How do I verify a wildlife operator is licensed?

Ask the company for their MNR wildlife control licence number. You can cross-check this with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources registry. A reputable company will have no problem providing this information.

What can an unlicensed wildlife operator do wrong?

Unlicensed operators may handle animals illegally, relocate animals to improper locations, cause unnecessary animal suffering, fail to properly seal entry points, and leave you with no recourse if something goes wrong.

What is the 1km relocation rule?

Ontario regulations restrict where wildlife can be relocated. Animals cannot simply be dumped in a park or ravine nearby. Licensed operators know the proper rules for humane relocation and disposal.

Why does insurance matter for wildlife removal?

If a wildlife operator damages your property, makes an error, or causes injury on your property, you need their insurance to recover costs. An uninsured operator leaves you with the bill and no recourse.

Ontario Wildlife Control Licensing Explained

Q: Do wildlife removal companies in Ontario need a licence?

Yes. Anyone who removes wildlife for payment in Ontario needs a wildlife control licence from the Ministry of Natural Resources. This applies to all common GTA wildlife including raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and opossums.

By PestRecord Editorial Team

The GTA wildlife removal industry has a licensing problem. Not all companies operating in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and surrounding areas are licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Here is what that means for you as a homeowner.

Ontario Wildlife Control Licensing

Under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, anyone who removes, trap, or handle wildlife for compensation in Ontario must hold a valid wildlife control licence from the Ministry of Natural Resources. This covers raccoons, squirrels, skunks, opossums, bats, birds, and other wildlife.

The licence ensures the operator has been trained in humane handling, knows Ontario wildlife regulations, and understands proper disposal and relocation rules.

How to Verify a Licence

Ask any wildlife removal company for their MNR wildlife control licence number. A reputable company will provide it without hesitation. You can verify it against the Ministry of Natural Resources registry.

Red flag: a company that cannot provide a licence number, claims they do not need one, or says their general business licence covers wildlife work.

What Unlicensed Removal Looks Like

Unlicensed operators may remove animals improperly. Common problems include:

Relocating animals illegally to parks and ravines
Improper handling causing unnecessary animal suffering
Releasing animals at the wrong time of year, separating mothers from babies
Improper disposal of animal remains
No follow-up exclusion, leaving your home open to new animals

What You Are Protected Against

A licensed operator carries insurance. If they damage your roof, leave a hole open, or cause other property damage, their insurance covers it. An unlicensed operator has no such protection and you bear the cost of their mistakes.

The 1km Relocation Rule

Ontario wildlife regulations restrict where trapped animals can be relocated. Animals cannot simply be moved to a nearby park or ravine. Licensed operators know the proper rules and follow them. Unlicensed operators often dump animals illegally, causing ecological problems.

Wildlife Damage Compensation

If wildlife causes damage to your property, your home insurance may cover some costs. A licensed operator provides proper documentation. An unlicensed operator may not, complicating your insurance claim.

Always verify your wildlife operator is licensed. Get free quotes from licensed wildlife removal operators in the GTA who carry proper MNR licensing and insurance.