'It isn't right': Proposed bylaw could put a leash on dog sitters

A proposed Severn Township bylaw could put a local dog-sitting business in peril.

On Wednesday, Severn Township council will consider a new bylaw that would "restrict residents from harbouring any number of dogs in a dwelling unit for profit or gain" within the township's rural, agricultural, or rural commercial zones without a kennel licence.

Currently, a kennel licence is not required for pet-sitting up to four dogs in a primary residence; the new bylaw would change that.

Stephanie Dell, who has been a resident of Severn Township for three years, says the new bylaw "isn't right."

"I don't think it's right to dictate what you can and can't do on your own residential property," she said. "This affects anybody who takes money or a babysitting fee for watching anybody’s dog."   

Dell, 34, owns Northern Pawsitivity Dog Care, a dog-sitting business in which she looks after up to four dogs at a time.

"Whether I have four dogs that I own, or if I have four visiting dogs, there is no difference in noise, their waste, or any other impacts," she explained. "So why would I need a kennel licence for my residential home?"

Dell says the bylaw should separate those who are dog-sitting from those operating commercial kennels. She urges people to provide input to their township councillors in advance of Wednesday's meeting.

"People should be able to watch dogs in their own homes," she said. "People do this all over Ontario. It's well-known that people pet-sit for other people while they are gone on vacation or a long workday."

If the bylaw passes, Dell says she can no longer provide dog-sitting services from her home in Washago.

"The only option for me to get a kennel licence would be to rezone my property," she said. "That doesn't make sense because I would be able to own four dogs but would have to make changes to babysit four dogs."

Severn Township Mayor Mike Burkett says he understands Dell's frustrations and has spoken to her about the issue. He says he is "struggling" with the wording of the bylaw that would allow residents to own, but not care for four dogs belonging to someone else for money. 

"That's the way the bylaw is currently written," he said. "If it's running as a business, that's the grey line." 

Burkett says he is undecided on how he will vote on Wednesday. 

"I want to hear what my colleagues have to say at the table," he said. "I want to hear what my staff has to say as well and then I will make a decision on Wednesday after the meeting."

To read more about Wednesday's council agenda and the proposed bylaw, click here.