The City of Toronto is reviewing the business licensing and zoning rules for pet establishments that work with and/or keep live animals on their premises. This could include businesses that offer grooming, training, daycare, or the overnight boarding of animals.
Reviewing these regulations will help establish clear standards to ensure the proper care for animals, reduction of community nuisance such as noise and odour, and consumer protection.
Your feedback will help shape the licensing framework to support responsible pet care and business operations.
Currently, pet shops are the only type of pet establishment required under the Licensing Bylaw to have a business licence in Toronto, leaving potential gaps in oversight. The City-wide Zoning Bylaw 569-2013 includes definitions for kennels and pet services uses, restricts the location of these uses to specific zones, and enacts conditions on their establishment.
In 2022, Toronto City Council directed staff through Item 2022.EC31.5 to explore a new licensing framework for pet establishments in response to concerns about animal welfare and neighbourhood disturbances. Staff are reviewing possible amendments to:
This initiative builds on existing requirements for pet shops to ensure all businesses caring for live animals meet high standards of care.
You can help shape new requirements for pet establishments in Toronto.
Share your thoughts about business licensing and zoning rules for pet groomers by participating in a virtual consultation on:
Two virtual public consultations were previously held on Tuesday, February 11 and Thursday, February 13.
Feedback was also collected through an online survey.
Thank you for your feedback, which will help shape the licensing framework to support responsible pet care and business operations. Your input will inform a staff report to Committee and Council in mid-2025.
Under the Licensing Bylaw, pet shops require a business licence from the City of Toronto. Pet shops are businesses involved in the retail sale of animals. As of 2024, there are 25 pet shops licensed in Toronto.
Under the proposed bylaw amendments, pet establishments would include any business that works with and/or keeps live animals on their premises (for example, businesses that offer grooming, training, daycare, or the overnight boarding of animals. Veterinary practices and animal shelters would not be included in the proposed bylaw amendments.