The town’s Animal Control By-law 2018-006 regulates the keeping of pets and other animals within the town. The by-law provides regulations for:
- licensing requirements (required for dogs only)
- pets at large (off leash and not on the owner's property)
- leash requirements
- standards of care
- what animals residents can have in their homes, and
- the number of pets per household.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times on public property, when not in a designated leash free areas according to the Parks By-law and Animal Control By-law. Having your dog off-leash where not permitted is a ticketable offence.
Under the by-law you must obtain a dog licence seven days from the date you become a dog owner or seven days from the date you move to Oakville if you already own a dog. The Oakville identification tag must be affixed at all times.