FAQs
General
Where can I find dog friendly businesses or places to take my dog?
For all local dog friendly businesses, please visit the most recent version of the Dog Friendly KW Business Guide on the front page of our website! This document is a downloadable PDF that you can reference any time you want to find somewhere to adventure with your pup!
You share so many cute dog pictures, how can my dog be featured on your social media or in the business guide?
We love sharing photos of local pups! If you’d like to share content with us, you can submit it here.
Dog Friendly KW Community Guide
Where can I find the Dog Friendly KW Community Guide?
The Dog Friendly KW Business Guide is found on the front page of our website. This document is a downloadable PDF that you can reference any time you want to find somewhere to adventure with your pup!
Some well-known dog friendly businesses are not included in the Dog Friendly KW Community guide, why is that?
As a values-based business, Dog Friendly KW will not promote businesses who do not adhere to COVID-19 protocols or whose values do not clearly align with those of our business.
I found a new dog friendly business (or I own one), how can I share this information with you?
Yay! We love finding new dog friendly spots! You can submit this information to us here.
I’m a business and I am interested in advertising in the Dog Friendly KW Community Guide, where can I find more information?
Amazing! You can email us at woof@dogfriendlykw.com and we will send you our advertising package.
How often is the DFKW Community Guide released?
The guide is released every quarter on March 1st, June 1st, September 1st and November 15th! Each guide has a seasonal spin on it with the holiday guide being released early to allow plenty of time for local holiday shopping!
Is the DFKW Community Guide available in print?
Not yet, but this is something we have considered and will consider in the future!
Do you have any information on how to protect the rights of Service Dogs in dog friendly spaces?
First and foremost, those with service dogs need to be able to access all public spaces safely with their service dogs. When accessing dog friendly businesses, please protect the space and requests of those with service animals present. We also include some great information in the guide on pages 10 and 14. Additionally, you can review legislation related to service dogs in Ontario here.
I found an error in your guide, or I went to a business that’s supposed to be dog friendly and they weren’t - how can I share this information with you?
Uh oh! Thanks for flagging this for us. Please email woof@dogfriendlykw.com to share the details with us.
I live in [insert city here], will you be expanding the guide to my area?
Maybe! We will slowly be expanding the guide to include various areas across Ontario, but since we are only two people, we need your help! If you know of any dog friendly spots across the province, you can submit them to us here.
Dog Friendly KW Podcast
I am interested in being a guest on the Dog Friendly KW podcast, how can I make this happen?
We love having guests on our podcast. Please email us at woof@dogfriendlykw.com if you are interested in guest speaking on the podcast. We can chat and decide if it’s a good fit!
Where can I listen to your podcast?
You can listen to all episodes of our podcast on all platforms where you get your podcasts (Apple, Spotify, Alexa, etc). You can also listen on Saturday mornings at 11 am on Midtown Radio.
I am interested in sponsoring the Dog Friendly KW podcast, where can I find more information?
Amazing! You can email us at woof@dogfriendlykw.com and we will send you our podcast sponsorship package.
Events
When is your next event?
All upcoming events can be found on our Facebook page or on the event section of our website.
Do you work with nonprofits, charities or rescues on events?
Absolutely! Reach out to us at woof@dogfriendlykw.com if you have an idea and let’s chat!
I want to be a vendor at your next event, how can I apply?
Our approach for vendor selection for events varies depending on the type and size of the event. Watch our social media for opportunities for vendors.
I’ve seen or experienced something at an event that has made feel uncomfortable, unwelcome or unsafe, what can I do?
If you have this experience at one of our events, please come see us immediately on-site. Our events are meant to be safe and inclusive for all. If this is not your experience, we want to address it right away. If you are uncomfortable approaching us at an event, please send us an email at woof@dogfriendlykw.com afterwards. We are always open to feedback and we want to hear from you.
Pups & Poses Indoor Yoga Series
I don’t have a dog - can I still come to Pups & Poses?
You definitely can - however, this is a dog-centric event. The goal of this particular series is to support dog owners to give their dogs an opportunity to practice being calm in an environment with other dogs and humans.
I have never practiced yoga before - is this event suitable for me?
Absolutely - this event is beginner friendly and aims to be accessible for all. One of the most beautiful things about a yoga practice is that you can customize it and adapt to suit your individual needs.
I am registered for the series, what do I need to bring?
For you:
Yoga mat
Water
Clothes you can move in
For your dog:
6 ft leash (no retractable leashes please)
Something for them to lay on that is their “place” - a towel, blanket or place cot
Water bowl (optional - there is water on-site)
Do I need to register? How much does it cost?
This four-week series is $80+HST with a bonus pack walk being offered at 5:30 pm before each yoga session. Single day spaces will only be sold if the series does not sell out.
I don’t want to do the yoga series - can I still come to the pack walk?
Not this time! The pack walks before Pups & Poses are exclusive to registered participants to support the dogs in decompressing before heading indoors.
Who will be teaching the classes?
Justine, our co-founder, and 200-hour yoga instructor will be leading the series.
My dog gets really excited around other dogs, can I still bring them?
You know your dog best, so this is a decision only you can make. The intention of Pups & Poses is to help your dog achieve a calm state, with you by their side, while being in a stimulating environment. Some dogs might really struggle with this at first, but might improve with practice. If your dog has a history of aggression or is extremely reactive, this may not be the event for them. Please be mindful of the experience of other dogs and other humans during the event. Because this is an indoor space, we will be asking dog owners to step out of the room should their dog be barking or disruptive to take some space. Persistent reactivity and/or barking can be very disruptive to other participants.
Can I bring my dog something to help distract them like a bone or a toy?
