Municipal Bylaws
& Prohibited Species
A reference directory of Canadian municipal bylaws covering prohibited species, exotic animal restrictions, and pet licensing. Always check your local municipality before acquiring or transporting animals.
Find Your Municipality's Prohibited Species List
Every city and town keeps its own list of animals that are not allowed as pets. Here is how to look up the rules for where you live — in three quick steps.
Search Below
Type your city or region into the search bar, or filter by province. If your municipality is listed, open its card and tap View Official Bylaws to go straight to the city's own animal services page.
Look For The Prohibited List
On the city page, find the section called Prohibited Animals, Restricted Animals, or Animal Control By-law. Most cities publish the full list as a schedule attached to the by-law. Reptiles are often grouped under “Class 1” or “exotic” animals.
Call To Confirm
If your species is not clearly listed, call the municipality's Animal Services department directly. By-laws are interpreted case-by-case, and a quick phone call can save you a fine or a refused entry at the show.
Not listed here? Search your municipality's website for “animal control by-law” or “prohibited animals.” Smaller towns often follow their upper-tier municipality or county by-law — check the region page as well.
Important Disclaimer
This directory is provided as a convenience reference only. Bylaws change frequently and may vary by neighbourhood or zoning area. The Canadian Reptile Expo is not a legal authority and does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information linked here. Always consult the official municipal website and contact your local Animal Services department for the most up-to-date prohibited species list, licensing requirements, and animal transport regulations before acquiring or bringing any animal to the show.
City of Toronto
Chapter 349 of the Municipal Code lists prohibited animals including certain reptiles, amphibians, and exotic species. All dogs and cats require licences.
City of Mississauga
Animal Care and Control By-law 0098-04 restricts certain exotic animals. Licensing required for dogs and cats. Host city of the Canadian Reptile Expo.
City of Ottawa
Animal Care and Control By-law No. 2003-077 regulates prohibited species and pet ownership. All dogs must be licensed with the City.
City of Brampton
Animal Services By-law restricts exotic and prohibited animals. Dog and cat licensing required. Check before acquiring exotic species.
City of Hamilton
Responsible Animal Ownership By-law lists prohibited and restricted animals including certain reptiles and exotic pets. Pet licensing required.
City of London
Animal Control By-law PH-3 prohibits certain Class 1 animals including some reptiles. Licensing required for dogs and cats.
City of Markham
Animal Protection and Services By-law 2018-91 restricts prohibited animals. Dog and cat licensing required through the City.
City of Vaughan
Animal Control By-law 066-2020 regulates prohibited and exotic species. Pet licensing required for dogs and cats.
City of Oakville
Animal Control By-law 2018-006 restricts exotic and prohibited animals and limits restricted animals to two per dwelling. Dog and cat licensing required.
City of Burlington
Animal Control By-law 060-2005 regulates prohibited, restricted and regulated species. Licensing required for dogs and cats.
City of Kitchener
Animal Control By-law restricts certain exotic animals. Dog and cat licensing required through the City.
City of Windsor
Animal Control By-law 8666 regulates prohibited and exotic species. Pet licensing required for dogs and cats.
City of Barrie
Animal Control By-law regulates exotic animals within the City. Dog and cat licensing required through the City.
City of Guelph
Animal Control By-law (2016)-20122 lists prohibited animals including certain reptiles. Licensing required for dogs and cats.
City of Oshawa
Responsible Pet Owners By-law 14-2010 restricts exotic and prohibited animals. Dog and cat licensing required.
City of Calgary
Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw 47M2021 regulates prohibited animals and pet licensing. All dogs and cats must be licensed.
City of Edmonton
Animal Care and Control Bylaw 13145 restricts certain exotic and prohibited animals. Pet licensing required for dogs and cats.
City of Vancouver
Animal Control By-law 9150 restricts prohibited and exotic species. Dog licensing required through the City.
City of Winnipeg
Responsible Pet Ownership By-law 2444/2012 regulates prohibited animals and pet licensing. Dogs and cats must be licensed.
Ville de Montréal
By-law 16-060 regulates animal ownership, authorized species, and prohibited animals. Pet licensing required for dogs and cats.
How To Watch For Upcoming Bylaw Changes
Municipal bylaws are updated regularly — new species are added to prohibited lists, licensing rules change, and fees are revised. Here's how to stay informed before a change catches you off guard.
Check Council & Committee Agendas
Most cities post upcoming by-law changes on their council or committee meeting agendas — often under Animal Services or By-law Enforcement. Look for a “Council Calendar” or “Agendas & Minutes” page on your municipality's website and scan for animal-related items.
Subscribe To Public Notices
Many municipalities offer email or RSS alerts for public notices, which legally announce new or amended by-laws. Sign up on your city's “News & Notices” page and filter for animal or by-law topics so proposed changes land in your inbox.
Attend Or Watch Public Consultations
When a city proposes restricting exotic or reptile species, it usually holds a public meeting or deputation period. Attending — or submitting a written comment — lets you learn the details early and have your voice heard before the by-law is passed.
Join A Local Herp & Hobby Group
Local reptile and pet clubs track by-law proposals in your area and often share action alerts, petitions, and meeting dates. Joining a regional group is one of the fastest ways to hear about a change that affects your animals.
Why it matters: A species that is legal today can be added to a prohibited list with little notice. Checking agendas and notices a few times a year — and before each expo — helps you avoid surprises, fines, or being turned away at the door with an animal you can no longer bring.
Provincial & Federal Laws
In addition to municipal bylaws, provincial and federal laws govern which species can be kept, sold, or transported in Canada. Check these before acquiring or bringing any animal to the show.
Ontario Fish & Wildlife Conservation Act
Provincial legislation governing the possession, breeding, and sale of wildlife and certain reptile and amphibian species in Ontario. Some species require permits; others are prohibited entirely.
View Provincial ActOntario Invasive Species Act
It is illegal to import, possess, transport, breed, buy, sell, or release prohibited invasive species anywhere in Ontario. Check the provincial list before acquiring any plant or animal that may be restricted.
View Invasive Species InfoProvincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act
Ontario's PAWS Act sets provincial standards for the care, treatment, and welfare of all animals — including reptiles and exotic pets. Enforced by Animal Welfare Services within the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
View PAWS ActFederal CITES & Species at Risk
The federal Species at Risk Act and the CITES convention regulate the international trade, import, and transport of endangered and protected species — including certain reptiles, turtles, and corals. Permits are required.
View CITES & PermitsBringing Animals to the Show?
Make sure your species is permitted in Mississauga and your home municipality. When in doubt, contact your local Animal Services office before the event.