about dog friendly kw
Supporting the growth
of our local dog community
Dog Friendly KW is a community-focused non-profit organization based in Kitchener-Waterloo.
Founded in 2020 by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater, Dog Friendly KW was incorporated as a non-profit organization in January 2023.
Dog Friendly KW aims to create a safe, accessible and inclusive dog friendly community, all while engaging and supporting local, small businesses and promoting responsible dog ownership through education.
Vision: Create the most dog friendly community in Canada through responsible dog ownership, events and education.
Mission: To connect and educate local dog owners and businesses to build a strong community of like-minded dog owners, increase dog friendly spaces, improve responsible dog ownership, and give back to the local community.
Our Values
Inclusive - We create welcoming and supportive communities.
Responsible - We promote safe, responsible dog ownership and uphold integrity in everything we do.
Change Makers - We lead by example, inspiring and encouraging individuals and communities to think forward, explore possibilities, and drive positive change.
Creative - With our dogs by our sides, we create, innovate, and have fun!
The Dog Friendly KW team love to explore new dog friendly spots, support local businesses and encourage and grow the local dog friendly community. We are passionate about responsible dog ownership and education, and are known to dig into spicy topics on the Dog Friendly KW Podcast.
We love working with businesses of all types and sizes to help them grow. Want to work with us? We’d love to meet up for a coffee, craft beer, pooch walk or a Zoom call to chat further. Visit our Work With Us page for more details or email us at woof@dogfriendlykw.com.
Land Acknowledgement
Dog Friendly KW is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee Peoples. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society. Kitchener Waterloo is located on the Haldimand Tract which runs 6 miles on either side of the Grand River throughout its length, land which was issued to the Six Nations of the Grand River under the Treaty of Haldimand (1784) for their role in the American Revolution. This land was acquired from the Mississaugas of the Credit as part of the Between the Lakes Treaty (1784). Of the 950,000 acres that the Haldimand Treaty Lands consisted of, less than 5% comprise Six Nations of the Grand River lands today.
Learn more from the Six Nations of the Grand River.