The Town of Essex provides animal control services through its Animal Control Officer, Mr. Don Bridgen. On a regular basis Mr. Bridgen responds to calls regarding stray dogs. In many cases, he is able to reunite pet owners and pets as a result of the Town's Animal Licencing system for dogs (dog tags) or in response to a pet owner's call to report a lost pet. To report a stray or lost animal, please contact Mr. Bridgen by calling pager 519-563-0003.

Lakeshore Dog Pound & ADOPT-A-PET PROGRAM
Unfortunately not all pets are reunited with their owners. Either they have been purposely abandoned or they do not have a licence to assist in identifying their owner. When this happens, the animals are transferred to the Lakeshore Dog Pound where they are held for a period of time awaiting a report of a lost pet or adoption. The Town of Essex, along with neighbouring municipalities, provides financial support to the Lakeshore Dog Pound through animal licencing fees and tax dollars. Unclaimed animals transferred to the Lakeshore Dog Pound are available for adoption. The pound endeavours to find homes for all animals that it receives and encourages anyone looking for a pet to contact the pound concerning availability. Whether you are looking for a family pet, a pet to provide companionship for a senior citizen or a pet for a friend, the Lakeshore Dog Pound will be pleased to assist you with the adoption process.

To Adopt a Pet contact the Lakeshore Dog Pound:

Lakeshore Dog Pound
914 East Puce Road
519.727.6495
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday ~ 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday ~ 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Kennel Licencing
Is available for download or to be picked up at the Town of Essex. These licences must be renewed annually.
The fee is $100.00 until April 30th of each year and $150.00 from May 1st to December 31st.
For an original submission a kennel application must be received by the Clerk’s office along with proof of
registration with the “Canadian Kennel Club”. The property must also meet the proper zoning requirements.

Animal Licencing
As set out in Town of Essex By-Law No. 315 , all dogs within the municipality, including the former Town of Essex, the former Town of Harrow, and the former Townships of Colchester North and Colchester South must be licenced. While licencing of cats is not mandatory, licencing is recommended to assist the Animal Control Officer in identifying a cat's owner. Licencing provides all pet owners with the peace of mind that they will be reunited with their pet again should the animal stray from home. Information such as the pet's name, breed, colouring and owner's name is provided at the time of purchasing a licence to assist in the identification process. Revenues from the sale of licences are used to offset the cost of the Animal Control Officer and the Town's share of operational and capital costs associated with the Lakeshore Dog Pound.

Animal licences may be purchased at the Municipal Offices located at:
33 Talbot St. S
Essex, ON
N8M 1A8
Between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Licences may also be purchased at the Harrow Arena.

Licencing costs:Vary depending on the time of purchase as illustrated below: