rabies clinic at the Vaughan Animal Shelter (70 Tigi Crt., Unit 47) on Sunday, June 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The following services are available at the clinic:
- microchip implant and registration ($25 per pet plus tax)
- rabies vaccine, certificate and tag ($25 per pet plus tax). Learn more about rabies vaccine regulations in Ontario.
- City of Vaughan and King Township 2026 pet licence ($25 per pet)
Call the City at 905-832-2281 or email animal.services@vaughan.ca to schedule your timeslot. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
Check back soon for information about more clinic dates throughout the year.
Vaughan unveils plans for a new state-of-the-art Animal Shelter
The City of Vaughan is taking a major step forward in animal care with plans for a new state‑of‑the‑art Animal Shelter at 10401 Dufferin St.
Mayor Steven Del Duca and Members of Council marked this exciting milestone earlier today, emphasizing the importance of investing in adaptable, long‑term facilities that can meet the evolving needs of animals, residents and the city’s growing community.
The new animal shelter will replace the current location and provide a modern, purpose‑designed space that supports the health, safety and well-being of pets and their owners. It will serve as a central hub for animal care, adoption and community engagement in Vaughan.
The project is expected to commence later this year, beginning with the demolition of the existing building on the site, followed by the design of the new animal shelter, bringing the facility to life.
Enforcement, adoption and other animal inquiries
Vaughan Animal Services encourages compliance with the Animal Control By-law. Complaints, adoption and other inquires can be made online, or by phone at 905-832-2281.
Contact Information
By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services – Animal Services
Phone: 905-832-2281
Toll free: 1-855-227-7297 (PAWS)
Email: animal.services@vaughan.ca
Location:
Department
Vaughan City Hall, Level 100
2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Shelter
70 Tigi Crt., Unit 47
Vaughan, ON L4K 5E4
Additional Resources
- Brampton Animal Services
- Caledon Animal Services
- Georgina Animal Control and Adoption
- Mississauga Animal Services
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
- Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Toronto Animal Services
- Toronto Humane Society
- Provincial government ban of specific dog breeds