Animal shelter

photo by Jessica CoxThe animal shelter in Fort Smith is operated by the Fort Smith Animal Society, a volunteer non-profit organization that provides food, shelter and care to stray or lost animals, adoption services, assists with spaying and neutering, and provides euthanasia services when necessary. The society also offers pet boarding services for a fee.

The Fort Smith Animal Society is always looking for volunteers to help out with the care of the animals at the shelter. If you are interested in volunteering, please phone the animal shelter at (867) 872-5543 and leave a message.

Animal control complaints can be directed to Ronald Schaefer, the Town’s Bylaw Enforcement Officer. He is on call weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and can be reached by phone through Town Hall at (867) 872-8400 or on his cell at (867) 872-0102. After-hours complaints can be reported the following work day during on-call hours. After-hours bylaw emergencies can be reported to the RCMP at (867) 872-1111. 

If your dog has been apprehended as a result of a violation of Dog Control Bylaw 678, and is being held at the animal shelter, please contact Town Hall to discuss the terms and conditions of your dog’s release.

Owners of dogs residing within the Town of Fort Smith are encouraged to register and license their dog with the Town. The terms and conditions of licensing are laid out in Dog Control Bylaw 678. The cost of a dog license is $10 per neutered dog (male or female), and $25 per un-neutered dog (male or female), in households with one or two dogs. Households with three or more dogs are classified as kennels or dog teams, and different fees apply. For more information, please see Dog Control Bylaw 678, or contact Town Hall by phone at (867) 872-8400.

For other animal control issues, such as those regarding horses, cattle, or sheep, please see Domestic Animal Control Bylaw 420. There are currently no bylaws regarding cats and rabbits.