🚫 Breed bans
Set by municipalitiesNo province-wide ban. Some British Columbia municipalities have breed rules while others, such as Vancouver, have repealed theirs — check your city’s bylaws.
British Columbia Pet Laws
What provincial law in British Columbia says about pets — in plain English, with a link to each source.
⚖️ Dog bites
Common law (knowledge or negligence)British Columbia has no general strict-liability statute for dog bites, so the common law applies: the injured person usually has to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous (the “scienter” rule) or was negligent. Municipal bylaws may add fines.
💉 Rabies vaccine
Set by municipalitiesNo province-wide requirement was found for British Columbia; rabies vaccination is set by municipal bylaws, and many municipalities require it for a dog licence. Vets recommend it — rabies is present in Canadian wildlife.
🏪 Pet store sales
Banned in some citiesNo provincial ban, but several cities — including Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey — ban pet stores from selling dogs and cats (and in some, rabbits) except animals from shelters and rescues.
🔔 Get recall alerts by email
When FDA announces a dog or cat food recall, we email you the brand, the product and what to do.
Or follow the RSS feedGeneral information, not legal advice. Local authorities in British Columbia may have stricter rules.