Port Coquitlam will no longer be housing animals for adoption or strays within the city after a change in its contract for animal services.
As of Feb. 1, Port Coquitlam animal shelter services will be provided by the Coquitlam Animal Shelter, a municipally operated shelter at 500 Mariner Way that currently serves Coquitlam and Port Moody.
Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam entered into a five-year agreement for sheltering services in late 2021, after Countryside Kennels gave Port Coquitlam notice that it would be ending its contract.
The city’s new contract with Coquitlam Animal Shelter will provide Port Coquitlam residents with longer visiting hours, a larger facility and trained staff at a location not far from the two cities’ shared border, according to a press release from the City of Port Coquitlam.
The shelter — which underwent renovations in 2019 — has heated kennel floors, skylights, a dog playground, and outdoor and indoor cat play areas. It also operates a Pet Pantry that provides donated pet food and supplies to owners who are struggling financially.
HERE'S WHERE STRAY ANIMALS WILL BE HOUSED
The City of Coquitlam, meanwhile, will benefit from additional contract revenue that will go to the Coquitlam Animal Shelter to fund new and existing services.
The agreement means Coquitlam will provide sheltering services while Port Coquitlam will continue to manage its own dog licensing and removal of deceased animals from public spaces.
More information can be found at portcoquitlam.ca/shelter.
The City of Port Coquitlam previously housed animals at Countryside Kennels and thanked the business for its long service to the community.
AGREEMENT WITH POCO PRIVATE KENNEL ENDS
Countryside began providing Port Coquitlam’s shelter services in 2008, after the SPCA closed its former location on Pipeline Road in Coquitlam.
In a statement, Aaron Hilgerdenaar, Coquitlam city bylaw enforcement and animal services manager, confirmed that as of Feb.1, Coquitlam will be providing animal care and facilitating adoption services for stray and abandoned animals from every municipality in the Tri-Cities.
“Residents who come across a stray animal are encouraged to reach out to their local animal control agencies to receive input and direction on what to do,” Hilgerdenaar further added in an email.
He noted as well that Coquitlam has a variety of animals up for adoption, specifically small animals at this time, including bunnies and guinea pigs.
To view adoptable animals, visit here: for information on the hours of operation at the Coquitlam Animal Shelter, visit here.
Dog Licences Due Feb. 1
Dog licence fees are an important source of funding for Port Coquitlam’s Animal Control services, which include sheltering and adoption of strays, and bylaw enforcement related to dogs at large, dog bites, excessive barking, aggressive dogs, and dog waste in public spaces.
All dogs aged six months and older in Port Coquitlam are required to be licensed, with renewals due on Feb. 1 each year. Discounts are available for neutered and spayed dogs.
Go to portcoquitlam.ca/doglicence to renew or apply online for a dog licence, or visit Port Coquitlam City Hall at 2580 Shaughnessy St. for in-person service. For information about dog licences, email [email protected] or 604-927-5425.
