How to Start a Pet Business in Ontario

General information for potential entrepreneurs wishing to start a Pet Business in Ontario.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Basics To Getting Started
2. Industry Overview
3. Regulations
4. Managing Your Operation
5. Associations
6. Other Resources  

1. Basics To Getting Started

Starting a business can be a rewarding undertaking, but it comes with its challenges. Before starting a business in Ontario, it is wise to do your research. There are several issues to consider such as regulations, financing, and taxation, managing your business, advertising and much more.

For further information:
see the documents:

• Business Start-Up Info-Guide
• Financing for Starting a Business Info-Guide
• Taxation Info-Guide
• Employment Regulations Info-Guide
• Business Regulations Info-Guide

Market Research

It is essential that you know who your customers are, what they need or want, and how to reach them. You should have solid understanding of these if you are going to run a successful business.

For further information:
see the document Market Research for Your Business

2. Industry Overview

The pet industry is one of the fastest growing businesses ideas. A study in 1999 stated that pet owners spend nearly $3 billion annually on food, veterinary care and supplies for their pets -- almost $1 billion in Ontario alone. Some of the more common business ideas include:

• Dog walking services
• animal day-care
• animal food stores or bakeries
• animal supply stores (clothes, accessories).

Certain businesses might require specific training or certification, such as:

• boarding
• veterinary care
• grooming
• pet insurance
• animal acupuncture
• behavior advice

3. Regulations

Animal Pedigree Act (APA)

The Act's principal purposes are breed improvement and protection of persons who raise and purchase animals. For these purposes, the Act provides for the establishment of animal pedigree associations that are authorized to register and identify animals that have significant value.

For further information:
see the document Animal Pedigree Act (APA)

Labelling - Packaging Consumer Products (Non-Food)-Pet Foods

The Competition Bureau is responsible for the administration of the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act and Regulations in regard to all domestic pet food products.  A pet food labelling and advertising guide for dog and cat food entitled The Guide for the Labelling and Advertising of Pet Foods is available on the web site.

For further information:
See the document Labelling - Packaging Consumer Products (Non-Food)
visit the web site: Guide for the Labelling and Advertising of Pet Foods

Wild Animal and Plant Trade

Regulations will apply to anyone who ships or transports animal or plant specimens of wild species from one province to another, or into or out of Canada.

For further information:
see the document  Wild Animal and Plant Trade

If you plan on having animals on the premises make sure that your business undergoes an Environmental Assessment from the Ministry of the Environment. The  Environmental Assessment Act applies to all public sector projects and some types of private sector waste management projects. Other private sector projects may be subject to this act when designated by the provincial government.

For further information:
see the document  Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch

Other Regulations:

• Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act
• Health of Animals Act
• Pounds Act, 1990

4. Managing Your Operation

Training

Depending on what aspect of the pet industry you decide to focus on in your business, different training will apply. Most animal care and service workers usually are trained on the job. Some training programs are available for specific types of jobs, such as groomers, but formal training is usually not necessary for entry-level positions. If you think your business might require training or certification, please contact your local government or one of the associations listed below.

5. Associations

Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC)
A national organization dedicated to ensuring the highest level of pet care attainable and a guarantee of a fair and equitable representation for all facets of the Canadian pet industry.

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
The national body serving and representing the interests of the veterinary profession in Canada.

Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers
The CAPDT mandate is to further the concept of dog-friendly and humane training techniques and to provide a forum whereby professional pet dog trainers can be educated, exchange and generate ideas and network with other professionals.

International Professional Groomers, Inc.
IPG, Inc. is an international nonprofit organization for professional pet groomers to upgrade and benefit their industry.

6. Other Resources

• Animal Healthcare.ca
• Animal Healthcare.ca - Guides and Info
• Pet Business Opportunity - Podcasts
• PetsSquare
• Canadian Federation of Humane Societies  
• Canadian Kennel Club
• Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Need more information?

Click: Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Call: 1-800-567-2345
Visit: our Regional Access Program Locations page to locate an office near you

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Some of the organizations listed above are not subject to the federal Official Languages Act or the French Language Services Act of Ontario. Their services may not be available in both official languages.

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• List of Fact Sheets
• Business Guides

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

Links Policy
Some of the hypertext links lead to non-federal government sites which are not subject to the Official Languages Act and the material is available in one language only.