Resources
Reference materials and past meeting records related to the proposed Animals By-law.
Sidebar
GMM Minutes – September 19, 2024
Review the minutes from the September 19, 2024 General Members Meeting related to discussions about the proposed Animals By-law.
Open Minutes
GMM Minutes – March 4, 2025
Review the minutes from the March 4, 2025 General Members Meeting related to discussions about the proposed Animals By-law.
Open Minutes
The City of Toronto Animals By-law
Review the City of Toronto Animals By-law and related municipal regulations regarding animals and pets.
Open Document
Toronto Noise By-law
Review the City of Toronto Noise By-law and regulations related to noise and community standards.
Open Document
How is the proposed by-law different from the existing (2009) policy?
This table is a summary of the differences. See the proposed by-law and the 2009 policy for the complete rules.
| Topic | Proposed By-law | 2009 Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Member vote required to pass | Two-thirds majority | Simple majority (more than half) |
| Service Animals | Article 2 gives detailed information about definitions and documentation. | Acknowledges assistance animals, with less detail. |
| Pet dogs | One per unit allowed | Not allowed |
| Prohibited animals | Reptiles longer than 1 metre; animals prohibited by City or provincial law. | Any pet longer than 1 metre or heavier than 20 kg; any poisonous or venomous pet. |
| Weight of pets | No limit | Limit of 20 kg |
| Fish tanks | Limited to 15 gallons or the equivalent in smaller tanks, if filled with water. | — |
| Visiting pet dogs | Allows visiting dogs, cats, and ferrets to stay for 30 days without registration. | Limits visits by pet dogs to 10 days in a year and requires registration. |
| Exceptional circumstances | Members can apply to the board to keep more than one pet dog and two pet cats. | — |
| “Grandfathering” | If members have more than the allowed number of pet dogs and/or cats before the by-law passes, the animals may stay. | — |
| Commercial businesses | No breeding, and businesses involving animal care are not allowed. | — |
| Rabies vaccination | States provincial requirements. | — |
| Spaying/neutering | Required for dogs and cats over six months of age. Proof must be given to the co-op. | Required for cats over six months of age. |
| Registration | Required for dogs, cats, and ferrets, with annual renewal. | Required for all pets. |
| Identification | Dogs and cats must wear identifying information outside their units. | — |
| Pets on rooftop patio | Not allowed | Allows “pets” on the roof (but does not allow dogs as pets). |
| Unit patios and balconies | Animals must not be left unattended. | — |
| During maintenance work | Animals must be confined or supervised. | — |
| Removal of animals causing problems | Specifies how the co-op would deal with a breach of this by-law, including the role of outside authorities. | Says the co-op “can remove any animal causing problems,” but the legal basis for that statement is doubtful. |
| Removal of animals in emergency | The co-op may temporarily remove animals at risk. | — |