I have recently learnt that pets are Not allowed inside most of the shopping malls in Toronto.

After further research on this subject, it seems the main health and safety concerns are the following: . Falling Hair . Poop . Slobber . Piddling against stuff . Biting of customers . Customers with allergies and phobias . Bumping things over . Noise . Chewing on furniture

As dog owners, we understand your concerns. However, these concerns could actually be easily rectified instead of completely banning non-human kids of shoppers.

Firstly, pets are non-human kids. They need to spend some time outside their homes especially during the long winter season. We shouldn’t be expecting them to be segregated, isolated and left behind at home all day long. In order to have a well-behaved dog, socializing is an extremely important factor for their well-being.

Pet parenting requires patience, thoughtfulness, care with a high sense of responsibility towards the fur babies and all surroundings in general.

As Canadians, we are genetically caring and responsible people; and dog owners are no exception:

• They keep their dogs in zipper carriers to avoid any falling hair, pooping, biting incidents, slobbering, piddling, bumping things, or chewing on furniture

• They restrain their dogs from making nuisance and do keep them in their carriers.

• They comply with the applicable animal right laws, including laws regulating licensing and updated vaccinations to avoid any kinds of health concerns including, yet not limited to, allergies and phobias

It’s obvious that such responsible dog parents should be treated fairly as they, and their dogs, do fit in a human society.

Accordingly, Shopping Malls should be dog-friendly year-round and welcoming to all well-behaved dogs. We all have Right to be treated with dignity and respect. It’s time to stop the discrimination against dog owners in our shopping malls.

Suggestions: When inside Shopping Malls:

·        Dogs must be leashed and in a certified zipper dog carrier at all times.

·        Leashes must be no longer than 6 feet (including retractable leashes).

·        Dogs must be under their owner’s supervision and control at all times.

·        Dogs must be in compliance with applicable laws, including laws regulating licensing and updated full vaccinations.

·        Dogs are not allowed to approach other guests or dogs unless invited.

·        Restaurants and stores make their own decisions; whether to accept or refuse Dogs in their premises.