Pet Establishments

In July 2025, City Council approved new regulations for animal-related businesses.

Effective February 1, 2027, the City of Toronto will be introducing a new Pet Establishment licence. Businesses that house, care for, sell, breed, or provide other services for animals, such as pet daycares, cat and dog groomers, and kennels, will need to apply for a business licence. This new licence will also replace the current Pet Shop licence category.

The new requirements will help establish clear standards to ensure proper care for animals, consumer protection, and the reduction of community nuisance such as noise and odour.

The following are not considered Pet Establishments:

  • Veterinary practices,
  • Animal centres,
  • Animal rescue groups, including registered humane societies and foster-based charitable organizations

 

Disclaimer: This tool is meant help you identify the licence type(s) that may be required for your business based on the information you have provided. You may also review our website for further information. This tool and website are not a substitute for legal advice. Is it your responsibility to determine what licence(s) you may require before operating your business based on Chapters 546 and 546 of the Toronto Municipal Code. Upon submitting your application, Municipal Licensing and Standards will use the information and documents you provide to process your licence application.

Currently, pet shops are the only type of animal-related businesses that must have a business licence under the City’s Licensing Bylaw Framework. In July 2025, City Council approved new regulations for animal-related businesses such as pet daycares, cat and dog groomers, and boarding kennels.

As a result, starting February 1, 2027,these new categories of businesses will need to apply for a business licence and will also replace the current Pet Shop licence.

If your business provides more than one service, you may need endorsements in addition to your business licence. A self-assessment tool is available to help you determine which licence endorsements your business needs and which requirements apply.

All pet establishments will be required to meet standards related to:

  • Animal care requirements, including:
    • Providing appropriate food, water and housing
    • Ensuring staff are adequately trained to care for and handle animals
    • Housing animals in a way that supports species compatibility and social needs
  • Facility requirements, including:
    • Ventilation
    • Temperature
    • Lighting
    • Cleanliness
    • Facility materials and design
    • Noise control
  • Record keeping requirements, including:
    • Maintaining records for each animal, such as arrival or departure dates, animal identification details, owner information, and any animal-related injuries.
  • Insurance coverage

Additional requirements will apply depending on the services a business provides:

  • Animal sales or adoptions
    • Not displaying animals in windows
    • Providing proper care for animals (i.e. grooming, vaccinations, veterinary treatment, etc.)
    • Maintaining records of animal health observations
    • Sourcing dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs from the following sources (with an exception for purebred animals):
      • Animal centres
      • Humane societies
      • Animal rescue groups
      • From people who have surrendered their pets at no charge
    • Providing each purchaser a receipt with animal information
  • Breeding kennels
    • Maintaining membership with a professional breeding organization (i.e. Canadian Kennel Club)
    • Meeting whelping requirements
    • Following ethical breeding practices (See Section 545-257(A4))
    • Maintaining records of breeding activities and animal information
  • Daycare, boarding or training kennels
    • Not accepting unvaccinated or ill animals
    • Notifying owners about any injuries or illness
    • Meeting housing requirements
    • Provide access to exercise area or leash walking
  • Grooming salons
    • Not accepting unvaccinated or ill animals
    • Notifying owners about any injuries or illness
    • Meeting housing requirements
    • Having a non-slip tub
    • Maintaining clean grooming tools
    • Using appropriate restraint methods
  • Overnight keeping of animals
    • Completing a Level 1 noise control plan
    • Informing owners if there will be no overnight supervision

If your business provides more than one service, you may need more than one endorsement. A self-assessment tool is available to help you determine which licence endorsements your business needs and which requirements apply.

A draft of detailed requirements is available to reference for the full list of upcoming changes.

If you currently hold a Pet Shop licence, the new Pet Establishment licence requirements will apply to you beginning February 1, 2027.

In addition to your business licence, if you have more than one service delivery option, you will require one or more endorsements based on the services your business provides:

  • Animal sales or adoptions
  • Animal breeding
  • Pet daycare, boarding and training services
  • Pet grooming services
  • Overnight keeping of animals

You will only need one Pet Establishment licence, and there will be no additional licence fee for endorsements. Endorsements are records attached to your license of what service you provide to the public.

A self-assessment tool is available to help you determine which licence endorsements your business needs and which requirements apply.

The City is also reviewing how pet-related businesses — including boarding kennels, grooming salons, pet boarding, breeding, and training facilities — are regulated under City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013. Working in parallel with the new Pet Establishment business license class, zoning updates will help create a clear, consistent, and balanced framework for pet-related businesses across the city. Learn more about the proposed zoning updates, upcoming public consultations, and survey through their webpage, Unleashing New Zoning Regulations for Kennels & Pet Services.
Date modified: November 2, 2026