Please mail your application to the Township Office:
Township of West Lincoln
Attention: Legislative Services
P.O. Box 400
Smithville, ON L0R 2A0
Kennel Licences
In the Township of West Lincoln, no more than three dogs over the age of 10 weeks can be on any property unless your pets have been grandfathered under the Animal Control By-law. However, if you own more than three dogs, you may qualify for a kennel licence.
What is a kennel?
A kennel is any building, structure or enclosure used to keep, house, train, enclose or harbor dogs, which are kept as pets for show. Boarding and breeding facilities are types of kennels.
Apply for a kennel licence
Dog kennel applications are done through the Township of West Lincoln. Kennel licences must be renewed yearly and will expire on the 31st of December. Click on the button below to download the application. You can mail or drop off your application at the Township Office.
You may drop off your application during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 318 Canborough Street, in Smithville.
Alternatively, you can use our after-hours drop box located at the rear of the building. Please do not put cash in the deposit box.
Licence fees
Base fee $100
Additional fee $5 per spayed and neuteured dog
Additional fee $10 per unspayed and unneuteured dog
Types of kennels and regulations
There are three types of kennels: commercial, private and pet care establishments. All dog kennels in the Township of West Lincoln must follow the regulations outlined in our Dog Control By-Law and the Township's Zoning By-law. Select your topic of interest below to review regulations and find more information.
A kennel used primarily for the boarding and/or breeding and/or training of dogs for hire or gain.
Regulations
The location of your kennel is important. Your private or commercial kennel has to meet certain zoning regulations such as:
- Minimum lot area: 4 ha
- Minimum lot line setbacks: 75 m measured to all lot lines
- A private kennel can have a maximum gross floor area of 100 m2
- Dog runs, pens, enclosures and all structures used in your kennel operation (including exercising yards) must be:
- enclosed by a planting strip including solid fencing
- at least 15 m from any drilled well and 30 m from any dug well
A private kennel involves the use of land structures for the keeping and/or training of four or more dogs as pets and/or for personal use. There is no boarding and no revenue is made.
Regulations
The location of your kennel is important. Your private or commercial kennel has to meet certain zoning regulations such as:
- Minimum lot area: 4 ha
- Minimum lot line setbacks: 75 m measured to all lot lines
- A private kennel can have a maximum gross floor area of 100 m2
- Dog runs, pens, enclosures and all structures used in your kennel operation (including exercising yards) must be:
- enclosed by a planting strip including solid fencing
- at least 15 m from any drilled well and 30 m from any dug well
A pet care establishment is used for grooming, training and/or daycare of pets. No pets are sold or kept overnight.
Regulations
Your pet care establishment has to meet certain zoning regulations such as:
- Your establishment can only be located within a permitted zone.
- Your establishment must be completely enclosed within a permitted building.
Non-commercial zone
If your establishment is within a non-commercial zone, you must have a:
- Minimum lot line setback of 75 m measured to all lot lines
- Maximum gross floor area of 75 m2