Skip to main content Skip to footer

Animals and Livestock

The County of Grande Prairie is committed to keeping residents and animals safe and provides the following services and information. 

Apply for a dog license, report an animal complaint to Regional Enforcement Services and learn more about the Regional Animal Care Facility.

Contact a Problem Wildlife Officer to help you control wild animals that are regulated as pests or nuisances under the Agricultural Pests Act

Agricultural Pursuits

Keeping farm animals such as chickens, horses or other livestock on a residential property is defined as an Agricultural Pursuit. Agricultural Pursuits are regulated by the Land Use Bylaw and require Development Permit approval.

In the Country Residential (CR-2, CR-4, and CR-5) land use districts a resident may apply to keep up to three horses on their property, depending on the size of the lot. A small building or structure associated with the horses may also be considered.

In the Country Residential (CR-5) land use district a resident may apply to keep animals classified as livestock on their property. These animals include horses, cows, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and other similar animals. The number of animals is determined by the type of animal and the size of the property. A building or structure associated with the animals may also be considered.

Calculating Animal Units
Type of Livestock Number of Such Livestock Deemed to Equal One Animal Unit
Dairy Cow (plus calf under 6 months) 1
Beef Cow (plus calf under 6 months) 1
Horse (plus foal under 6 months) 1
Sheep/Goats (plus lambs under 6 months) 2
Pigs (plus offspring under 2 months)1 2
Fowl 50
Rabbits 30
Ostriches 2
All Others1 At the discretion of Development Authority

1Wild boar are prohibited.

Animal-related Businesses

Animal-related businesses are managed by the Land Use Bylaw. The County does not issue business licenses, however, a Development Permit may be required to operate a business from your property

Animal-related businesses include:

  • Kennels and boarding facilities
  • Abattoirs
  • Stables
  • Confined Feeding Operations
  • Veterinary Clinics
  • Residents can also apply in person at the County Community Services Building located at 10808 – 100 Avenue in Clairmont (1.6 kilometres west of Highway 2 on Township Road 724). 
  • Once the licence is processed, a copy of licence and a tag will be mailed to the owner's address. 
  • All dogs must have a securely fastened tag on at all times. 

Sign up to our Newsletter

Stay up to date on the city's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to our eNewsletters.

This website uses cookies to enhance usability and provide you with a more personal experience. By using this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Privacy Policy.