Download SCCA Friday Market Pets Policy
We only allow dogs (and other animals) outdoors at the Friday Market.
We do allow certified service dogs indoors and outdoors at the Market.
Our food vendors are licensed by the BC Government.
By entering the indoor market with a non-certified service animal, pet owners are risking the livelihood of our local vendors, who depend on the Friday Market for their income.
Food Premises Regulation
Guide Dog & Service Dog Act
If you’re bringing your pet to the outdoor area of the Market, please remember the following rules:
- Keep your dog on a short leash at all times. Long leashes are a safety hazard.
- Keep dogs out of the stall area.
- Stay away from food samples, customer bags, and table surfaces.
- Watch your dog at all times. (You must keep your dog under control or we will ask you to leave the Market.)
- Keep your pet hydrated and clean up after them.
- Be respectful of everyone wishing to enjoy the Market. (Not all customers are dog lovers)
Why dogs are allowed at the outdoor Market
Like their owners, dogs enjoy the social opportunity the Market provides. Being in a public area, we do not have the ability to enforce a “No-Dog” policy.
Other reasons for allowing pets at the outdoor area of the Market include:
- The Strathcona Regional District has no regulation that prevents dogs from visiting the outdoor market
- We are not aware of any regulation that requires us to enforce a “No-Dog” policy
- We provide information and rules to dog owners about behaviour and we will take action to remove poorly behaved animals.
Why only Certified Guide or Service Dogs are allowed at the indoor Market
Under our provincial legislation certified service dogs have the legal right to go anywhere their handler can go. They’re the equivalent of any other accessibility aid, like a wheelchair or a white cane.
Uncertified support animals in Canada don’t have any access rights to public spaces that service dogs do. This is largely because there’s no guarantee they’ve been trained to behave themselves in public.
“service dog” means a dog that (a) is trained to perform specific tasks to assist a person with a disability, and (b) is certified as a service dog.
BC Guide Dog & Service Dog Act
An operator of food premises must not permit live animals to be on the premises. An operator of food premises may permit a guide dog or a service dog, as defined in the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act,
BC Government Public Health Act – Food Premises Regulation