The Town of Markham offers a specialized and comprehensive Animal Care and Control Service program through the York Region Branch of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) - a non-profit charity which has been protecting animals for over a century. 

The OSPCA offers a variety of contractual services to the Town of Markham such as:

• Town-wide patrols of public places, streets and parks
• Animal cruelty investigations
• Pet surrenders and adoptions 
• Licensing programs for dogs & cats, kennels (pet shops, breeding, boarding facilities) 
• Complaint investigation (dog bites, animals at large, keeping of prohibited animals 
• Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation
• Dealing with problem wildlife (WILD Home Audit Program) 
• Lost pets services ("Free Ride Home" for licensed animals)
• Spay/neuter clinic

Contact Information

For additional information regarding animal services, programs, adoptions and licensing, please visit the York Region OSPCA website at www.yorkregionospca.com  or call 905-477-5530 to speak to a Town of Markham Certified Wildlife Specialist or Municipal Licensing Officer.

Animal Adoption - York Region Branch Adoption Centre (OSPCA)

Every day animals arrive at the Ontario SPCA York Region Branch Adoption Centre that need help. Hundreds of animals are adopted every year inlcuding: cats and dogs of all ages, shapes, sizes and breeds, as well as birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and more.

Visit the York Region Branch Adoption Centre to speak with staff who will help you find your perfect match. When you adopt a pet, not only do you get a wonderful friend, you give an animal a second chance to find happiness and love.

Drop by the shelter during adoption hours to visit the animals or view adoptable animals online.

York Region Branch Adoption Centre
16586 Woodbine Ave. Newmarket
Toll free: 1-888-668-7722
Email: yorkregion@ospca.on.ca

Website: www.yorkregion.ontariospace.ca

Animal Control Patrols

As Animal Control Officers for the Town of Markham, the OSPCA enforces The Town of Markham's Animal Control By-law 2005-254  (150k/25p) with area patrols. Officers also respond to resident inquiries and/or complaints during the following hours:

• Monday to Friday  -  8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday  -  8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Sundays and statutory holidays: after-hour emergency service levels only

Pet Licensing

Markham's Animal Control By-law requires that all dogs and cats residing within the Town of Markham be licensed annually. Licensing your dog or cat could play a critical role in identifying your pet should it become lost. 

To make it easier for new residents to purchase a licence for your pet, the Town of Markham offers door-to-door animal tag sales. Look for Town representatives, wearing Town-issued clothing and carrying proper identification, between May & October during the following times:

• Monday to Friday  -  4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday & Sunday  -  10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Animal licenses may also be purchased and renewed at the By-law Enforcement & Licensing counter at the Markham Civic Centre and a number of private sector locations.

See locations and animal licence pricing »

Wildlife

To report an incident regarding wildlife in distress, orphaned or injured, please call the OSPCA at 1-888-668-7722 or visit their website. 

Dealing with Problem Wildlife

Dog Off Leash Area

Please note:  All dogs are required to be on a leash when off their owner's property, unless the dog is in the Dog Off Leash Area . Pit bulls on Town property, including parks and leash free zones, are not permitted to be unleashed with or without a muzzle.

Spay & Neuter Clinic

The OSPCA has opened a new spay and neuter clinic at their Newmarket location.

Spaying and neutering is a straight-forward medical procedure with many health benefits, including the reduction in the risk of developing certain cancers and illnesses.

Call 1-888-668-7722 today to book your appointment. Sorry, no walk-ins. Visit the York Region OSPCA website http://www.spayneuter.ontariospca.ca 

Contact Information

For additional information regarding animal services, programs, adoptions and licensing, please visit the York Region OSPCA website at www.yorkregionospca.com  or call 905-477-5530 to speak to a Town of Markham Certified Wildlife Specialist or Municipal Licensing Officer.