At the March 3, 2026, regular open meeting, Golden’s Town Council adopted a new Responsible Pet Ownership & Animal Control bylaw (Bylaw No. 1510).
The new bylaw was developed based on research and examples from similar communities, advice from legal experts, leaders in municipal animal control and the BC SPCA. The Town also conducted a community-wide online survey to help ensure public input was meaningfully incorporated into the process. Over 840 responses were received during the public engagement period.
“The Town of Golden is committed to working with residents to make sure pets, their owners and neighbours are safe and can enjoy Golden and all it has to offer,” said Mayor Ron Oszust. “This new bylaw provides clearer guidance as the community grows and evolves, and strengthens staff’s ability to address concerns, support responsible pet ownership and maintain community well-being.”
If you own a pet in Golden, there is some important information you need to know about the new bylaw:
• On-and-off-leash areas: Unless you are in one of seven designated off-leash areas or a park with seasonal restrictions, dogs must be on leash at all times. Check out the new off-leash map at www.golden.ca/pets or pick up a copy at Town Hall.
• Licensing requirements for dogs: Licence your dog each year before February 1st and save money!
• Updates to align with BC SPCA best practices: New designations for dogs, standards of care guidelines, animal impoundment and shelter guidelines.
• Revised definitions and procedures: To effectively address designation and incidents with aggressive dogs.
• Backyard hens/ducks: There are new guidelines for backyard hen/duck keeping. Visit golden.ca/hens to learn more or visit us at Town Hall to get a copy of the Town’s guide.
• Registration for hens/ducks: The Town is asking residents to register their hens/ducks. Registration is free and can be done online at golden.ca/hens or at Town Hall.
Residents are encouraged to review the full bylaw and guidelines available at www.golden.ca/pets or by contacting the bylaw department at bylaw@golden.ca or by calling 250-344-2271 ext. 234.
The Town will be providing education and information to residents throughout the first year of implementation. Stay tuned for news on our upcoming free community events to learn about the new bylaw!
Golden clarifies rules for backyard hens under new pet bylaw
Residents in Golden can keep a small flock of backyard hens under the Town’s newly adopted Responsible Pet Ownership and Animal Control Bylaw, but the practice now comes with clear rules intended to protect neighbours, animals, and local wildlife.
Under the guidelines outlined at golden.ca/hens, households may keep a maximum of six hens or ducks on a property. Roosters are not permitted within municipal boundaries, a restriction aimed at preventing noise complaints in residential areas.
The bylaw also sets minimum requirements for coops and outdoor enclosures. Hens must be housed in a secure enclosure with at least 0.92 square metres (about 9.9 square feet) of space per bird, while coops must provide at least 0.37 square metres (four square feet) of floor area per hen and include perches and nest boxes.
To reduce nuisance issues, the enclosure cannot be located within five metres of a neighbour’s windows or doors, and the coop and run must be kept in clean, sanitary condition and free from vermin and strong odours.
The Town also requires residents to register their backyard hens or ducks, which can be done online or through Town Hall. Officials say registration helps staff track backyard flocks and respond quickly in the event of disease outbreaks or animal welfare concerns.
The hen guidelines form part of Bylaw No. 1510, adopted by Council in March 2026, which updates Golden’s broader animal control rules and aligns them with current best practices for responsible pet ownership.
Town staff say backyard hens can provide fresh eggs and support small-scale food production, but the regulations are designed to ensure the activity remains low-impact in residential neighbourhoods.
Residents interested in keeping hens are encouraged to review the full guidelines and care requirements before starting a backyard flock.
Backyard Hens in Golden: At a Glance
• Maximum birds: Up to 6 hens or ducks per property.
• Roosters: Not allowed within the Town of Golden limits.
• Registration required: Residents must register backyard hens or ducks with the Town of Golden.
• Coop space: Minimum 0.37 m² (4 sq. ft.) per hen inside the coop.
• Outdoor enclosure: Minimum 0.92 m² (9.9 sq. ft.) per bird in the run.
• Location rules: Coops and runs must be at least 5 metres from neighbouring doors or windows.
• Care requirements: Coops must be clean, sanitary, and well-maintained, with proper food storage to prevent attracting wildlife or rodents.
• More information: Full guidelines are available at golden.ca/hens
