A $500 fine for going off-leash. $400 for not picking up poop. Here's everything Toronto can fine you for as a dog owner, and the stuff that's on your side.
By Onslow's Team · Updated August 3, 2026
Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349. Rules change. Check toronto.ca/pets for updates.
The three rules that generate almost every ticket: leash, licence, and pick-up.
The only exception is a posted off-leash area. Controlling 3+ dogs without a permit is also $500.
Your dog needs a licence. Renew it every year. The tag has to be on the dog, not sitting in a drawer. Service animals are exempt.
Immediately on any property that isn't yours. On your own property, you have 24 hours. In parks, dispose in a litter receptacle or take it with you. Dog waste goes in the Green Bin. Persons with a disability are exempt from the park requirement.
Dogs can't go
Service animals are the exception.
Beaches, by season
Kew-Balmy and Woodbine let dogs go off-leash below the snow fence line in winter.
Allowed: off-peak
Before 6:30am · 10am–3:30pm · after 7pm weekdays · all day weekends
Leash or carrier, your choice. No size restriction.
Not allowed: rush hour
6:30–10am · 3:30–7pm weekdays
No pets except service animals.
Dogs with muzzle orders cannot enter off-leash areas
Small dog sections: max 20 lbs / 12 inches at the shoulder
You must fill in any holes your dog digs
Your dog must be in sight at all times, never unattended
Some areas prohibit commercial dog walkers, so check the signs
On your side
Under Ontario's Residential Tenancies Act, a landlord cannot refuse to rent to you or evict you because you have a pet. Even if your lease says “no pets,” that clause is legally void and unenforceable.
If your pet causes allergic reactions in other tenants, is dangerous, causes property damage, or creates unreasonable noise. But even then, the landlord needs a Landlord and Tenant Board order. They can't just kick you out.
The condo catch
Condo corporations CAN enforce no-pet rules. The Condominium Act is separate from the RTA. If you're renting a condo unit, the building's rules might still apply.
Maximum per household
If you had more when the bylaw passed, those dogs are grandfathered, but you can't add more. Service animals don't count toward the limit, and registered rescue fosters are exempt.
No choke or pronged collars. No leashing to poles or bike racks on city property. During extreme weather warnings, dogs cannot remain outdoors without adequate shelter.
Ontario banned pit bulls in 2005. You cannot own, breed, sell, or bring a pit bull into Ontario. Dogs that existed before the ban were grandfathered but must be spayed/neutered, leashed, and muzzled in public at all times.
“Looks similar” is as vague as it sounds.
Pit bull ban penalties
Fines up to $10,000, up to 6 months in jail, or both. Courts can order the dog to be destroyed.
If your dog bites someone or acts aggressively, the city can issue a dangerous dog order. First non-severe incident gets a written warning. Second time, or a bad first time, triggers a formal order.
An order lasts the life of the dog
30 days to appeal
To the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal.
Orders are public
The city maps active orders, searchable by postal code. Neighbours can look it up.
Found a stray? Call 311 with the location and any tag info, or bring the dog to a vet to check for a microchip.
Impounded dogs are held for at least 5 days
After that, the city can adopt them out. Pickup fee plus daily holding fees. Call 311 or Animal Services at 416-338-PAWS for current rates. Once you have your dog back, you have 24 hours to microchip them.
Officers carry a City of Toronto ID card and badge. You can ask to see both. Their default approach is education first, then warnings, then fines.
Enter public land at any time to inspect bylaw compliance
Ask you to produce your dog’s licence tag
Ask you questions about your dog (breed, ownership, vaccination)
Issue a set fine on the spot
Issue an order to comply (e.g., leash your dog immediately)
Enter your home without a warrant
Detain you or demand government ID (they are not police)
Seize your dog in a park for a routine off-leash violation (seizure applies to prohibited animals and dangerous dog orders)
If you receive a dangerous dog order, you have 30 days to appeal to the Dangerous Dog Review Tribunal.
Toronto Municipal Code Ch. 349, Article X (§ 349-27.1); City of Toronto Act, 2006, s.376.
All of this comes from Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, Chapter 608, Ontario's Dog Owners' Liability Act, and the Residential Tenancies Act. Rules change. Check toronto.ca/pets for updates.
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