Grow. Innovate. Connect.

Thank You for an Incredible CONNECT 2026

Thank you to the retailers, groomers, distributors, manufacturers, service providers, and pet professionals who joined us March 4 and 5, 2026 at CONNECT in Niagara Falls.

Over two incredible days, the Canadian pet industry came together to share ideas, discover new products, attend education sessions, and build the relationships that continue to move our industry forward. From the busy show floor to the CONNECT Tool Box vendors and networking events, the energy and collaboration made this year’s event truly special.

CONNECT has always been built by pet professionals for pet professionals, and it is your participation, passion, and commitment to the industry that make the event what it is.

Thank you for being part of CONNECT. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Paul Ford

"Connect truly delivers. It’s a standout event for high-quality conversations, intentional networking, and a genuine sense of community.

Everything runs seamlessly thanks to the Team Connect crew, who go above and beyond to support attendees. Plus, the experience is top-notch with great food, comfortable carpeted aisles, and social events that perfectly bring everyone together."

Craig MacIntyre

"An absolute success and blast at the Connect Pet Expo! Unmatched networking opportunities and such excellent energy. The professionalism and support from Grant, and his team at Connect make it a perfect venue and experience to connect with new prospects, educate for stronger retail, and catch up with current and old partners. Highly recommend for anyone in the Pet Industry sector to attend."

Codie Bonner

"Connect Pet Expo offers a truly valuable and refreshing experience. The environment allows for meaningful, one-on-one time with brands, creating space for real conversations, thoughtful questions, and stronger relationship building. The overall atmosphere is welcoming, collaborative, and genuinely supportive of the pet specialty community. It’s an event that prioritizes connection and quality interactions".

Jennifer Murray

“One of the qualities that makes Connect stand out is its accessibility. The show operates without membership fees, making it easier for new entrepreneurs and emerging brands to enter the market and present their ideas alongside more established companies. This open structure encourages innovation and provides smaller businesses with a platform to introduce new concepts to retailers.”

2026 FLOOR PLAN

Connect:

A B2B pet trade event celebrating the Canadian pet industry hosted and created with a team that is 100% built with individuals and vendors from the Canadian Pet Industry.

How to start a pet care business in Ontario

Retailer Tool Box

April 25, 2025•4 min read

How to start a pet care business in Ontario

Full link here:https://sbs-spe.feddevontario.canada.ca/en/how-start-pet-care-business-ontario

Introduction

The pet care industry consists of businesses that provide products or services for pets and pet owners. If you are considering starting a doggy daycare, obedience training, pet grooming or other pet-related business, you will be part of this growing industry.

Other common types of pet care businesses include:

Pet sitting or dog walking services
Pet clean up services
Kennel/boarding services
Animal behavioural advice
Pet supply stores

Getting started

When you start a business there are several things to consider before you can sell your product or service. Most businesses in Ontario need to complete a minimum of three basic steps:

Find out what licences and regulations apply to your type of business
Choose a business structure and register or incorporate your business
Determine if you will need to collect and remit HST

Our Starting a business guide will give you more information on these steps and other basic requirements for starting a business in Ontario.

Read online:
Starting a business

Regulations

Your business may need licences and permits from the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.

In addition to the information you will find in this guide, you can use BizPaL to find licences and regulations that may affect your business.

Use online:
Permits and licences search

Some common licences, permits and regulations that may apply to starting your pet care business include:

Pet foods

If you are making or selling pet food as part of your pet care business, you need to be aware of the different regulations.

For information on manufacturing and importing pet foods, contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
1-800-442-2342
Animal health
For information on labelling and advertising regulations for dog and cat food, contact the Competition Bureau:

Competition Bureau
1-800-348-5358
Guide for the labelling and advertising of pet foods

Importing or exporting wild plants or animals

If you plan on importing or exporting wild plants or animals, you may need an import or export permit.

Contact Environment and Climate Change Canada:
1-855-869-8670
Permits for trade in protected species

You may also wish to consult the following guides:

Legal questions

You can contact Pro Bono Ontario’s free legal advice hotline to enquire about getting help with your everyday civil legal needs (no family law, immigration or criminal law). The service is generally aimed at those who cannot afford a lawyer.

Note that service is not guaranteed and you will be asked questions as part of the qualifying process, such as the amount of personal income earned by your household, your name, postal code and age range.

Contact Pro Bono Ontario’s Free Legal Advice Hotline:
1-855-255-7256

Read online:
Pro Bono Ontario - Free Legal Advice Hotline

You can also contact the Law Society of Ontario's Law Society Referral Service if you have legal questions of a business nature. The service may be able to assist you in finding a lawyer or paralegal, based on your needs.

Use online:
Law Society Referral Service

Taxation

Depending on your location and the type of products or services being offered, federal, provincial and/or municipal business taxes may apply.

Read online:
Taxation guide

If you sell goods and services in Ontario, you may need a business number to collect and remit the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Most businesses that make less than $30,000 in any 12-month period are not required to charge HST; however, you can register voluntarily and claim input tax credits. Speak with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for more information.

Contact CRA:
1-800-959-5525
Canada Revenue Agency