Just like many other pet owners, I consider my pet part of my family, akin to a child. Originally from Europe, where all public areas including malls and restaurants were open to my four-legged companions, I was disheartened to encounter a different scenario upon migrating to Canada.

Europe has long embraced the concept of pet-friendly spaces. For instance, in Italy, pets are not just allowed but also welcome in most public places as per their national law enacted in 2005. Meanwhile, in France, the sign "Les chiens ne sont pas admis" (dogs are not admitted) is so rarely seen it's almost extinct.

Despite the common misunderstanding, the presence of pets in public spaces does not compromise cleanliness and hygiene, as has been observed in Europe. A study by The European Pet Food Industry in 2020 showed that there was no significant increase in health incidents in places where pets are allowed. In fact, pets being present in public areas like malls and restaurants are known to increase overall customer satisfaction and wellbeing according to a report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, U.S. in 2019.

We are now calling upon the Canadian government to revise its regulations on pets in public spaces and take a page from the European book of pet inclusivity. This will not only uphold the rights and dignity of our pets, but also align with the cultural acceptance of pet lovers who have recently migrated into the country.

Join us in this cause, sign the petition to allow pets in all public spaces. Together, we can make a difference for our beloved furry family members.