Toronto · 2026

Toronto Dog Walker Licence: Cost, Requirements & Timeline

Permits are available for individuals walking four to six dogs commercially. Officially, the City calls this a “Commercial Dog Walker Permit” licence.

Government licensing fees
$535.49
Paid to the City of Toronto
City processing target
0 business days
After a complete application
Last verified August 28, 2026·Official City of Toronto source

What the City of Toronto charges for a dog walker licence

These fees are paid to the City. They are separate from anything you pay us.

ChargeAmount
Commercial dog walker permit - one yearAt permit issuance$305.99
Commercial dog walker permit - six monthsAt permit issuance$153.00
Commercial dog walker permit - three monthsAt permit issuance$76.50
Total government fees$535.49
One cost that may or may not apply: If lost. The current fee is $14.13. It is not included in the total above, because most applications never trigger it.

How long a dog walker licence takes in Toronto

Timeline not published as a single catalogue-level service standard; verify the source/subtype before publishing a customer estimate.

City contacts youAfter your application is submittedWithin 0 business days
Licence issuedOnce a complete application has been receivedWithin 0 business days

Processing time is a City service target, not a guarantee.

The part that catches people out: the City does not start your application until every required document is in. A missing or out-of-date document does not cost you a few days. Your file does not enter the queue at all.

Is this the right licence for you?

Yes, if this is you: Permits are available for individuals walking four to six dogs commercially.

Documents you need for a dog walker licence in Toronto

Which of these apply depends on how you are applying. Answer a few questions and we will send you the exact list for your situation, free.

City forms and approvals

Online / email / in person

Official City application forms, permits, inspections and approvals.

  • Commercial Dog Walker Permit application
    Required to obtain or renew a commercial dog walker permit.

Insurance documentation

From your insurer

Certificates of insurance and commercial general liability coverage.

  • Commercial General Liability insurance
    $2,000,000 coverage for the full permit term; City of Toronto must be named as an additional insured.
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How to apply, step by step

If you would rather do it yourself, this is the whole process.

  1. Confirm the animal permit/licence type and term.
  2. Gather owner/operator and animal/business information.
  3. Provide insurance or other supporting documents where required.
  4. Submit the application and pay the applicable fee.
  5. Receive the licence/permit and comply with operating conditions.

Common questions

How much does a dog walker licence cost in Toronto?

The City of Toronto charges $535.49 in total: $305.99 for the commercial dog walker permit - one year, $153.00 for the commercial dog walker permit - six months, $76.50 for the commercial dog walker permit - three months. Those fees are paid to the City. Our fee for handling the application is separate and quoted on a call.

How long does it take to get a dog walker licence in Toronto?

The City targets 0 business days after it receives a complete application, and aims to contact you within 0 business days of submission. The clock only starts once every required document is in.

What documents do I need for a dog walker licence?

It depends on whether you apply as a sole proprietor, a corporation or a partnership, and on how many owners there are. The full list is above, and a free personalized roadmap will tell you exactly which ones apply to you.

Or we handle all of it

We prepare the whole application for you

So that when it goes in, it is complete on day one and the City clock actually starts.

  • We tell you exactly which documents you need and help you obtain each one
  • We complete every City form for your structure
  • We check every document is current, correctly named and consistent
  • We assemble the package and handle the submission and City follow-up
  • One point of contact who answers the phone
Call for your quote

Our fee depends on your structure and how many owners are involved, so we quote it on the call. The $535.49 in City fees is separate either way, and paid to the City.

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