With so many dogs in close proximity, we ask that you refrain from bringing any personal chews, bones, or toys to this event.
How many dogs can I bring?
Due to space constraints, we recommend one dog per participant.
I’m in! How do I sign up?
You can register on our website here.
SNIFFSCAPE
What is SNIFFSCAPE?
SNIFFSCAPE will take you through a collection of 10+ themed rooms. Each room offers a different opportunity for education, enrichment, mental and/or physical stimulation (and of course, loads of cute photo opportunities). Each room has a sign that will outline the features of the room, the objectives and how you can get the most out of the experience with your pup.
When is SNIFFSCAPE opening?
SNIFFSCAPE will officially be operating from February 3, 2024 - March 31, 2024, and closed on Mondays.
The hours vary daily, so please refer to the booking site to see all hours of operation.
Where is SNIFFSCAPE located?
This year we are excited to announce that SNIFFSCAPE is located at 20 Ottawa St N, Kitchener, ON N2H 0A4.
What will happen when I arrive for my booking?
Upon arrival, you will enter through the front doors at 20 Ottawa St North in Kitchener under the large SNIFFSCAPE sign facing Ottawa Street.
What happens if I am late?
Due to other bookings, we may have to reduce the game time if you arrive more than 10 minutes after your booked start time.
What do I need to bring for my booking?
Please bring indoor shoes to wear when enjoying the space. Outdoor shoes must be removed upon entry. If your pup is food motivated, you may also want to bring treats, however, we will have treats for sale on site.
How much does it cost?
Prices are per dog and vary depending on regular hours vs. quiet hours. Refer to our booking page for pricing.
Why are Quiet Hours more expensive?
While we wish we could keep quiet hours the same price as regular hours, creating this opportunity for a solo experience means that we are missing out on several bookings that could have happened during that 1-hour period.
How many dogs can I bring?
A maximum of 4 dogs are permitted per booking with a maximum of two dogs per handler/human. A maximum of 4 humans are permitted at each booking, however, the number of humans does not impact pricing.
What are the guidelines and expectations when I visit SNIFFSCAPE?
To ensure that all dogs and humans stay safe during SNIFFSCAPE, guests are asked to adhere to the below guidelines at all times during their visit:
Dogs must be on a 6 ft leash and under the control of the owner at all times (no flexis/retractables) - a leash will be provided for you on-site if you arrive with a retractable leash.
By attending SNIFFSCAPE, you are confirming that your dog is in good health and is up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
Puppies are permitted to attend, however, puppies who have not had their full set of vaccinations are attending at the owners risk and discretion.
Please be respectful of the space and leave each space as you found it.
If you are bringing more than one dog through the exhibit at one time, you are confirming that these dogs are familiar with one another and are comfortable engaging together in a sensory environment.
SNIFFSCAPE is incredibly Instagram worthy! Take lots of pictures, tag us on Instagram and don’t forget to hashtag #SNIFFSCAPE and #DogFriendlyKW.
You will have 60 minutes to experience SNIFFSCAPE, please be mindful of time to be respectful to others moving through the exhibit before and after you.
Can I let my dog off-leash during the experience?
No. All dogs must be kept on a 6 foot leash at all times during the event. Retractable leashes are not permitted. If you arrive with a retractable leash, a leash will be provided to you for the duration of your stay.
Will other people or dogs be in the space with me at the same time?
During regular hours, there will be multiple dogs moving through the space at any given time, but in 15 minute intervals to ensure space throughout. During Quiet Hours, dogs will have the space to themselves.
Where can I dispose of pet waste on site?
Please use the trash bins provided on site to dispose of any pet waste.
How is SNIFFSCAPE sanitized?
SNIFFSCAPE is sanitized frequently throughout the day and at the end of each day to ensure safety for the dogs. We use pet-safe cleaning products and protocols and consulted with individuals in the vetting industry and daycare/boarding to ensure the space is clean and safe for dogs!
What are quiet hours? Are they appropriate for my dog?
Quiet hours mean only one dog will be going through the experience. Quiet hours are for dogs that may miss out on typical socialization or enrichment activities due to reactivity, age, mobility, fear, anxiety, etc. Quiet hours are currently from 10 am - 6 pm on Wednesdays. Reach out to us at sniffscape@dogfriendlykw.com if you are unsure if quiet hours are suitable for your pup.
These hours are intended for dogs that are fearful, anxious, reactive, nervous or have mobility issues. Please do not take up a quiet hour slot if your dog does not meet one of the above criteria.
How long does it take?
Each time slot is 60 minutes. Some participants will take less time, but we encourage you to go slow and let your dog explore each room.
Where can I park?
Parking is available on-site at 20 Ottawa Street North to the left of the building.
Do I have to bring my own treats?
You don’t need to use treats for your dog to have an enjoyable experience at SNIFFSCAPE. The experience will engage all of their senses. However, if your dog is super food motivated and you want to add treats to the experience, you have three options:
Bring your own treats and use them at your will throughout the experience. Please take all treats with you as you leave each room.
Purchase treats on site - we will have treats available as an add-on to your ticket or you can purchase them when you arrive.
Treat Scavenger Hunt - Add on this experience to show up for your booking with treats hidden throughout, to allow your pup to be surprised with treats as they make their way through the experience. *single ingredient treats will be used to account for allergies. You must indicate any allergies at booking*
Does my dog have to be vaccinated to attend?
Yes. While we do not ask for confirmation of vaccinations, you are required to sign a waiver which indicates that you are confirming that your dog is up to date on routine vaccinations and is in good health. This is to ensure the safety of all dogs who enter the space.
Can I bring my child?
Of course! Please note that a maximum of 4 people (including children) are permitted per booking.