An estimated 40% of Canadian households have dogs, yet most retail stores still lack safe options for shoppers with pets.

Despite education campaigns, bylaws, and fines, unattended dogs remain a growing public safety and animal welfare issue.

It's time for municipalities to require retailers and landlords to allow pet access or provide secure, humane accommodations, and to update local bylaws to reflect the need for animal-related safety and accessibility in our communities.

Sign now to support safer, more inclusive spaces for people and their pets.

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We, the undersigned, urge municipalities to update local bylaws to require retailers and property landlords, including those operating or leasing grocery stores, drugstores, liquor stores, and similar businesses, to either allow dog access or provide secure and humane accommodations for dogs while their guardians shop.

Why This Matters

• Nearly 40% of Canadian households include at least one dog, and the number continues to grow.
• Over 95% of pet owners consider their pets family and often bring them along on errands, trips, and daily outings.
• Most retail environments still prohibit pets, leaving many owners with no choice but to tie dogs outside or leave them in vehicles, posing serious animal welfare, public safety, and accessibility concerns.
• These risks place growing pressure on bylaw officers, animal control, and first responders, who are increasingly called to respond to unattended pets in unsafe situations.
• Despite ongoing investments in public education, signage, and animal-related bylaws, the trend of unattended pets in public spaces continues. It’s clear that education alone is not enough - cities must now facilitate and require the availability of practical, safe solutions.
• Making room for pet accommodations at retail destinations also supports walkable, sustainable neighbourhoods, allowing dog guardians to combine errands with dog-walking routines and reduce short car trips.

 
We Call on Municipalities to:

1. Amend bylaws to require all retailers and property landlords to either welcome dogs indoors or offer a secure, humane alternative for dogs at their premises.
2. Permit pet safety accommodations on public property, such as sidewalks or adjacent public spaces, where private space is unavailable, by adjusting relevant bylaws governing street use and street furniture.
3. Revise signage and advertising bylaws to allow these amenities to be funded or maintained through third-party sponsorships, making them more financially viable and widely accessible.
4. Acknowledge this as a public safety, accessibility, and animal welfare issue, and ensure bylaw changes reflect the evolving needs of pet-owning households.

It’s time for Canadian cities to move beyond education and enforcement, and start enabling real-world, user-friendly solutions. Safe and inclusive shopping environments benefit everyone: pets, people, and businesses alike.

Add your name and share this petition to encourage your mayor and council to take action toward a safer, more pet-friendly, and inclusive community.