The Ottawa Humane Society Encouraging Businesses to be Dog-Friendly

June 17, 2019 - The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) has launched a new program in collaboration with local business owners, with the intention of building a more dog-friendly community. The Dog-Friendly Business Program is a unique opportunity for local businesses to partner with the Ottawa Humane Society to receive official recognition as a dog-friendly business in Ottawa.

Dog owners are able to refer to the official Dog-Friendly Business list, available at www.ottawahumane.ca to determine where they can shop, explore, eat and drink in Ottawa with their canine companions. Suitable businesses to join this program include those who allow dogs in their stores, on open patios, in hotels or virtually any business with an ability to allow dogs on their premises.

The OHS believes that pet owners and non-pet owners should view pets as a positive and healthy part of the Ottawa community.  “When in Europe, I’ve seen dogs well integrated into everyday life and it hasn’t been disruptive in the least,” says Bruce Roney, President and CEO. “I envision that Ottawa can do the same thing here.”  Allie Holloway, the Manager of Outreach, who oversees this program agrees “Imagine a future where people and their pets can do errands together. A future where dogs are no longer left behind to suffer in hot or cold cars. That’s the idea behind this new program, a strategy designed to support local businesses while increasing pet-friendly attitudes within our community.”

All program members receive a brightly-coloured and easily identifiable decal for a storefront or street-facing window to encourage dog owners to stop in.

Additional information can be found on the OHS website at www.ottawahumane.ca/services/dog-friendly-business-program.