The Ottawa Humane Society is asking stores, outdoor patios, hotels and other businesses to open their doors to dogs where allowed under city bylaws in a bid to build a “more dog-friendly community.”
The Dog-Friendly Business Program announced will create a list of businesses where dog owners can can “shop, explore, eat and drink in Ottawa with their canine companions,” the humane society said in a release Tuesday.
“Imagine a future where people and their pets can do errands together,” outreach manager Allie Holloway who oversees the program said in a news release. “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.”
“As always,” dogs would have to be calm, well-behaved and on a non-retractable leash before entering any business and owners would be responsible for any accidents or damage, the OHS said.
“When in Europe, I’ve seen dogs well integrated into everyday life and it hasn’t been disruptive in the least,” president and CEO Bruce Roney said. “I envision that Ottawa can do the same thing here.”
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