Toronto has a well-deserved reputation for being family friendly. Scenic parks, an outstanding school system, and a long list of educational and recreational activities mean residents of all ages can thrive.
For many of us, our beloved pets are a treasured part of the family. Fortunately, Toronto is also a place where our furry, scaly, or feathered friends can live a happy and fulfilling life with their human companions. In this post, we’ll review why Toronto is the place to be for pet lovers of all types and outline our top neighbourhoods in the city, with particular focus on Downtown and the West End that are particularly welcoming to our community’s four-legged members.
The Most Pet-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Toronto
With numerous dog parks and pet-friendly amenities, Toronto is the perfect place for animal lovers. However, some communities take it to a whole new level and really roll out the welcome mat for your whiskered friends. Here are just a few Toronto neighbourhoods you and your pet will be thrilled to call home.
1. High Park
If there were an Oscars ceremony for dog parks, the 400-acre haven at High Park would almost certainly take home the trophy. The entire park is dog-friendly, and there is a leash-free area where your pup can run and explore for hours. The off-leash zone falls between High Park Zoo and the Grenadier Cafe, where your well-behaved fur baby can join you on the patio for refreshments.
The benefits of living in High Park with pets don’t end at the dog park, either. Many stores welcome the furriest members of your family so long as they are not disruptive to other patrons.
MollyWagz Pet Boutique is a neighbourhood favourite, where you’ll find ethically produced, Canadian-made food and accessories for your loved one.
Want to know more about the great city of Toronto? Here is some related reading you may enjoy:
- Top Ten Luxury Neighbourhoods In Toronto
- How Toronto Compares To International Cities
- 5 Up-And-Coming Neighbourhoods For Investment In Toronto
2. Liberty Village
If High Park wins the “Oscar” for pet friendliness, Liberty Village would take home the “Grammy.” The neighbourhood features incredible parks where you and your tail-wagging pal can relax in nature. Bill Johnston Dog Park also offers a leash-free zone where your pooch can run free.
Once you’re ready to return to city life, Liberty Village is well known for its abundance of pet-friendly establishments. Are you planning to enjoy a meal out but don’t want to leave your snuggle baby behind? Restaurants such as Mildred’s Temple Kitchen welcome you both on the patio.
You’ll also find all of the essential services you need for your loyal companion throughout Liberty Village, including Liberty Village Animal Hospital and Paw Theory, where a group of animal-loving staff will take your pup out to explore Toronto’s best trails.
3. Roncesvalles
Since Roncesvalles is a short walk from High Park, you and your pet can enjoy everything both neighbourhoods have to offer. If you prefer to stay local, Sorauren Park offers an off-leash zone so your precious doggo can play and socialize with their four-legged friends.
Roncesvalles is also known for numerous shops and services that are delighted to see you and your pet walk through their doors. You’ll encounter welcoming smiles everywhere, whether dining on the patio at The Local Pub or Cherry Bomb Coffee or browsing the neighbourhood hardware store. At Roncesvalles Animal Hospital, you’ll find top-rated care for your cuddlebug. The Dogfather is another highlight, with an irresistible selection of toys and treats for your pal.
4. Trinity Bellwoods
When it comes to being pet friendly, Trinity Bellwoods is in a class of its own. The neighbourhood is named after the expansive Trinity Bellwoods Park, which provides endless opportunities to get outside and socialize with your pet. There is no leash-free zone quite like the one at the Dog Bowl, where you’ll spot energetic pups of all ages happily bouncing their jitterbugs out.
The community also features pet-friendly events you and your companion will look forward to all year long, including Trinity Bellwoods Flea. Here, you can browse local fashion while sampling delectable eats all under one roof. Best of all, your well-behaved and leashed canine companions are welcome to join in the fun! Numerous amenities include pet sitting and grooming services, as well as the Dundas West Animal Hospital for veterinary care.
5. Harbourfront
What could possibly be better than living on the waterfront? Add in a variety of pet-friendly services, and life on the Harbourfront becomes a dream come true for your entire family. Though known as a busy downtown community, the Harbourfront features numerous trails and green spaces where you can accompany your dog around the lakeside.
To the delight of pet lovers all over the city, Coronation Park offers an off-leash zone for both big and small canines, which means all of the fur babies can play safely. If you feel for a meal on the patio, numerous restaurants and cafes allow your bark buddy to enjoy the view with you. With several pet stores and the Harbourfront Animal Hospital right in the vicinity, you and your four-legged friends have everything you need to stay happy & healthy.
6. Fort York
Fort York is one of Toronto’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Vibrant and lively, it’s just steps away from some of the best shopping and dining in the city. For pet owners, Fort York really does have it all.Nearby parks include Coronation Park and Stanley Off Leash Dog Park, which is one of Toronto’s top hangouts for the local doggos.
Fort York’s proximity to Lake Ontario also means there are plenty of waterfront restaurants, many of which are thrilled to see you and your fur baby. Neighbourhood amenities include Dogtopia for boarding and daycare, while Fort York Paws offers grooming services that ensure your pet is the fairest in the land.
