Recently, I 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 he sent me a questionnaire to see if I was the right one to adopt one of his puppies. After bringing my little one home, I was suddenly immersed in potty training, chewing, caging, obedience and socialization classes, as well as learning about the latest attributes of raw feeding. I was setting up playdates with my pup and his new friends and, when possible, also taking him with me when he came to visit, instead of leaving him home alone. It was a completely different mindset among other furkid owners, and the world of consumerism was happy to oblige.

According to Stats Canada, 50% of us live with pets and 38% of them are dogs. A whopping $8 billion a year is spent on our furry friends, which includes everything from vet costs, food, training, grooming, dog walking, to doggy daycare.

Urban Toronto’s dog population is growing by leaps and bounds, and many households have pets that stand in for children in the pre- and post-parenting stages. Generation “Y” considers having a dog as training before the children arrive and Boomers are filling the void once their children have left the nest.

Pets are now considered part of the family on a more equal footing and more than half of owners like to refer to themselves as mom and dad with them. With changing attitudes toward their pets, owners are also investing in dog walkers and doggy daycare when they can’t be around. More people are also working from home, which has eased the responsibility and walking their dog has become more of a social event. Since the beginning stages of the puppy stage are so important with both training and socialization, some take their vacations around 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 has also become more common for pooches to visit lodging facilities where not only do they play together, but owners can monitor their pup on a webcam. . North American courts have seen a growing trend with couples divorcing who also share custody of their pets. These bundles of skins have an important role within their families.

Many of Toronto’s older homes have undergone extensive renovations and rebuilding. Designers are considering the needs of these furry ones and have implemented clever ideas that flow with their vision and allow for dog-friendly spaces. Mud rooms for wet paws, waterproof flooring, dog doors to the outside, dog showers and tubs, integrated feeding stations, and matching dog beds and pillows add functionality and visual continuity to these homes. renewed.

Toronto’s condo boom continues, as does a growing population of dogs moving into them. It was never anticipated that such a large number of condominium residents would include having a dog. City councilors and planners hope to introduce new bylaws that include dog services as a requirement and not an option. That could include providing pet spa areas to clean dog paws and keep hallways clean, as well as rooftop and indoor dog areas. In the last decade, we have seen a 57% increase in new homes being sold in the Toronto area that are condominiums. Affordability is the most important factor and the number of dogs included in these homes had not been anticipated before.

Another important factor that dog-friendly condo buyers are taking into consideration is proximity to green space. Exercise is important to a dog’s life, as is the need for them to have an area to relieve themselves. Being close to a park is often more important for someone who lives in a condo, as there is no backyard for the dog to visit. The rise of off-leash areas in Toronto parks can certainly be attributed to the growing number of dogs and responsible dog owners taking care of their furry little ones. Both dogs and children share the parks in and around Toronto’s urban centers.

In addition to the fact that neighborhoods are a decisive factor when choosing where to live, now thinking about your dogs, the proximity to parks and trails is another element to take into account.

A number of Toronto condos and lofts are already a priority for dog owners. Located in the center of town near the waterfront, CityPlace Condos offers bathing areas and dog parks without leaving the property, as well as being steps from the waterfront trails. Liberty Village has a number of dog park and green space areas that service the surrounding buildings and are dog friendly. Candy Factory Lofts, a true tough loft just west of downtown Toronto, is within walking distance of Trinity Bellwoods Park. It’s a huge multi-use 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 off-leash and leash areas along with trails to explore. Another popular option is the Martin Goodman trails that stretch along the coast and a little further west are Humber Bay parks, which also offer off-leash areas as well as winding trails and paths that create an outdoor paradise. free for dog owners in the city.

Urbanites looking for the perfect neighborhood are now also considering how their dog will add to their own enjoyment of socializing and how they can include it in their daily routine. It’s now quite common to see outdoor patios filled with dog owners sipping their cappuccino while Fido patiently waits. Walking down the street of 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 you are in fact allowed to have a dog. Rules may differ across 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 agreed to add 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 met friendlier. Being around a furkid really makes you smile.

I’ve included a list of my favorite neighborhood parks in Toronto’s West End that are part of communities that share green space with our furry friends. They are perfect for all pet owners to enjoy and especially those who live in condominium spaces where finding a nearby park is even more important.

Dog 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 – 42nd Street, 2