In July 2025, City Council approved new regulations for animal-related businesses.
Effective February 1, 2027, a new Pet Establishment licence type will be introduced that replaces the current Pet Shop licence category and creates new requirements for other pet-related businesses, including those that board, breed, train, and groom animals (e.g. pet daycares, cat and dog groomers, kennels).
The following are not considered Pet Establishments:
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, you will need to meet requirements for one or more endorsements based on the services your business provides:
If your business provides more than one service, you may need more than one endorsement.
You will only need one Pet Establishment licence, and there will be no additional licence fee for endorsements.
The City will provide more information in Fall 2026. A self-assessment tool will also be available to help you determine which licence endorsements your business needs and which requirements apply.
Currently, pet shops are the only type of animal-related businesses that must have a business licence under the City’s Licensing Bylaw, leaving potential gaps in oversight. The City-wide Zoning Bylaw (569-2013) regulates where kennels and pet services businesses can operate and enacts conditions on their establishment.
In 2022, City Council directed staff to explore a new licensing framework for pet establishments in response to concerns about animal welfare and neighbourhood disturbances (2022.EC31.5). Throughout 2024 and 2025, staff reviewed licensing and zoning regulations for businesses that work with or keep live animals on their premises.
These 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.
All pet establishments will be required to meet standards related to:
Additional requirements will apply depending on the services a business provides , such as:
For example, pet shops are currently required to source dogs and cats from animal shelters, humane societies, shelters, rescue groups, and in some cases, owner surrenders. As of February 1, 2027, all businesses keeping animals for sale or adoption must source all dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs from the following sources (with an exception for purebred animals):