Dog-Friendly Businesses
The Ottawa Humane Society’s Dog-Friendly Business Program is designed to increase pet-friendly attitudes in the community, by supporting dog-friendly local businesses. The OHS believes that both pet owners and non-pet owners should view pets as a positive and healthy part of the Ottawa community.
These are just some of our Dog-Friendly businesses! Are you ready to join the pack?
Dog Days of Summer Photo Contest
The dog days of summer are here and we want to see you out with your dog! We’re running a contest until August 31, 2025 where you can show off your pup at a local Dog-Friendly Business and win great prizes!
How to Enter:
Share a photo of your dog visiting an OHS Dog-Friendly Business or patio (listed below) to our Facebook Event page.
When you share a photo, you’ll be entered into a draw to win a prize pack from the OHS and select Dog-Friendly Business partners! Don’t forget to mention which business you visited.
Please see the Facebook Event page for rules and restrictions.
Why are Dog-Friendly Businesses Important?
- They help create a more welcoming and dog-friendly community in Ottawa!
- A more dog-friendly community means fewer dogs left in the car – which can quickly become deadly in summer months
- Visiting public businesses and patios is a great bonding experience for you and your dog, and can help with socialization
Does your business welcome friendly dogs?
Join our Dog-Friendly Business Program and help us create a pet-friendly community!
Dog-Friendly Businesses By Category
Practice Petiquette
Bringing your dog to a Dog-Friendly Business? Practice responsible pet ownership to make sure it’s a positive experience for everyone – including your dog. Follow these tips for a positive Dog-Friendly Business outing!
Take your dog for a potty break before entering a Dog-Friendly Business! Always carry poop bags to clean up after your dog in case of an accident.
Bring essential supplies with you like poop bags, treats, water, etc. If you're in for an extended stay on a dog-friendly patio, you might want to bring a blanket or bed to keep your dog comfortable!
Be Respectful of Others in the Space
Not everyone is interested or prepared to interact with your dog. Give others space unless they ask to pet your dog.
It's easy for public spaces to become overwhelming for a dog. Monitor your dog's comfort levels and if they need a break, take them outside or away from crowds for a minute to reset.
Remember to have fun! Visiting public spaces with your dog is a chance to strengthen your bond and give them mental, physical and social enrichment!
Do you know of a Dog-Friendly Business in Ottawa?
If you know a business in Ottawa that welcomes friendly dogs and you don't see it above, we want to hear about it! Send us an email at education@ottawahumane.ca
Help Us Make Ottawa Pet-Friendly!
Why Go Dog-Friendly?
Aside from having adorable furry visitors regularly popping into your workplace, the OHS Dog-Friendly Business Program offers many benefits for its members.
Businesses who join the program are added to the OHS Dog-Friendly Business List which is shared with supporters and the community through our website, blog, newsletters and social media channels.
We will also provide you with exclusive marketing and promotional opportunities, as well as special features on our social media channels.
You will also receive a welcome package that includes:
- A dog water dish;
- A dog leash;
- A dog treat jar, filled with treats;
- In-store signage and promotional materials; and
- A Dog-Friendly Business window decal.
To join the program, business pay a startup-membership fee of $50, and a yearly renewal fee of $25. We’ll keep you up-to-date on upcoming events, news and activities happening at the OHS and in the community.
Please allow 10 business days for processing.
For more information about the program, email education@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 204