Dogs in Toronto are a pampered lot. The city is home to more than 230,000 dogs, and there is so much for dogs and doggy parents to do. Toronto has more than 65 off-leash dog areas for your pet pup to play and socialise. Restaurants and cafés welcome pets, and you can also take your furry pal on public transport here in Toronto.

If you are planning to relocate your pet to Toronto or visit the city on holiday with your pet dog, here’s what you need to know about living in Toronto with a dog:

Follow the rules

Pet parents in Toronto are expected to follow the legislation laid down by the city council for a safe and harmonious pet ownership experience. These rules help protect your dog and make sure your dog is not a nuisance to the general public and other dogs.

• Dog registration: All pet dogs in Toronto must be licensed and must wear the tag at all times. You can license your dog either online, in person, on the phone or by mail. The license is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
• Clean up after your pup: Always carry bags with you to pick up your dog’s refuse. It is mandatory to clean up after your dog every time. The city of Toronto has placed Green Bins in all off-leash areas and parks across the city to dispose dog waste.
• Three’s the limit: You are allowed to own a maximum of three dogs in Toronto. Pet parents are not allowed to walk more than three dogs at a time in the city unless they have a commercial pet walker’s permit.
• Leash laws: Leash laws in Toronto are in place to make sure your dog does not scare or intimidate other dogs and people. When you take your dog out in public, they must always be on a lead, not more than two metres long. The pet parent or a responsible person must hold the lead at all times; it is illegal to tie your dog to a pole or a bike rack in Toronto.
• Care for your dog: All pet parents must take care of their pet dogs. It is your responsibility to ensure your pet is well-fed and his or her health needs are attended to. Make sure you take your dog to the vet at least once a year for a health check.

Pet parent responsibilities in Toronto

As a pet parent in Toronto, the well-being of your pet is your responsibility. You have to make sure your dog is well-cared for, lives in a hygienic place and all their physiological needs are met. Here are some pet responsibilities for pet parents in Toronto:

• Vaccinations and microchip: All dogs in Toronto must be vaccinated for rabies and other mandatory vaccines. Remember to microchip your dog and update your contact information whenever there is a change. A microchip is especially important during pet travel, and is an invaluable resource to trace your dog if it is missing or stolen.
• Spay and neuter your pets: Help the city of Toronto control pet overpopulation by spaying and neutering your pet dogs. Neutering also helps prevent health issues in dogs and controls unwanted mating behaviour.
• Exercise and socialise your dogs: The city of Toronto has several off-leash dog areas in almost every neighbourhood for your dog to exercise and socialise. Your dog must be on a lead when you take them to the park, and the lead must not be over two metres long.
• Respect your neighbours: Nobody likes a dog that barks and whines all time. Toronto has laws against persistent barking and whining noises in residential areas. Make sure your dog does not disturb your neighbours.

Best pet parks in Toronto

The dogs of Toronto are spoiled for choice when it comes to pet parks. The city has several off-leash areas for dogs to play. From small lead-free enclosures to large parks with rolling trails – Toronto has something for dogs of every temperament. Some of the best dog parks in the city are:

• High Park
• Trinity Bellwoods Park
• Sherwood park
• Coronation Dog Park
• Cedarvale Ravine

Dogs on public transport in Toronto

Unlike many big cities, your pet dog can use public transport in Toronto. Dogs are allowed on the subway, buses and streetcars provided they are on a lead or in a pet carrier. Your pets can ride public transport only on weekends and during off-peak hours. The transit operator may not allow your pet to board if it is crowded and there is only standing room.

Dog-friendly restaurants and cafés in Toronto

Many of Toronto’s restaurants, patios and cafés welcome doggy friends, and many of them have special doggy menus too. Some of Toronto’s most famous dog-friendly restaurants are:

• Black Lab Brewery
• Henderson Brewing Company
• Local Public Eatery
• Te aro
• Evergreen Brickworks
• Dogs and Coffee

Pet transport to Toronto? Call the pet travel experts

Toronto is a beautiful city to live in and raise your dog. The people of Toronto love their pets, and it is evident in all the pet-friendly facilities and activities in the city. Travelling to Toronto with your pet is complicated, and it is recommended to use the assistance of pet travel experts to assist you with the transport.

If you are moving to Toronto with your pet dog or visiting for a holiday, get in touch with our team at Petraveller for a detailed pet travel itinerary.