The City of Toronto is reviewing how pet-related businesses — including kennels, grooming salons, pet daycares and training facilities — are regulated under City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013. With more than 400 pet establishments operating in Toronto and pet ownership on the rise, this study aims to modernize permissions so services can be located closer to where people live, while ensuring potential nuisance concerns are addressed.
This review works in parallel with the introduction of a new Pet Establishment business license class, which was approved by City Council on July 24, 2025 through Item 2025.EC22.6 and will come into force on February 1, 2027. Together, licensing and zoning updates will help create a clear, consistent and balanced framework for pet-related businesses across the city.
City-wide Zoning Bylaw 569-2013 currently includes definitions for kennels and pet services, restricts the location of these uses to select zones, and includes conditions on their establishment.
In 2022, Toronto City Council directed staff through Item 2022.EC31.5 to review zoning regulations for kennels and pet services in relation to a pet establishment licence. A preliminary report setting out a proposed zoning framework and consultation plan was endorsed by Planning and Housing Committee in July 2025 through Item 2025.PH23.8.
Staff are currently developing amendments to the Zoning By-law for kennels and pet services and are aiming to bring forward recommendations to Planning and Housing Committee in January 2026. The objective of the recommendations will be to modernize the City’s approach to regulating pet establishments, in alignment with business licensing updates advanced through 2025.EC22.6.
Information on meetings and events will be added here as they are scheduled.
Municipal Licensing and Standards staff held public and stakeholder consultations on the business licensing changes between January and April 2025, with support from zoning staff.
The study includes opportunities for community engagement through virtual community consultation meetings and in-person events, as described above in Meetings & Events. You can also email or call us to let us know your thoughts on the proposed recommendations, once available. Information on consultation opportunities will be posted on the study webpage as they are scheduled.