The Canadian Forces Housing Agency (CFHA) Occupant Handbook outlines several pet-related items. Relevant sections have been excerpted and emphasis added below. For the complete handbook, please visit the Government of Canada Website.
Table of Contents
Domestic Pets
You will need to consult and adhere to the local municipal by-laws and the base/wing standing orders regarding domestic pets. In accordance with the above, the HSC will limit the kind and number of domestic pets you are allowed to have in your house, or ban them completely. The quantity of pets can be found here, and the list of acceptable/prohibited pets can be found here. All pets must be licensed and up to date on vaccinations. They are also required to wear a collar with identifying tag whenever they are outside of the home.
Note: Service Dogs are not included in the quantity limits of pets.
Any requests related for service dogs must be accompanied with the following documentation:
- a recommendation from a medical practitioner for the use of a service dog;
- a certification and supporting documentation for the service dog team; and
- proof of up-to-date yearly core vaccinations recommended by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and administered by an authorized medical professional of veterinary medicine.
Please refer to the Quantity of Pets Section of the handbook for more information on Service Dog Requirements.
If you own a pet(s), these are CFHA regulations that must also be followed:
- Your pets cannot bother other neighbours or damage property. You could be held legally responsible for any injuries or damage caused by your pets to persons,
property or other pets. These damages include, but are not limited to:- Any additional cleaning including the removal of pet hair; remedial work or replacement of carpets where there are urine or feces stains and odours which cannot be removed; and fumigation for fleas and ticks;
- The repair of damage to walls, screens or scratching of glass panels;
- Any damage to landscaping or fences;
- Dogs must be kept under effective restraint and cannot run loose beyond the property boundary. Dogs left outdoors unattended must be fenced in or tethered on a leash that will restrict them to the property boundary. Please do not use clothes lines to tether your dog(s). Cats do not normally need to be restrained to the same extent as dogs unless complaints are received that they are a nuisance or are causing damage;
- You are responsible for cleaning up and immediately throwing out any pet waste left on any property by your dog or cat (stoop and scoop); and
- Where applicable, you need to buy licenses for all pets belonging to the household.
Source: Page 30-31
Good Neighbour Considerations
Conscientious and respectful neighbours help create a happy community. The following guidelines will maintain a respectful neighbourhood for you and your family:
- Do not trespass on the grounds of your neighbours;
- Do not disturb the peace and/or comfort of your neighbours or of any person in any residential unit. This means you should not cause or permit anything that
unreasonably interferes with your neighbours’ peace, privacy or quiet enjoyment, including barking dogs [emphasis added] and loud parties; - Respect all local by-laws [emphasis added] and base or wing standing orders; and
- The behaviour of guests invited to your home is your responsibility.
Source: Page 32
Activities Requiring Housing Services Centre Approval
You must get the approval of your HSC before going ahead with plans for your home. Please contact the HSC well in advance to obtain approval to make additions or alterations to your home or to conduct commercial activities in your home. Some examples of activities needing approval include but are not limited to:
[…]
Fences, Patios, Sheds and Dog Runs/Pens/Kennels
Fences, patios, sheds and dog runs/pens/kennels will need to meet CFHA conditions and standards. You are responsible for the maintenance and/or repair of any exterior structure you build. You will need to make sure all exterior structures are built
soundly and are well maintained. Please request the proper form and requirements for submission from your HSC. If you are building a fence in order to install a swimming pool or a hot tub, refer to paragraph “h” below. When you move out, you will need to remove all structures and restore the grounds to their original condition at your expense.
You can erect fences, patios, sheds and dog runs/pens/kennels on your lot with the approval of the HSC. In order to prevent these structures from being placed casually around the neighbourhood and becoming unsightly, the HSC will let you know where on your lot it can be placed.
Source: Page 12, 14.
In the event of an Animal Incident occurring on CFHA property, please refer to the “Report an Incident” section of our website. We also recommend filling out an incident report with as much information as you are willing to share. A copy of your filled report will be sent to your email for you to use to report the incident as well as for your personal records. Please note that you must take this information to the appropriate sources (CFHA) to officially file the incident.