Starting out
How to start a dog walking business in Canada
By the Trusthound team · · 5 min read
In Canada, there's no national licence for dog walkers. The rules that matter most are local: many cities limit how many dogs one person can walk, and some, like Toronto and Calgary, ask professional walkers to hold a permit. Add GST/HST registration once your revenue passes the small supplier limit, the right insurance, and a privacy-friendly way of handling client details, and you're most of the way there.
This guide covers the main steps. It's general information rather than legal or tax advice, and rules vary by province and municipality, so check anything local with your city.
Do you need a licence to walk dogs in Canada?
Not at the federal or provincial level, in most cases. Licensing for dog walking happens at the municipal level, and it varies a lot. Two well-known examples:
| City | What's required | Key details |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Commercial dog walker permit to walk 4 to 6 dogs in City parks | Maximum 6 dogs. $2 million commercial general liability insurance, with the City named as an additional insured. 2026 fee $305.99 a year (plus tax), with shorter permits available |
| Calgary | Professional dog walker permit to walk more than 6 dogs off leash | In place since 30 September 2022. You need a City dog-related business licence, a year or more of dog walking experience, or a relevant training certification |
Other municipalities have their own limits on dogs per person, leash rules and off-leash areas. Search your city's website for "dog walker permit" or "responsible pet ownership bylaw", and read the rules for the parks you'll use.
Do you need to register your business?
As a sole proprietor, you often don't need to register anything to start, as long as you trade under your own full name. If you use a business name, such as "Maple Paws Walking", most provinces expect you to register it. In Ontario, for example, you register a business name through the Ontario Business Registry if you operate under a name other than your own.
Many municipalities also require a general business licence for home-based or animal-related businesses. Check with your city.
How do taxes work?
You report self-employment income on your personal tax return, using Form T2125, Statement of Business or Professional Activities. Keep records of what you earn and spend from the start.
Do you need to register for GST/HST?
Not until you pass the small supplier limit. You're generally a small supplier if your worldwide taxable revenues are $30,000 or less over the last four consecutive calendar quarters (and in any single quarter). Once you exceed that, you need to register with the CRA and start charging GST/HST. You can also register voluntarily before then.
The rate depends on the province where you supply the service, so check the CRA's guidance when you register.
What about boarding and day care?
These are more likely to need extra approvals than walking. Depending on where you are, you may need a municipal business licence for an animal-related business, zoning approval for using your home or a commercial unit, and limits on how many dogs you can keep at one address. Talk to your city's licensing and planning departments before you take dogs overnight or open a day care.
What insurance do dog walkers carry?
Insurance isn't always a legal requirement, but Toronto's permit makes $2 million in commercial general liability a condition, and many clients will ask. Common cover includes:
- commercial general liability, in case a dog in your care injures someone or damages property
- care, custody and control, which covers the dogs themselves, since general liability often excludes animals in your care
- bonding, which can reimburse clients for theft, useful if you hold keys
- business use on your auto policy, if you'll drive dogs
Check the policy for limits on how many dogs you can walk at once and whether off-leash walking is covered.
How should you handle client information?
You'll collect names, addresses, phone numbers, vet details and sometimes door codes. In most provinces, private businesses are covered by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), overseen by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Alberta, British Columbia and Quebec have their own private-sector privacy laws, which apply to businesses operating entirely within those provinces. Quebec's law was significantly updated by Law 25, so check its requirements if you work there.
The basics are similar everywhere:
- explain what you collect and why
- only collect what you need
- keep it secure, not in an open group chat
- ask before sharing photos of a client's dog publicly
How should you get paid?
For regular clients, pre-authorized debit (PAD) saves a lot of chasing. The client authorizes you once, and you collect what's due from their bank account on the agreed dates. Payments Canada's Rule H1 sets out how PADs work. For personal PADs:
- Confirmation. You send written confirmation of the agreement at least 10 calendar days before the first debit, unless the client agrees to waive this.
- Notice for varying amounts. If the amount changes, as it often will with walks, you give 10 calendar days' notice before each debit, unless the client waives it in the agreement.
- Disputes. Clients can claim reimbursement for a personal PAD that doesn't match their agreement for up to 90 calendar days.
Most small businesses use a payment provider, such as Stripe, which handles the PAD agreement and notices for them. Card payments are a useful option for one-off bookings.
Your starting checklist
- Check your city's rules on dogs per walker, off-leash areas and permits
- Register a business name if you're not trading under your own name
- Ask your city whether you need a business licence
- Track income and expenses for Form T2125
- Watch the $30,000 small supplier limit for GST/HST
- Get insurance, including care, custody and control
- Write a short privacy notice and simple client terms
- Set up PAD and card payments
Our startup checklist covers the practical side in more detail, and the price calculator helps you check your rates cover permits, insurance and fees.
How Trusthound can help
Trusthound takes care of the day-to-day once you're set up: bookings and recurring schedules, card payments and pre-authorized debit through your own Stripe account, daily care records, vaccination reminders, and walk updates for owners with photos and GPS routes. Clients agree to your terms in the app, so you have a clear record. See the dog walking software page for more.
Sources
- City of Toronto: Commercial dog walker permit
- City of Calgary: Animal Services permits
- Ontario: Registering your business name
- Canada Revenue Agency: T2125 Statement of Business or Professional Activities
- Canada Revenue Agency: General information for GST/HST registrants (RC4022)
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: PIPEDA
- Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: Provincial laws that may apply instead of PIPEDA
- Payments Canada: Rule H1, Pre-authorized debits
- Stripe Docs: Canadian pre-authorized debits
Checked 20 October 2026.
This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Rules vary between areas and change over time, so check with your local authority or an adviser.