News release

For immediate release

Kathleen Davis, CRD Animal Care Services Kennel Master, provides professional care to animals temporarily separated from their owners or requiring re-homing. 

Saanich transfers animal care services to Capital Regional District

Saanich, BC – Saanich Council approved the award of a contract for animal control services to the Capital Regional District at its Monday, May 9, 2022, Council Meeting.

Effective June 1, 2022, two full-time animal control officers will provide 14 total hours of service daily, seven days per week (except statutory holidays), covering the hours of 08:00 to 18:00. One animal control officer will provide standby coverage after hours and on statuary holidays. In addition, the Capital Regional District (CRD) will also provide animal shelter services.

Contracting with the CRD provision of animal control services delivers a timely and effective solution, increasing efficiencies and streamlining services. The CRD utilizes an enforcement approach that emphasizes education and voluntary compliance that aligns well with Saanich's bylaw enforcement approach.

"We have listened to our residents and ensuring positive interactions between pets, parks and people and providing bylaw enforcement that works for everyone is of utmost importance to our municipality," said Saanich Mayor Fred Haynes. "The CRD provides animal care services to many other municipalities in the region. Together with Council, I’m confident Saanich residents will benefit from the CRDs considerable experience and expertise in this area."

Transitioning Saanich's animal control services to the CRDs animal care program offers many benefits to residents. The CRD provides animal shelter services to Saanich and animal control services to several other municipalities within the capital region and is well-positioned to procure the necessary personnel, equipment, vehicles and training to respond to the community's needs.

"The CRD is pleased to be extending our animal care service to Saanich. CRD's experienced team is dedicated to public education and bylaw enforcement for animal safety and well-being," said CRD Board Chair Colin Plant.

The transfer of animal control services to the CRD aligns with Saanich's goal of community well-being as set out in the Council's Strategic Plan. The transfer provides high-quality and effective regulatory services, maintains citizens' safety and security in neighbourhoods, and ensures that public amenities, such as parks and trails, are enjoyable for all users.

Learn more

Residents are encouraged to visit crd.bc.ca/service/animals-pets to learn more about the CRDs animal care services. Visit Saanich.ca for more details on our Parks, Trails & Amenities, including a list of Pop-up Dog Park locations for 2022.

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Media contact:
Erika Schade
Communications Manager
erika.schade@saanich.ca
250-812-0952