how we’ll make change
We have an ambitious vision, but Dog Friendly Hamilton is more than just an idea. With support from the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA, we have plans to:
- Gather the facts
Our first step is the Dog-Friendly Hamilton Survey. By gathering hard data and real stories from dog owners, dog lovers, and businesses, we’ll have a clear view of what really matters to people in our city. - Share what we learn
We’ll raise awareness by sharing our findings back with the community, and bringing the results to potential partners like City Hall, local businesses, and neighborhood associations. - Push for change
Where needed, we’ll create petitions and campaigns to tackle the top issues facing dogs and their people in Hamilton. - Test new ideas
Cities around the world have taken exciting steps to become more dog-friendly, through the likes of pop-up dog parks, designated off leash hours, and dog-friendly transit. We hope to take inspiration from other cities’ successes, and pilot new ideas in Hamilton. - Build community
We’ll organize dog-friendly events and partnerships, bringing people together and showing what a dog-friendly Hamilton can look like.
dog-friendly opportunities
- Accessible dog parks
Despite a population of around 70,000 dogs, not every neighbourhood in Hamilton has an accessible dog park. (Delta, for example.) We’re aware that even when space is available, it’s difficult to establish a new dog park in our city. We want to change this. - Dog-friendly transit
Though many other cities allow well-behaved dogs to to ride buses and trains, the Hamilton Street Railway requires all dogs (apart from service dogs) to be crated. This is impractical for larger dogs. Challenging this rule will help dog owners who rely on public transit to access parks and services. - Dog-friendly businesses
By promoting and supporting businesses that accommodate dogs, we’ll make it easier for local dog owners to spend time together in our city. - Cleaner, safer spaces
How might we improve our dog parks and public spaces to help dogs and humans coexist better and more safely? We’re sure this can be done, let’s brainstorm! - Your ideas
This is just a start. We want to hear from you! How should we improve our city for dogs and their humans? Let us know via our survey.
Start survey
In partnership with
