Vote conveniently by internet or telephone from October 19 at 10 a.m. to October 26 at 8 p.m.
Learn more on the Town’s dedicated election website:
Ajax Animal Services is committed to working in partnership with the community to create a safe, healthy, and caring environment for animals and people.
Our main function is to enforce all of the Town’s animal related By-laws ensuring the safety and well-being of both the residents of Ajax and their pets.
Wildlife Safety and Guidance
Ajax Animal Services does not handle wildlife concerns unless the animal is injured or is located on Town property. For wildlife issues on private property, please refer to the Yellow Pages for a private wildlife control company.
The Town has created a helpful Wildlife Information Sheet that you may refer to in dealing with wildlife or nuisance animals.
Coyotes
Below are some measures you can take to keep coyotes at a safe distance:
- Keep an outside light on when dogs are outside
- Walk in pairs and in well-lit areas at night
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Be prepared to shout and scare off coyotes if spotted
- Do not feed wildlife or stray cats
- Do not move garbage to the curb until close to pick up time
- Do not let small dogs outside alone
By-law recommends that anyone who has a negative interaction with any form of wildlife, to notify the Town’s Animal Services at 905-683-8275 or bylawservices@ajax.ca.
Foxes are a common and well‑adapted part of urban wildlife. They are typically shy, cautious animals that avoid people and are generally not considered dangerous. Foxes primarily feed on small mammals such as mice and rats, which can help naturally control rodent populations in urban areas.
The Red Fox is the most common fox species found in Ajax. Foxes can be identified by the following characteristics:
- A dog‑like appearance
- Reddish‑orange fur
- Pointed ears and a narrow, pointed snout
- A long, bushy tail
Small mammals are generally not aggressive and will usually avoid contact with people; however, this does not mean they are tame or safe to approach. When threatened or handled, small mammals may display defensive behaviours such as hissing, scratching, or biting. Small mammals can also carry diseases that may be transmitted to people or pets. For your safety, residents are strongly advised not to touch, handle, or feed small mammals.
Common small mammals found in the Ajax area include:
- Raccoons – Easily identified by their black “mask” around the eyes and bushy, ringed tails.
- Skunks – Recognizable by their black fur with white striping and their strong defensive odour.
- Squirrels – Found in a range of colours including grey, black, and red, and known for their curled, bushy tails.
- Opossums – Identified by their grey, coarse fur, white faces, and long, hairless, rat‑like tails.
- Cottontail rabbits – Brown and grey in colour, with a distinctive white, cotton‑ball‑like tail.
Bird feeders can unintentionally attract nuisance wildlife, including animals that may become dependent on human food sources or venture too close to homes.
To help reduce wildlife conflicts:
- Bird feeders should be securely suspended off the ground and positioned away from structures that wildlife could climb or access.
- Spilled seed should be cleaned up regularly, as it can attract rodents and other wildlife, which in turn may draw larger animals into residential areas.
Taking these simple steps helps protect wildlife, reduces safety concerns, and supports peaceful coexistence within the community.
24-Hour Animal Emergency Line
Outside regular office hours, Ajax Animal Services continues to provide 24-hour service for emergencies.
Emergency calls may include:
- An injured animal that requires immediate medical attention
- An animal carcass on the roadway that poses an imminent hazard to motorists
- A request from Durham Regional Police for assistance
- An aggressive dog that has bitten or attacked a person or another animal or a situation that may threaten public safety.
If you have one of the above-listed emergencies, please call 905-683-8275.
Pest Control
Rat sightings have become increasingly common in growing municipalities like Ajax. Sightings are due to a range of factors including climate change, development and disturbances to their natural habitats.
What You Can Do
The Town has taken action to address resident concerns about the impacts of rats in neighbourhoods with a pest clearance certificate process. Pest clearance certificates may be required prior to development approvals where potential disturbances to rat habitats could occur within the proposed development.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Some construction projects occurring in urban areas, including those directly adjacent to residential neighbourhoods.
- Demolition of buildings and structures
- Industrial or commercial applications requiring substantive earthworks
Applicants for Demolition, Sediment and Erosion Control and/or Site Servicing/Alteration permits will be notified by the Town as part of the application process if a pest clearance certificate is required. This certificate must be issued by an Ontario-accredited pest control agent and be dated within 60 days of the application to the Town.