Vaughan and Richmond Hill partner to expand animal services

New contract begins December 1, 2019

VAUGHAN, ON – A new partnership will expand the City of Vaughan’s animal services to also serve the residents of Richmond Hill.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2019, Richmond Hill residents will be able to contact 905-832-2281 (toll free: 1-855-227-7297) or animal.services@vaughan.ca​ for animal services including:

• animal by-law violations and complaints
• off-leash or stray animals
• a lost/found pet
• pet adoptions
• injured animals
• dog bite or attack
• to report dead animals on public property, including the road
• animal cruelty concerns
• 24/7 emergency animal services

Vaughan Animal Services, a specialized unit of Vaughan’s By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services department, is dedicated to creating a safe environment for pets and their owners. A leader in its field, the department provides a specialized area of public service – the care and control of animals – that contributes to the current and future sustainability of the quality of life within the community.

Currently, the City of Vaughan provides these animal services throughout Vaughan and the Township of King. Extending this cross-jurisdictional partnership into the City of Richmond Hill establishes a much-needed service to its residents, human and fuzzy, while enhancing the overall program in Vaughan.

QUOTES

“The City of Vaughan is dedicated to promoting responsible pet ownership in the community and beyond. As a city with a well-established Animal Services team, we are proud to support other municipalities with this important service offering. Delivering on our commitment to Service Excellence, we are expanding this much-needed resource to our neighbours in Richmond Hill. Caring for animals is such a special thing. The bonds shared between people and their pets go far beyond simple ownership. Pets are a part of the family. Our staff focuses on the welfare of animals in our community and we are happy to extend this offering outside our borders. This partnership is a demonstration of how working together can provide the highest quality of services to all citizens.”

- Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua

“We know the safety of our pet animals is very important to you, our residents. This partnership is a great example of two municipalities coming together to find efficient and effective ways to deliver service to meet the needs of residents and provide an exceptional level of care for animals.” 

- Richmond Hill Mayor Dave Barrow

QUICK FACTS

• Vaughan Council approved the extension of Vaughan’s animal services into the City of Richmond Hill in the Council Meeting on Nov. 19, 2019.
• The City of Richmond Hill will adopt Vaughan’s animal services beginning Dec. 1, 2019.
• The City of Vaughan implemented its animal control services in the spring of 2011, providing services to the residents of Vaughan. Services were later extended to the Township of King.
• The Animal Shelter is located at 70 Tigi Court, Unit 47. It is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for adoptions) and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Sundays and statutory holidays, the shelter is closed to the public. It operates 24/7 due to the care needed for the animals.
• Animals for adoption can be found at vaughan.ca/AnimalServices.

LEARN MORE

• City of Vaughan’s Animals Services webpage
• City of Vaughan’s Committee of the Whole Report for the Richmond Hill animal services contract

ABOUT VAUGHAN: The City of Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest growing cities with a population of more than 335,000. Incorporated in 1991, Vaughan includes the communities of Concord, Kleinburg, Maple, Thornhill and Woodbridge. This culturally diverse municipality is located in the heart of York Region and the Greater Toronto Area.

ABOUT RICHMOND HILL: The City of Richmond Hill is one of Canada’s fastest growing municipalities. Strategically located at the centre of the Greater Toronto Area just minutes north of Toronto, Richmond Hill is home to more than 200,000 residents and 4,800 companies.

MEDIA CONTACTS: Carmela Antolino, City of Vaughan Corporate and Strategic Communications

T. 905-832-2281, ext. 8077 E. carmela.antolino@vaughan.ca

Kathleen Graver, City of Richmond Hill Communication Services

T: 905-771-2418  E: kathleen.graver@richmondhill.ca