Here is the latest information on the City of Calgary’s review of retail pet sales. There has been some confusion in recent weeks due to changes in meeting dates and limited public communication, so I want to ensure all affected members have the most accurate information.
- The Briefing Note has already gone to Committee
City Administration’s Briefing Note on retail pet sales (CD2025-0979) was added to the Community Development Committee meeting on November 21. This was a change from the previously communicated December 10 date. As a Briefing Note, it was included for information only. There was no presentation, no public speaking, and no debate.
- The same Briefing Note was be presented to Council on December 15
The Briefing Note appeared again on the agenda for the Regular Meeting of Council on December 15. As with the Committee meeting, this was for information only. There was no presentation from Administration and no opportunity for public input at that meeting.
- There is no vote on retail pet sales scheduled at this time
There is currently no recommendation before Council and no bylaw amendment pertaining to the subject under consideration. The City has confirmed that any future action would require a Councillor to bring forward a new Notice of Motion in 2026, after the new Council has had time to review the information.
- Links to the City documents
Here are the direct links to the official materials:
- Briefing Note CD2025-0979: Pet Sales Review
- What We Heard Report: Retail Pet Sales Review
- This issue could return next year
Although nothing was adopted in December, the file is not closed. The Briefing Note, the What We Heard Report, and all public submissions will remain on record. A future Councillor may choose to bring forward a new motion in 2026 to pursue restrictions or further study.
For this reason, Pets Canada is continuing our advocacy work so that Council has accurate, balanced information when they review this matter again.
- Pets Canada submissions provided to Council
To date, we have submitted 4 written statements on behalf of Pets Canada members outlining our concerns with retail sales bans and recommending more effective alternatives that improve animal welfare without pushing consumers into unregulated markets. The attached document was to be the one we intended to submit before the December 15 meeting so council would have it alongside the Briefing Note. However, when we looked at the year end, massive agenda they had in front of them, we felt our message would get lost. Instead, I emailed the mayor and councillors letting them know that we had summitted many correspondences and looked forward to future engagement on the matter should it come forward again. I will likely use the attached document as the basis for such an occasion.
- What to expect next
We expect the file to remain dormant until the new Council begins setting priorities in 2026. If a new motion is introduced at that time, we will notify members immediately and coordinate a response.
If you have questions or want to discuss the implications for your business, please to reach out. Please fee free to share this message. If you are a chain, please note that this email has not been shared with your Calgary stores. You are welcome to share as you wish.
