Short answer
Coyotes live in Mississauga. Dog owners should supervise pets outside, use a short non-extendable leash on walks, keep food indoors, and remove pet waste that can attract wildlife.
Published 2026-06-14
Local dog-owner help
Keep the yard part simple.
Use the local dog-owner guide for rules and parks, or check cleanup service for your yard.
In this guide
What you can check fast.
01The backyard is part of wildlife prevention
The City advises keeping pet food indoors, removing food bowls after meals, and cleaning up after pets. Dog waste can attract wildlife, so frequent pickup is not only a lawn choice.
02Supervise outdoor time
Go outside with pets, especially at dawn, dusk, and overnight. Small dogs and puppies should not be left outside alone, even in fenced yards, because fences are not wildlife-proof.
03Walk with control
The City advises a six-foot non-extendable leash for dog walks. Short, steady control matters more than pulling a dog away after it has already reacted.
04When to get help
Use City guidance for current coyote reporting and safety steps. For sick, injured, distressed, trapped, loose, or aggressive animals, contact Mississauga Animal Services using the City's emergency instructions.
Quick answers
Does dog waste attract coyotes?
The City tells residents to clean up after pets as part of coyote prevention. Removing pet waste helps keep the yard less attractive to wildlife.
Should my dog be off leash near a coyote area?
No. Keep dogs on a short non-extendable leash outside leash-free zones, and follow posted park rules.
Can weekly cleanup help with wildlife prevention?
Yes. It removes one attractant from the yard and keeps the space easier to check before letting dogs out.