Downtown Stratford Business Improvement Area (BIA) has announced the official kick-off of its "dog-friendly downtown" with its Dog Days of Summer event on June 22 in Market Square from 4 to 6 p.m.
In a news release, the BIA said the promotion promises to be "paws-itively fun" for the whole family.
You can watch or participate in the Dog Days Dog Show and also witness an important ribbon cutting by the mayor, the BIA said.
"Pull out your pooch's grooming kit, practice their tricks and get ready to join in the fur-tivities!"
Treats will be available for all four-legged participants.
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth will be on hand to provide their support and hand out information.
They will also be collecting pet food donations and all who make a donation will have their name added to a draw to win 25 downtown dollars.
- 4 p.m. - Registration opens for Dog Show at the BIA tent
- 5 p.m. - Ribbon Cutting of the new Poop Bag Station by Mayor Ritsma
- 5:15 p.m. - Dog Show - Longest Tail, Tallest Dog, Smallest Dog, Best Dressed, Best Trick
- 5:45 p.m. - Prizes for the winning pooches will be awarded and the Humane Society food donation draw will take place
Businesses and restaurant patios that welcome dogs will have window signage indicating that “well behaved dogs are most welcome,” the BIA said.
The BIA has 50 water bowls to be placed at participating businesses as part of the initiative to make downtown more pet-friendly.
The BIA has purchased two poop bag stations that have been installed downtown, one in Market Square by the entrance to the public washrooms and the other on York Street near the bike repair station.
(The BIA thanked Heidi at The Barkery and Christine at Pawsitive Difference Professional Pet Care for providing the bags and keeping the dispensers full.)
"You may be wondering why we are doing this and the reason is quite simple: dog people love to take their dogs with them when they go out and about," said Jamie Pritchard, BIA general manager.
"It’s nice for owners to know they are welcome into many shops and patios of downtown Stratford with their fur babies. Perhaps this will entice folks to come from further afield who love the idea they can enjoy a road trip without worrying about their pet crossing its legs back home.”
The BIA said it has consulted Huron Perth Public Health and the health unit provided guidelines when deciding whether or not pets can be welcomed into a business.
Most importantly, dogs are only permitted in an outdoor eating area of a food service premise as long as food is not prepared in the eating area.
A full list of dog-friendly businesses will be posted to the BIA website in time for the June 22 event, the BIA said.
