In Kelowna, Lake Country, Westbank and Peachland dog control and licensing are enforced by the Regional District of Central Okanagan.  All dogs are required to be licenced.  The schedule of fees and locations to obtain your licence can be obtained on the Regional Districts website: http://www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/inspections/inspections_dc_licensing.aspx

The Regional District also sets out the local dog bylaws which are as follows:

1.      Persons who do not meet the qualifications for a Kennel Operation Permit shall keep or harbour a maximum of 2 dogs/household or premises.

2.      If issued a Kennel Operation Permit the requirements are:

a)      with a property lot area of 0.25-1 ha – maximum 4 dogs

b)      with a property lot area of 1-4 ha – maximum 8 dogs

c)      with a property lot area of >4 ha – maximum 20 dogs

For more detailed information on dog regulations please go to the Regional Districts website  http://www.regionaldistrict.com/departments/inspections/inspections_dc_whatwedo.aspx

The Okanagan Dog Owners Association is the leading proponent for dog issues in Kelowna.  They were created to promote responsible dog ownership and to work with the municipalities and the Regional District to provide greater dog access to parks.  They also wanted to establish a strong voice for dog owners to create a “Dog Friendly” environment in our communities and of course they wanted to create an organization of people who share similar interests.  The OKdog is always looking for new members and volunteers.  I urge you to get involved!  Let's all work together and make Kelowna an amazingly “Dog Friendly” city.  Membership is only $10/year and brings with it a wealth of perks.  For more information about the Association please visit their website. www.okdog.com 

OK Dog has worked hard over the years to ensure that the greater Kelowna area is “dog-friendly” and as a result there are now 68 parks where dogs are allowed either on or off leash.   The full list of these parks can be found http://www.kelowna.ca/CM/Page269.aspx   Of these, 5 are designated off-leash parks, and Council has just approved 3 additional off-leash parks on a trial basis (between mid-May and mid-September 2008).  These are in Rutland Recreation, Knox Mountain and Duggan (small dog only) Parks.   They are also reviewing public feedback about a proposed off-leash dog trial in Kinsmen Park.  For detailed information about the 5 designated off-leash parks please visit the OK Dog website (link above).

You will also find information about doggie daycares, boarding, obedience & agility as well as dog training on the OK Dog Website (link above). 

A few other interesting pet related local websites to check out are:

            www.petscanstay.ca – list of pet-friendly hotels in Canada & US

            www.cooperboppers.com – pet supplies and Dog Poop Pickup Service

            www.dogagilitybc.com – Central Okanagan Dog Agility Club

For local pet related businessess please contact me if you would like your information advertised on my site.