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Strathcona County dogs: identification, over-limit and dangerous-dog permits
Strathcona County, Alberta, Canada
Annual dog licences ended in Strathcona County on April 1,2024. Dogs instead need visible identification with the owner’s current phone number.
Key information
Annual dog licences ended in Strathcona County on April 1,2024. Dogs instead need visible identification with the owner’s current phone number. Over-limit and dangerous-dog permits still apply and are handled only at Enforcement Services,911 Bison Way.
On this page
Plan your next step
| Task or feature | What to know |
|---|---|
| Ordinary annual dog licence | No longer required |
| Visible owner phone ID | Still required, subject to exceptions |
| Over-limit permit | $73.50/year |
| Declared dangerous-dog permit | $787.50/year |
Your options at a glance
- Visible identification replaces ordinary licences
Attach identification to the collar or harness and keep the owner phone number current.
- Household limits and annual special permits
Residences on five acres or less may keep three dogs; properties over five acres may keep five.
- Where to pay and what penalties remain
Enforcement Services at 911 Bison Way is open weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., excluding statutory holidays.
Visible identification replaces ordinary licences
Attach identification to the collar or harness and keep the owner phone number current. Microchips and tattoos can help reunite pets, but the page describes visible identification as the by-law requirement, with specified exceptions.
The county library lends five microchip scanners to cardholders. Scanning can help check a chip or identify a found animal, but it does not replace the visible phone-number identification. Excessive barking, waste, distress and dogs at large remain regulated.
Household limits and annual special permits
Residences on five acres or less may keep three dogs; properties over five acres may keep five. An over-limit permit costs $73.50 annually. The county considers property capacity, handling experience, by-law history, fostering, service-dog training and moves from a higher-limit area.
A dangerous-dog permit, where the county has made that declaration, costs $787.50 yearly. These permits cannot be registered at County Hall. Over-limit renewal notices are no longer mailed, so the holder must arrange renewal.
Where to pay and what penalties remain
Enforcement Services at 911 Bison Way is open weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m., excluding statutory holidays. Listed payments are exact cash, cheque, debit, MasterCard orVisa. Make cheques payable to Strathcona County.
Failure to attach identification or keep the phone information current has escalating listed penalties of $150,$300 and $500. The page’s appeal wording is unusual, so contact 780-449-0170 for the exact appeal deadline instead of relying on a paraphrased deadline here.
Places covered by this guide
Strathcona County Enforcement Services
911 Bison Way, Sherwood Park, Alberta
The sole source-listed registration location for over-limit and dangerous-dog permits. County Hall no longer registers them.
- Counter hours
- Weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; holidays excluded
- Phone
- 780-449-0170
Sources: Official Strathcona County Enforcement Services information
Named places and addresses come from the official service page. Maps do not certify a visitor entrance, accessible route or current operating status.
Useful questions and answers
Do I still buy an ordinary annual dog licence?
No. The county ended that requirement on April 1,2024.
What identification replaced it?
Visible collar or harness identification carrying the owner’s current phone number, subject to stated by-law exceptions.
Does a microchip replace the visible phone-number tag?
The page treats chips as additional help; visible identification remains the stated requirement.
How many dogs can a property of five acres or less keep?
Three, unless an over-limit permit is approved.
What about property over five acres?
Five dogs, unless an over-limit permit is approved.
What is the yearly over-limit fee?
$73.50 under the reviewed page.
What is the dangerous-dog yearly fee?
$787.50 where the county has declared the dog dangerous.
Where are those permits registered?
Only at the RCMP and Enforcement Services Detachment,911 Bison Way.
Are renewal notices mailed?
The page says over-limit renewal notices are no longer mailed.
Who clarifies permit or appeal questions?
Enforcement Services at 780-449-0170.
Official information and next steps
Facts checked on October 14, 2026. Seasonal conditions and available appointments can change.