I recently joined the growing number of dog owners in Toronto. It had been some time since my last dog and it was as if a new world had emerged for pet owners. After researching and finding the breed that best suited my lifestyle and family, I contacted the breeder and they sent me a questionnaire to see if I was the right person to adopt one of their puppies. After bringing my little one home, I suddenly immersed myself in potty training classes, chewing, packing, obedience, and socializing, as well as learning about the latest attributes of raw eating. I was setting up play dates with my puppy and his new friends, and when possible I also brought him with me when I went to visit him, rather than leaving him alone at home. It was a completely different mindset among furkid owners, and the world of consumerism was happy to please it.
According to Stats Canada, 50% of us live with pets and about 38% are dogs. More than $ 8 billion a year is spent on our furry friends, which includes everything from vet costs, food, training, grooming, dog walking to dog day care.
Urban Toronto’s dog population is growing by leaps and bounds and many households have pets that take the place of children in the pre- and post-parenting stages. Generation “Y” is considering having a dog for training before the kids arrive, and the Boomers are filling the void once their kids have left the nest.
Pets are now considered part of the family on a more equal note and more than half of owners like to refer to themselves as mom and dad with them. With the change in attitude toward their pets, owners are also investing in dog walkers and doggie daycare for when they can’t be around. More people are also working from home, which has alleviated responsibility and walking your dog has become a more social event. Since the early puppy stages are so important with both training and socializing, some take their vacations for the first few months and ironically call it “Mat Leave” and even send out announcements of their new addition.
More hotels have become dog-friendly for families of pets on vacation and it is also more common for puppies to visit boarding facilities where not only do they play together, but owners can monitor their pup on a webcam. Courts in North America have seen a growing trend in which divorcing couples also share custody of their pets. These fur packs have an important role within their families.
Many of Toronto’s older homes have undergone extensive renovations and rebuilds. The designers are considering the needs of these furkids and have implemented smart ideas that flow with their vision and allow for dog-friendly spaces. Mud rooms for wet paws, waterproof floors, exterior-facing dog gates, doggy showers and tubs, built-in feeding stations, and matching dog bedding and pillows add functionality and visual continuity to these renovated homes.
Toronto’s condo boom continues, as well as a growing dog population moving into them. It was never anticipated that such a large number of condo residents would include having a dog. City councilors and planners hope to introduce new statutes that would include dog amenities as a requirement rather than an option. That could include providing pet spa areas to clean the dogs’ paws and keep hallways clean, as well as rooftop and indoor dog runners. In the last decade, we have seen a 57% increase in new homes being sold in the Toronto area as condos. Affordability is the most important factor and the number of dogs included in these homes was not anticipated before.
Another important factor that dog condo buyers are taking into consideration is proximity to green spaces. Exercise is important to the life of the dog, as well as the need for an area to do business. Being near a park is often more important for someone who lives in a condo, as there is no backyard for the dog to visit. The increase in off-leash areas in Toronto parks can certainly be attributed to the increasing number of dogs and responsible dog owners caring for their furkids. Both dogs and children share parks in and around urban centers in Toronto.
In addition to neighborhoods being a deciding factor when choosing where to live, now with your dogs in mind, proximity to parks and trails is another element to consider.
Several Toronto condos and lofts are already top of mind for dog owners. CityPlace Condos, located in the center of town near the boardwalk, offers bathing areas and dog tracks without having to leave the property, as well as being steps from the waterfront trails. Liberty Village has several dog park areas and green spaces that serve the surrounding buildings and are dog friendly. Candy Factory Lofts, a true loft in the west of downtown Toronto, is within walking distance of Trinity Bellwoods Park. It’s a huge multipurpose park with an off-leash area known as The Dog Bowl. Abby Lofts in the High Park – Roncesvalles area, is a converted 19th century church that is minutes from High Park. There you will find leash and off-leash areas along with trails to explore. Another popular option is the Martin Goodman Trails that run along the boardwalk and a little further west is Humber Bay Parklands, which also offers off-leash areas, as well as winding trails and paths that create an outdoor haven for owners. of dogs in the city.
Urbanites looking for the perfect neighborhood are now also factoring into the mix how their dog will add to their own enjoyment of socializing and how they can include them in their daily routine. It is now quite common to see outdoor patios filled with dog owners sipping their Cappuccino while Fido patiently lies down and waits. Strolling down the street in your favorite neighborhood is always more fun with a companion by your side who also has four legs and attracts more attention than you ever imagined.
If you already have or plan to have a dog, it is important that you confirm with any Condominium you are considering that a dog is indeed allowed. Rules may differ in buildings regarding dog ownership, size, breed, and number of pets. You don’t want to be disappointed after the fact. Unfortunately some of the older buildings still have a “no dogs” rule.
So when I embraced the addition of Baxter to my family, I was able to experience firsthand the joy of having a dog again. I found that even during our daily walks, in addition to getting extra exercise for myself, I also found the people I was most friendly with. Being around a furkid really makes you smile.
I included a list of my favorite neighborhood parks in Toronto’s far west that are part of communities that share green space with our furry friends. They are perfect for all pet owners to enjoy and especially for those who live in condominium spaces where finding a nearby park is even more important.
Dog Friendly Parks in West Toronto
High Park – 1873 Bloor Street West
Rennie Park – 140 Ellis Avenue
Beresford Park – 400 Beresford Avenue
Sorauren Avenue Park – 289 Sorauren Avenue
Kings Mill Park – 105 Riverwood Parkway
Sir Casimir Gzowski Park – 2001 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Christie Pits Park – 779 Crawford Street
Trinity Bellwoods Park – 790 Queen Street West
Earlscourt Park – 1200 Lansdowne Avenue
South Stanley Park – 845 King Street West
Coronation Park – 711 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Bichford Park – 400 Grace Street
Hillcrest Park – 950 Davenport Road
Wychwood Car Barns Park – 575 Christie Street
Humber Bay Park – 2225 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Colonel Sam Smith Park – 1 Colonel Sam Smith Dr.
Marie Curtis Park – Forty Second Street 2
