Report a Dog Bite & Quarantine - Calgary Bylaws
If someone is bitten by a dog in Calgary, Alberta, you must report the incident to the City of Calgary’s Animal Services as soon as possible so public health and bylaw officers can assess risk, arrange quarantine if needed, and record details for follow up. This guide explains the report steps, quarantine expectations, enforcement pathways under city rules, and where to find official forms and contact points.
Penalties & Enforcement
The City of Calgary enforces dog-bite and dangerous-dog rules through Animal Services and Bylaw Enforcement. Immediate reporting enables assessment for public health risks and quarantine orders; see the City reporting page for instructions and contact details City of Calgary Animal Services - Report a dog bite[1]. The controlling municipal instrument for pet rules is the Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw; specific penalty schedules and sections are available through the City's bylaw resources Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 23M2006[2].
- Report immediately to Animal Services by phone or online as directed on the City report page.
- Preserve evidence: record time, location, photos of injuries and involved animals, and witness contacts.
- Follow quarantine or isolation instructions from Animal Services or public health exactly.
Applications & Forms
The City publishes a dog-bite reporting process and may provide a report form or online submission on the Animal Services reporting page; check the report link for the current form and submission instructions reporting page[1]. If a formal quarantine order is issued, Animal Services will provide written direction; any specific application names or fee amounts are not specified on the cited page.
- Dog bite report form: name and location vary; see the City reporting page for the current form and upload options.
- Fees for permits or appeals: not specified on the cited bylaw document.
How the Quarantine Process Works
After a reported bite, Animal Services or public health assesses rabies and public-safety risk, notifies the animal owner where required, and may impose a quarantine or seizure order. Quarantine can be home-based under conditions set by officers or involve impoundment; specific durations and conditions should be confirmed with Animal Services during the investigation.
- Typical quarantine durations and testing requirements: see instructions provided by Animal Services during the investigation (duration not specified on the cited pages).
- Noncompliance may lead to orders, impoundment, prosecution, or court action under the municipal bylaw.
FAQ
- Who must report a dog bite in Calgary?
- Any person involved in or witnessing a dog bite should report it to City of Calgary Animal Services as soon as possible.
- Will my dog be taken away immediately?
- Not always; Animal Services will assess risk and may impose a home quarantine or impound the animal depending on the assessment.
- Are there fines for failing to report or follow quarantine?
- Specific fine amounts or escalation ranges are not specified on the cited bylaw page; enforcement actions can include fines, orders, seizure, and court prosecution under the City bylaw.
How-To
- Ensure immediate safety: separate animals and get medical attention for injuries.
- Collect evidence: take photos, note time/place, and get witness names and contact information.
- Report the bite to City of Calgary Animal Services via the official report page or phone and submit any required form or photos reporting page[1].
- Comply with quarantine instructions and keep records of instructions and dates in case of appeal or review.
- If you receive an order and wish to contest it, ask Animal Services for the appeal route and time limits; specific appeal deadlines are not specified on the cited pages.
Key Takeaways
- Report dog bites to Animal Services promptly to enable quarantine and public-health response.
- Preserve evidence and follow written quarantine orders to avoid enforcement.
Help and Support / Resources
- City of Calgary Animal Services main page
- Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 23M2006 (City PDF)
- City of Calgary 311 and contact information
- Alberta Health - rabies information