Potentially dangerous dogs

Categories of dogs targeted

To ensure public safety and help humans and their pets live better together, the city has set out special provisions for dogs deemed at risk, potentially dangerous and dangerous.

Here are a few definitions:

• At-risk dog: a dog that attacks, bites or attempts to bite a person or a pet without killing it.
• Dog deemed potentially dangerous: an at-risk dog deemed potentially dangerous.
• Dangerous dog: a dog that fatally attacks a person or an at-risk dog deemed dangerous by the city. In Montréal, dogs that have been declared dangerous must be euthanized within 48 hours.

It is prohibited to bring a dog to Montréal that has bitten or attacked a person or a pet in another city, or has attempted to do so.

At-risk dogs

If your dog attacks, bites or attempts to bite a person or a pet, he or she will be considered an at-risk dog and may be subject to an assessment by a specialist. You have 72 hours to advise the city of your dog’s aggressive behaviour by contacting 311. While awaiting the results of the assessment or a notice from the city, you must:

• muzzle your dog when he or she is outdoors
• keep your dog in the location that you indicated to the city

After the facts are reviewed, the dog will be categorized as normal, potentially dangerous or dangerous.

Potentially dangerous dogs

If your dog is declared potentially dangerous, you are required to comply with specific guardianship conditions:

• have the dog vaccinated against rabies, spayed/neutered and microchipped
• obtain a special permit
• have your dog wear a tag issued by the city
• ensure that your dog is supervised by a person aged 18 or older
• muzzle your dog at all times when he or she is outdoors
• keep your dog on a 1.85 m leash (maximum) except in dog parks and fenced-in spaces
• clearly indicate the presence of a potentially dangerous dog in your home by posting a sign visible from the street
• keep the dog at a distance of more than 2 m from any child under 16 months of age
• notify us no less than 48 hours before you move or separate from your dog

If you fail to comply with any of these conditions, you may be subject to a fine and may lose your special license.

Consult the registry of potentially dangerous dogs.