1. The City told us that it was a "no no" to walk dogs in the park and get paid for it. We brought up the Nanny vs. Dog Walker scenario and asked for clarification as to the difference in business conduct when in a park. We have not received an answer. Would you like an answer before we proceed with designing a permit system for the purpose of being allowed to walk dogs in a park and get paid for it?
2. If a permit is not required to walk dogs in the park, what do you see a permit being required for?
3. How do you feel a permit system will benefit you?
4. Do you feel that the bylaw should be at 6 dogs to reflect the industry standard?
4. a) Do you feel that the bylaw should pertain to only City Parks or all areas of Toronto?
5. Do you feel that the bylaw should remain at 3 and only those privileged should walk more?
6. Do you feel the City should have a regulatory system designed for professional dog walkers?
7. The City has brought up the issue of liability concerns and would like for all dog walkers to have a 2 million dollar insurance policy. Would you agree to get a 2 mill. policy?
8. The idea of obtaining certain criteria to deem a dog walker as professional and using such criteria as a system for a City permit was suggested at the sub committee. Should we determine what criteria and credentials a professional dog walker should have and base that on the issuance of a City permit?
8. a) Please keep in mind that I have not received any information about how permits work and what all the stipulations might be. I asked for clarification but again have not received an answer. What would you like clarified if anything about a permit system?
9. It was discussed that a 2 million dollar liability insurance policy and a pet first aid certificate be obtained. If a permit system was to be in place and only those with certain credentials could obtain a permit, what other credentials if any, do you think there should be?
10. Once those credentials are obtained for permit status, how do you see that a permit will now distinguish you as a professional?
11. What do you see a permit doing for your credibility?
12. If a permit system were to be put in place for the purpose of distinguishing you as a professional, for what reasons would you like a permit system to be put in place. Please list:
13. How much would you be willing to pay for this permit and why?
14. What would your expectations be once you have purchased a permit?
15. What do you feel would be the best reason to obtain a permit?
16. If we must get a permit on the basis of being allowed to walk in a park, do you think this permit should only pertain to dog walking businesses or should anyone who walks dogs or uses the parks as a part of their service, such as vets, groomers, day care, child care nanny's etc., have to pay as well?
17. If a permit system is in place and we now pay a fee to use the parks or pay to show that we have credentials, how will this mutually benefit all park users?
18. Do you think that permits will reduce the problems within the industry?
19. How would you suggest that the professional dog walker present their proof of insurance to the City? How does the city check that it is valid?
20. For whichever reason it is decided on to obtain a permit, if indeed it goes that way, do you think that dog walkers that walk only 2-3 dogs will come forward to get a permit?
Please include the number of years you have been a dog walker. Your business name and e-mail are optional, but we would like to know how long you have been in business.