7. Mimico
Do you prefer a waterfront lifestyle that’s a little more peaceful and laid back than downtown Toronto? Every member of your family will love Mimico, especially the furry ones. Sprawling parks like Amos Waites Park and Humber Bay Park West await you; the off-leash zone at Humber Bay even has a beachfront area where water-loving woofsters can splash and swim!
Like many Toronto neighbourhoods, Mimico features numerous restaurants with patios that eagerly welcome you and your pooch! Toronto Veterinary Clinic is the closest animal hospital, where caring staff will tend to your pet with compassion or expertise. If you want to ensure your companion is in good hands while you’re away, Hot Diggity Dogs will keep those tails wagging!
8. The Beaches
Who wouldn’t love living in a neighbourhood close to some of the best beaches in Toronto? As one of the most coveted areas in the city, The Beaches is also popular with water-loving canine residents!
This picturesque neighbourhood is located approximately 20 minutes from downtown Toronto, and few places are more welcoming to friends and family members of the four-legged variety. Many of the shops and restaurants lining the vibrant streets are dog-friendly and will warmly greet your well-behaved pet as you browse.
When it comes to epic dog parks, The Beaches is in a class of its own. Water-loving pups will think they’ve gone to heaven as they splash about on the shores of Lake Ontario at Kew Gardens or Woodbine Beaches.
Numerous other off-leash parks are available, including Cherry Beach and Silver Birch Dog Park. The Beaches is also home to numerous grooming and pet sitting services, along with high-quality pet stores for when it’s time to stock up on treats and toys. With three local veterinary services nearby, it is easy to find care for your pet whenever the need arises. Beaches Animal Hospital, Kew Beach Veterinary Hospital, and Boardwalk Animal Hospital are all minutes away.
9. Leslieville
Humans and pets alike love the natural beauty and abundant green spaces in the trendy Leslieville neighbourhood! Here, you’ll discover beautiful dog parks and leash-free zones that will keep your entire family leaping for joy. Greenwood Park and Hideaway Park also feature a playground, which means two-legged children can join in the fun.
Gerrard–Carlaw Parkette is one of the most highly-rated dog parks in Toronto, with a wood chip surface that prevents your beloved fur baby from getting too muddy. If you need a place where energetic dogs can run around, Pocket Designated Off-Leash Area offers an expansive field with little foot traffic.
When your pet needs care, Leslieville Animal Hospital is standing by. Furballs Pet Stuff, Timmie Leslieville, and Tom & Sawyer Fresh Prepared Pet Meals are perfect for finding a gourmet treat or meal for your extra-special family member.
Are you ready to begin the search for your new home? The resources below will help you get started:
- What Do Luxury Buyers Look for in a Home?
- A Guide To Moving Up In The West GTA
- Everything You Need to Know About Unconditional Offers
10. Corktown
A master-planned community built with pet owners in mind? That’s exactly how you will feel in the Canary District area of the West Don Lands. You will be hard-pressed to find any community that is friendlier or more welcoming to your pet.
Corktown offers everything from pet-friendly apartments, restaurants, and stores to truly outstanding dog parks, including Corktown Common, Thompson Street Parkette, and Power Street Off Leash Park. The availability of Canary District Animal Hospital and Trinity Mews Veterinary Clinic ensures you will always have expert care for your pet.
Corktown has the honour of being one of Toronto’s more affordable neighbourhoods that is safe and quiet, but with easy access to all of the convenience and amenities of downtown Toronto.
Resources for Pet Owners in Toronto
One of the reasons Toronto is so good for pet owners is the easy access to everything you need to keep them happy and healthy. Take a look at just a few of the resources that are just around the corner no matter what neighbourhood you and your family settle in.
Mobile Veterinary Clinics
Having access to the best medical care is typically a top priority for your children. It’s normal to want the same for your pets. A healthy housemate is a happy one, and living in Toronto means you can have peace of mind that skilled and compassionate veterinary care is close at hand.
When you can’t get your pet to the doctor, the doctor can come to you. Several Toronto clinics offer in-house visits:
- Toronto Mobile Veterinary Services
- Midtown Mobile Veterinary Hospice Services
- Toronto Central Animal Clinic
Emergency Veterinary Clinics
What happens when your pet needs urgent care but it’s after hours? Toronto offers several emergency clinics where you can access care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Bloor Animal Hospital
- Veterinary Emergency Hospital of West Toronto
- Queen West Animal Hospital
- Veterinary Emergency Clinic
- Central Toronto Veterinary Referral Clinic
Holistic Pet Health Services
Why wait to treat a specific ailment when you can nurture your pet’s whole body? The following clinics take a holistic approach to caring for your furry companion.
Pet Sitting Services
Do you need someone to provide chin rubs and cuddles for your fuzzy soulmate while you can’t be there in person? Here are a few services that may come in handy.
Are you looking for more information on the incredible neighbourhoods you’ll find in Downtown and West Toronto? We are happy to tell you all you want to know! Get in touch today at tanya@tcteam.ca or call 647-293-3785 to begin a conversation.
