Animal Control

Most people land here asking 'do I call the City or animal services?' Short answer: animal control is contracted to the West Highlands Animal Services. Pet licensing is City.

Animal control

Lost or found pet

Call animal services first, then City Hall for licence lookup.

Animal control

Aggressive dog

Report urgent dog concerns directly to West Highlands Animal Services.

Illustration of responsible pet ownership

Bylaw 271

Licence and care

Bylaw 271 covers licensing, ownership standards, and enforcement.

Who to call for animal concerns

The City of Silvermere contracts animal control services to the West Highlands Animal Services branch. They respond to concerns about dogs, cats, and other domestic animals across the city. The simple decision rule:

Domestic animal concern (lost, off-leash, welfare, aggressive dog): call West Highlands Animal Services at 250-555-0142.
Wildlife (bear, cougar, deer, coyote): call BC Conservation Officer Service (RAPP) at 250-555-0188.
Pet licence (dog or cat): City of Silvermere, see Pet Licences.

West Highlands Animal Services: 250-555-0142 · animals@silvermere.example

Good to know

Wildlife is different

For bears, cougars, deer, coyotes, and other wildlife concerns, contact the BC Conservation Officer Service Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) line at 250-555-0188. The City and animal services do not handle wildlife.

Bylaw 271

Bylaw 271 (Animal Control and Licencing) is the legal framework for keeping animals in Silvermere. It covers licensing, enforcement, and the City's authority to act on complaints. The full text is available in the City's bylaw directory.

Open Bylaw 271 (PDF).

Reporting a concern

For dog or cat concerns (an animal at large, a barking complaint, suspected neglect, an aggressive dog), call the West Highlands Animal Services directly at 250-555-0142. They respond on the City's behalf.

For licensing, lost-and-found pet matters, or general City questions, contact City Hall at 250-555-0100.

Pet licensing

Dogs in Silvermere require a current pet licence under Bylaw 1342. Visit the pet licence page for application details.

Apply for a pet licence.

Common questions

Who do I call about an aggressive dog?

West Highlands Animal Services at 250-555-0142. They handle animal control under contract with the City.

There's a bear in my yard. Who do I call?

That's a wildlife matter, not animal control. Call the BC Conservation Officer Service at 250-555-0188. To prevent future visits, see the Bear Smart Silvermere page.

I found a dog wandering loose. What do I do?

Call the West Highlands Animal Services at 250-555-0142. If you can safely approach, check for a tag. The City pet licence number can be used to contact the owner.

Do I need to license my dog?

Yes. Bylaw 271 requires dogs to be licensed in Silvermere. Apply through the City's pet licence page.

What's the bylaw on barking dogs?

Excessive noise from a dog (or any source) is addressed under City bylaws. Document the times and frequency, then contact the West Highlands Animal Services at 250-555-0142 or City Hall.

Where can my dog run off-leash?

Specific off-leash areas are designated by the City. Check the parks page or call City Hall for the current list.

What to do next

Apply for a pet licence

Required for dogs in Silvermere.

Bylaw 271 (Animal Control and Licencing)

The full Animal Control and Licencing Bylaw.

Bear Smart Silvermere

Wildlife conflict prevention, separate from animal control.

Report a bylaw concern

Other bylaw issues that aren't animal-related.

Still need help?

Talk to West Highlands Animal Services (animal control) or City Hall

Phone: 250-555-0142
Email: info@silvermere.example
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
In person: West Highlands Animal Services · animals@silvermere.example

Submit a request online

Faster than calling for non-urgent issues. We respond within one business day.

Who to call for animal concerns

Domestic animal concern (lost, off-leash, welfare, aggressive dog): call West Highlands Animal Services at 250-555-0142.

Wildlife (bear, cougar, deer, coyote): call BC Conservation Officer Service (RAPP) at 250-555-0188.

Pet licence (dog or cat): City of Silvermere, see Pet Licences.

Good to know

Wildlife is different

Reporting a concern

For licensing, lost-and-found pet matters, or general City questions, contact City Hall at 250-555-0100.

Common questions

Who do I call about an aggressive dog?

West Highlands Animal Services at 250-555-0142. They handle animal control under contract with the City.

There's a bear in my yard. Who do I call?

That's a wildlife matter, not animal control. Call the BC Conservation Officer Service at 250-555-0188. To prevent future visits, see the Bear Smart Silvermere page.

I found a dog wandering loose. What do I do?

Call the West Highlands Animal Services at 250-555-0142. If you can safely approach, check for a tag. The City pet licence number can be used to contact the owner.

Do I need to license my dog?

Yes. Bylaw 271 requires dogs to be licensed in Silvermere. Apply through the City's pet licence page.

What's the bylaw on barking dogs?

Excessive noise from a dog (or any source) is addressed under City bylaws. Document the times and frequency, then contact the West Highlands Animal Services at 250-555-0142 or City Hall.

Where can my dog run off-leash?

Specific off-leash areas are designated by the City. Check the parks page or call City Hall for the current list.