Ajax Animal Services is committed to working in partnership with the community to create a safe, healthy, and caring environment for animals and people. Our main function is to enforce all of the Town's animal related By-laws ensuring the safety and well-being of both the residents of Ajax and their pets.

Pet Licensing

Every owner of a dog or cat over the age of sixteen weeks is required to be licensed with the Town of Ajax. A licence is valid for a year from the date of purchase. Please visit the DocuPet portal to see all of the benefits of licensing your pet(s) or to apply or renew your existing licence.

Complaint Information & Process

Complaints can be reported by contacting Animal Services at (905) 683-8275, by email at bylawservices@ajax.ca, or by filing an online complaint.

Anonymous complaints are not accepted, your name, address and phone number are required in order for a complaint to be generated. Enforcement staff may contact you to verify the information provided. Your personal information is kept confidential in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. 

Emergency Calls

Outside regular office hours, Ajax Animal Services continues to provide 24 hour service for emergencies.

Emergency calls may include:

  • An injured animal that requires immediate medical attention
  • An animal carcass on the roadway that poses an imminent hazard to motorists
  • A request from Durham Regional Police for assistance
  • An aggressive dog that has bitten or attacked a person or another animal or a situation that may threaten public safety.

If you have one of the above listed emergencies please call 905-683-8275. 

Rats

Rat sightings have become increasingly common in growing municipalities like Ajax. Sightings are due to a range of factors including climate change, development and disturbances to their natural habitats.

Building or demolishing in Ajax?

The Town is taking action to address resident concerns about the impacts of rats in neighbourhoods with a new pest clearance certificate process. As of June 22, 2021, pest clearance certificates may be required prior to development approvals where potential disturbances to rat habitats could occur within the proposed development.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • ​Some construction projects occurring in urban areas, including those directly adjacent to residential neighbourhoods
  • Demolition of buildings and structures
  • ​Industrial or commercial applications requiring substantive earthworks

Applicants for Demolition, Sediment and Erosion Control and/or Site Servicing/Alteration permits will be notified by the Town as part of the application process if a pest clearance certificate is required. This certificate must be issued by an Ontario-accredited pest control agent and be dated within 60 days of the application to the Town.

Learn more about Building or demolishing in Ajax
Rat Control
Learn how to look for, prevent & respond to Rats

Wildlife

Ajax Animal Services responds to wildlife concerns involving animals that are injured, in obvious distress, or located on Town‑owned property. For wildlife issues occurring on private property, residents are encouraged to contact a licensed private wildlife control company.

Residents are advised not to feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife—whether intentional or unintentional—can cause animals to lose their natural fear of people, increase the likelihood of aggressive or defensive behaviour, and attract wildlife into residential areas. This can create safety concerns for residents, pets, and the animals themselves.

By‑Law Services recommends that anyone who experiences a negative interaction with wildlife report the incident to the Town’s Animal Services by calling 905‑683‑8275 or emailing bylawservices@ajax.ca.

For additional information on wildlife, including tips on preventing conflicts and coexisting safely, please visit the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website:Wildlife and nature | ontario.ca

 Coyotes
 Coyotes are a common and adaptable wildlife species found throughout urban and suburban communities, including Ajax. They are generally cautious animals that avoid people; however, like all wildlife, coyotes can become defensive if they feel threatened, if food sources are readily available, or if pets are present. Coyotes are most active at dawn and dusk and may be more visible during certain times of the year, such as breeding and pup‑rearing seasons. Taking simple preventative measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of close encounters and help ensure the safety of residents and pets.

Below are some measures you can take to help keep coyotes at a safe distance:

  • Keep an exterior light on when letting dogs outside at night, and do not leave small dogs unattended
  • Walk in pairs when possible and stay in well‑lit areas, particularly during evening hours
  • Be aware of your surroundings and watch for wildlife activity
  • If you encounter a coyote, be prepared to make noise, shout, or appear larger to discourage it from approaching
  • Do not place garbage at the curb until close to collection time, and ensure all garbage containers are securely closed
 Foxes
Foxes are a common and well‑adapted part of urban wildlife. They are typically shy, cautious animals that avoid people and are generally not considered dangerous. Foxes primarily feed on small mammals such as mice and rats, which can help naturally control rodent populations in urban areas.

The Red Fox is the most common fox species found in Ajax. Foxes can be identified by the following characteristics:

  • A dog‑like appearance
  • Reddish‑orange fur
  • Pointed ears and a narrow, pointed snout
  • A long, bushy tail
 Small Mammals
 Small mammals are generally not aggressive and will usually avoid contact with people; however, this does not mean they are tame or safe to approach. When threatened or handled, small mammals may display defensive behaviours such as hissing, scratching, or biting. Small mammals can also carry diseases that may be transmitted to people or pets. For your safety, residents are strongly advised not to touch, handle, or feed small mammals.

Common small mammals found in the Ajax area include:

  • Raccoons – Easily identified by their black “mask” around the eyes and bushy, ringed tails.
  • Skunks – Recognizable by their black fur with white striping and their strong defensive odour.
  • Squirrels – Found in a range of colours including grey, black, and red, and known for their curled, bushy tails.
  • Opossums – Identified by their grey, coarse fur, white faces, and long, hairless, rat‑like tails.
  • Cottontail rabbits – Brown and grey in colour, with a distinctive white, cotton‑ball‑like tail.
 Bird Feeders
Bird feeders can unintentionally attract nuisance wildlife, including animals that may become dependent on human food sources or venture too close to homes.

To help reduce wildlife conflicts:

  • Bird feeders should be securely suspended off the ground and positioned away from structures that wildlife could climb or access.
  • Spilled seed should be cleaned up regularly, as it can attract rodents and other wildlife, which in turn may draw larger animals into residential areas.

Taking these simple steps helps protect wildlife, reduces safety concerns, and supports peaceful coexistence within the community.