Responsible Dog Ownership in Toronto: Navigating Legal Updates and Implications

Toronto's vibrant urban landscape is home to a diverse population of pet owners. As the city continues to grow, so do the regulations governing responsible pet ownership. Recent legislative changes, particularly those addressing dangerous dogs, have significant implications for residents. This article provides an overview of existing pet ownership laws in Toronto and highlights the recent updates stemming from the City Council's response to Agenda Item 2024.EC16.3 in April 2025 regarding Dangerous Dogs. These updates come from an increase in incidents involving off-leash dogs in 2025 and 2024 across the city.

UNDERLYING REGULATIONS

Leashing Requirements:

Since January 31, 2017, the Toronto Animals Bylaw mandates that all dogs must be leashed in public spaces, excluding designated off-leash areas. Leashes are required to be:

·      no longer than two metres, and

·      securely attached to a collar or harness.

Tethering a dog to a pole or bike rack is prohibited. And owners can be fined $500 (plus fees) for a dog being off-leash outside of a designated area

At home, dogs can be tethered unsupervised for up to one hour, provided the tether is:

·      more than three metres long, and

·      does not cause injury.

Choke collars, choke chains, and pronged collars are not permitted at any time.

Violations of this measures can result in fines up to $365.

Licensing:

At least in the Greater Toronto Area, all dogs and cats over three months old must be always licensed and wear a tag. This requirement was highlighted by the city in late 2023, also as a response to a surge in incidents and lost pets. Licensing is a simple process that can be completed online. Said license needs to be renewed annually. Failure to comply may also result in a $240 fine, with potential court penalties of up to $5,000.

Costs of licensing are outlined below:

·        Dogs:

o    Spayed/Neutered: $25.00 ($12.50 for pet-owners over the age of 65)

o    Not Spayed/Neutered: $60.00 ($30.00 for pet-owners over the age of 65)

·        Cats:

o    Spayed/Neutered: $15.00 ($7.50 for pet-owners over the age of 65)

o    Not Spayed/Neutered: $50.00 ($25.00 for pet-owners over the age of 65)

Relevant Considerations for Condo and Rental Pet-Owners.

Although not being mentioned explicitly in Toronto’s municipal bylaws in rental housing, many tenants still face challenges from landlords who attempt to prohibit pets in their properties. This often causes unnecessary stress for pet-owning tenants and may create an imbalance of power, where landlords feel justified in charging additional fees or unjustifiably increasing rent due to the presence of a pet.

Under the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006, landlords in Ontario are prohibited from including or enforcing “no-pet” clauses in lease agreements. However, this protection is not absolute. Condominium corporations and municipal housing authorities may have their own bylaws or policies that restrict pet ownership, often placing limits on the number, size, breed, or species of animals allowed. Because of this, tenants are strongly advised to carefully review both their lease agreements and any applicable condominium or building rules to fully understand their rights and responsibilities as pet owners.

ENHANCED MEASURES ADDRESSING DANGEROUS DOGS IMPOSED IN APRIL 2025. WHAT’S NEW?

In response to an increment in dog attacks across the city, Toronto City Council has recently implemented a series of stricter regulations targeting the ownership and management of dogs deemed “dangerous”.

Under the new rules, owners of dangerous dogs are required to:

·      post standardized warning signage on their property,

·      muzzle their pets in all public settings, and

·       refrain from bringing them into off-leash areas.

·      wear a special dangerous dog tag, and

·       undergo specific training and socialization programs.

Non-compliance carries serious penalties including fines of up to $615, and even up to $100,000 if convicted in court-issued penalties.

Be aware, it is not a matter of breeds or sizes!

A dog may be classified as "dangerous" under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349 if it has bitten or attacked a person or domestic animal without provocation, or if it has been previously designated and exhibits continued aggression. The designation process involves an investigation by Toronto Animal Services following an incident report, and the classification is made based on factors like the severity and circumstances of the attack. This classification is not directly tied to the breed or size of the dog, which is good news for pet owners and dogs that are often wrongfully targeted due to breed-specific stereotypes.

In Ontario, dog bites are governed by the Dog Owners' Liability Act (DOLA). This legislation holds dog owners strictly liable for any damages or injuries caused by their pets. Unlike some other provinces, Ontario does not require proof of the dog's aggressive history or the owner's negligence to establish liability, which adds another element of carefulness to all dog owners to consider in view of the new rules being placed in force.

Toronto's legal landscape surrounding pet ownership is constantly evolving. The city has long emphasized the importance of responsible ownership through detailed regulations covering everything from leash lengths to licensing. These frameworks have created a foundation that promotes the safety, health, and well-being of both animals and residents. Taken together, these rules reflect a comprehensive approach to pet ownership that balances individual freedoms with collective urban responsibility.

The updates introduced in April mark a significant shift in how the city manages public safety issues related to dog attacks. Moving Toronto towards a model that prioritizes prevention and accountability. Notably, the city’s decision not to rely on breed-specific regulations reflects a progressive, evidence-based approach that focuses on behavior and responsible ownership, rather than stereotypes. As such, dog owners must remain diligent and informed ensuring their pets are properly trained, leashed, and socialized because failure to do so now carries much steeper legal and financial consequences. With enforcement ramping up and penalties reaching as high as $100,000, the stakes have never been higher for pet owners to fully understand and comply with the law.

By Samuel Amaya

The Six Law Group