I’ve lost my pet, what should I do?

If you've lost a pet, please call the Animal Control Officer at 250.425.6820 or 250.425.5367 right away or online through our Service Request Form and input all details into our system including your pet's characteristics, and when and where it was lost.  When we receive reports of strays, we can cross reference the information you provided to see whether it's your lost pet that has been reported. 

In accordance with the Animal Control Bylaw, an officer may capture and take into his custody any animal found at large within the District. Animals that are not claimed by owners are assessed, and if suitable, placed for adoption. Dog licences are the fastest way to reunite you with your lost dog.

What else can I do?

• Check the Fernie Pets Society website for lost and found pet listings
• Check with your neighbours to see if they have seen your pet
• If your pet is micro-chipped, verify your contact information with the microchip company
• Post flyers in your neighbourhood

What do I do if I find a lost pet?

• Call the Animal Control Officer at 250.425.6820 or 250.425.5367 if you find a dog or cat away from home.  Report the animal even if it has an identification or licence tag, as it may be expired.
• Check with your neighbours to see if they are missing a pet.
• Post flyers in your neighbourhood and alert neighbours to help spread the word.
• Report it online.

How do I claim my pet? 

To claim your pet from the Municipal Animal Pound, you must:

• Pay impound and boarding fees for each day your pet was in the pound
• Have a leash or carrier to take your pet home in
• Purchase a dog licence if you don’t have one

Impound Fees & Related Fines

The following table reflects all charges applicable when a stray animal has been picked up and impounded:

Note* Fines are reduced by 50% if paid within 30 days of issuance of a municipal ticket.

If your dog has been impounded, it is an offence to remove the animal from the Municipal Animal Pound without authorization from the District.  Doing so will result in a fine of $1,000.00 in addition to the impound fees and other related charges.

Can I surrender my pet to the District?

Pet owners are responsible for re-homing any unwanted pets as the District’s pound is for impounding stray animals.

What happens if an impounded pet is not claimed by the owner?  

The District does its best to find the owner of impounded pets. Notices of found pets are placed within this section of the website. In the event the owner does not come forward or cannot be identified within 120 hours of the time of impoundment the animal may be placed for sale as outlined in the Sparwood Animal Control Bylaw, No. 821 2000.

The notice of sale will be posted within the adoptions page. No sale shall occur within 144 hours of impoundment. Visit the adoptions page more details on the adoption process. 

FOUND PETS 

There are no found pets listed at this time.