Toronto Pet Legislation

There are rules in place set out by the city council that all pet owners must follow to help ensure Toronto remains a pet-friendly city.

Pet Registration

Every Toronto pet owner must license their dog or cat yearly. Each pet must wear its tags on its collar when they are in public areas.

Cleaning Up After Your Pets

Toronto pet owners must scoop their pet’s poop in all public places. This law is in place to keep the city clean, reduce unpleasant odors and prevent disease.

Limit of Three Pets Per Household

Each pet owner is limited to three pets per household to prevent the overpopulation of pets in the city.

Leashes in Public

All pets must be on a leash unless in an off-leash park. There are several off-leash places throughout the city where pets can roam free in the company of their owners.

Care For Your Pet

Every pet owner must care for pets and ensure their safety. Pets must have proper food and shelter and provided a healthy lifestyle.

Responsibilities of Toronto Pet Owners

As a Toronto pet owner, you are responsible for the well-being of your fur baby. Here are some requirements for pet owners in Toronto.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations against rabies and other routine shots should be up-to-date. Regular trips to the vet are essential.

Spayed or Neutered

To prevent the overpopulation of pets in Toronto, every pet owner should have their pet spayed or neutered. Neutering your pet also reduces health problems and unpleasant mating behaviors in dogs and cats.

Respecting Neighbours

In Toronto, there are laws against persistent dog barking and loud pet noises or unpleasant odors in residential areas of the city. Every pet owner is responsible for keeping their pets inside when away and keeping a clean yard free from doggy doo to eliminate foul odors.

Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Toronto

If you are a pet owner relocating to Toronto or planning a visit, here are our top five pet-friendly hotels in Toronto.

1. Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel

Set in the Toronto International Airport, the Sheraton Hotel welcomes dogs and cats to their establishment for a small extra fee. Service dogs stay for free. 

Other amenities at this hotel include indoor pools, a fitness center, bars and lounges, coffee shops, and free internet.

2.  The Westin Harbour Castle Toronto

Nestled in the heart of the City, The Westin Harbour Castle is a dog-friendly hotel that welcomes dogs for free. Other amenities include garden and picnic areas, swimming pools, coffee shops, bars and restaurants, a convenience store, and sauna rooms.

3.  Fairmont Royal York

A historical Toronto landmark, the Royal York accepts small pets into their hotel for an extra fee. All pets must be kept on a leash or a carrying case when not in your room. 

Other amenities include a pool, health club, restaurants and bars, and hotel shops.

4.  Toronto Don Valley Hotel & Suites

North of the city near the Ontario Science Centre, Don Valley Hotel welcomes dogs and cats into their establishment. Other amenities include several pools, bars and restaurants, coffee shops, spa services, and a gift shop. 

5.  Best Western Premier Toronto Airport

Just a short drive from the Toronto Pearson Airport, the Best Western Premier Hotel welcomes dogs and cats into its hotel. Other amenities include an indoor pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, fitness room, breakfast, a bar and restaurant, and a convenience store.

Best Pet-Friendly Beaches in Toronto

There are plenty of beaches for your dog to cool off in this summer in Toronto. Here is a list of the top 5 best pet-friendly beaches in Toronto.

1. Cherry Beach

Set along Outer Harbour, this pet-friendly beach features an off-leash area for your pampered pets to beat the heat.

2. Woodbine Beach

This beautiful beach set on Lake Ontario accepts dogs on leashes. However, there is no off-leash area for your furry friends.

3. Etobicoke Valley Dog Park

This is the perfect off-leash dog park to let your pooch run free and explore the waterways of Etobicoke Creek off-leash.

4. Kew Gardens Dog Park

This popular Toronto dog park is set along Lake Ontario and offers a fenced-in area where dogs can roam off-leash. 

5. Humber Bay Park West

Located along Lake Ontario in the east end, Humber Bay Park has a fenced-in area for off-leashed dogs to enjoy the beach.

Best Pet-Friendly Parks in Toronto

Are you looking for an off-leash park for your dog to burn off some stink? Here is a list of the five best dog-friendly parks in Toronto that are sure to make Fido a happy pup.

1. High Park

Offering one of the largest off-leash dog parks in the city, this is the perfect spot to bring your furry friends for socialization and exercise around the large fenced-in park.

2. Trinity Bellwoods

Featuring a large fenced-in off-leash dog park, Trinity Bellwoods is a popular park for Toronto pet owners.

3. Sherwood Park

This beautiful Toronto park located North of the city features a large off-leash park for your furry friends to enjoy.

4. Monarch Park

This family fun park features several activities for the whole family, including a large swimming pool and an off-leash dog park.

5. Ramsden Park

Treat yourself to a visit to this Toronto park that houses a wading pool, picnic areas, and a fenced-in off-leash dog park for your furry companions.

Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Toronto

In Toronto, pampered pets are considered family members and are a regular fixture at dinner outings. Here is a list of the top five pet-friendly restaurants in Toronto.

1. Hair of the Dog

This famous Toronto restaurant welcomes dogs to join you in a fenced-in spot beside your dining table or on your lap in the pub.

2. The Goodman Pub & Kitchen

Nestled along the harbourfront, The Goodman features pet-friendly dining on the patio, where Fido can sit behind a fence next to your dining table. Puppies even have a menu at this pet-friendly restaurant overlooking breathtaking water views.

3. Black Labs Brewing

This pet-friendly brewing company invites you to bring your pup along to join you inside the taproom. Fur-ends are treated to a cookie while you enjoy a cold beverage.

4. Mildreds Temple Kitchen & Bar

This popular pet-friendly Toronto restaurant lets you enjoy a meal on the patio with your dog on a leash. This is a great experience that every dog owner should try at least once in a lifetime.

5. Sassafraz

A much-loved landmark of Toronto, Sassafraz is not only dog-friendly. It also offers a mouthwatering menu with an outdoor patio for guests with Fidos.

Toronto Public Transit Welcomes Pets

Unlike other major cities, Toronto allows pets to accompany their owners on public transport, including the following modes of city transit:

• Busses
• Streetcars
• Subways

Pets are welcome to ride city transportation on weekends and off-peak hours as long as there is room on public transit at the discretion of the transit operator.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Toronto is a pet-friendly city that believes in pampering its pets. With pet-friendly beaches, parks, and restaurants in and around the locale, Toronto welcomes the company of furry friends.

If you are a pet owner in Toronto or are thinking about relocating to the area with your fur baby, we hope you found our information helpful. 

If you have any suggestions to add, drop a comment in the section below. We’d love to hear from you.

By the way, if you’re a dog parent, you may find the following articles useful: 

• Best Dog Boarding
• Best Dog Daycare
• Best Dog Grooming