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If you live in Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area and are thinking about adopting a
dog, here are a few things to consider:
Access to Green Spaces and Off-Leash Areas
Toronto has many parks and designated off-leash areas including those in High
Park, Trinity Bellwoods, and Cherry Beach, but not all neighbourhoods have easy
access to them. Consider whether you can provide enough exercise and outdoor
time, especially if you live in a high-rise with limited outdoor
space.
Apartment or Condo Rules
Many people in Toronto live in condos or apartments with pet restrictions.
Check your building’s policies regarding dog ownership, including size, breed,
and noise restrictions. Some condos have strict rules that could affect your
ability to adopt certain breeds.
Winter Preparedness
Toronto winters can be harsh, with snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. Ensure
you’re ready to care for your dog during winter by investing in essentials like
dog boots and coats, especially for small or short-haired breeds. Be prepared
for the challenges of walking dogs in icy conditions and dealing with salt on
sidewalks.
Availability of Veterinary Clinics and Pet Services
Toronto has excellent veterinary clinics, pet stores, and grooming services,
but their availability and costs can vary. Consider the proximity of a reliable
vet and whether you can afford ongoing care, including vaccinations,
spaying/neutering, and emergencies.
Public Transportation and Travel Rules
If you plan to use the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) with your dog, be aware
of the rules. Dogs are allowed on public transit only during off-peak hours and
must be leashed or in a carrier. Think about how you’ll transport your dog to
parks, vets, or pet-friendly events if you don’t own a car.
A Dog's New Life is a dog rescue and shelter in Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico (near Puerto Vallarta). They save and rehabilitate abused, neglected, sick and injured street dogs and find them the loving homes in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Rescue efforts focus on the Northern Canadian Reserves, where there is severe dog overpopulation. Foster-based rescue located in Barrie, ON, works with adopters through Ontario. Adopters must go in person to meet the dog. Does not ship out of province
Trina & Friends K9 Rescue is a 501c3 organization dedicated to rescuing and providing care for homeless shelter dogs in need. Trina & Friends works to help sick and injured dogs as well as rehabilitate abused and neglected dogs with emotional or behavioral issues.
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a registered Canadian animal rescue charity dedicated to saving the lives of at-risk cats, dogs, small animals, birds and reptiles from high-volume shelters in Ontario and Quebec.
Canine Haven Rescue rescues dogs from Mexico, Dominican Republic, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and North America. All dogs are kept in temporary foster homes until they are officially adopted.
Paw2Love is a registered nonprofit, foster-based rescue co-founded by volunteers in Ontario and Newfoundland. With years of rescue experience, they focus on saving dogs at immediate risk of euthanasia from high-kill shelters and dogs that have been neglected, abandoned, and abused.
Save Our Scruff is a non-profit organization located in Southern Ontario dedicated to rescuing dogs from unfortunate situations and finding them safe and suitable permanent homes through adoption, advocacy and education.
Redemption Paws is a Toronto-based non-profit and charity that relocates dogs from countries affected by climate change, natural disaster, or canine overpopulation.
Urban Tails Animal Rescue is a Registered Canadian Charity that is completely volunteer run, meaning all monetary donations made to the rescue are used for our rescue efforts and for the care of the animals currently in foster homes.
Happy's Place is a not-for-profit rescue that adopts dogs within the province of Ontario. The majority of the senior dogs in their care are transferred to them from shelters, where they are at a higher risk of euthanasia due to old age, and/or medical needs.
Hopeful Tails Dog Rescue is a GTA-based, not-for-profit dog rescue and a registered charity that is committed to ensuring a better and safer life for stray, abandoned, and abused companion dogs.
Marley's Pet Rescue is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization based in Ontario, Canada, dedicated to providing foster-based care for domestic animals in need. All animals remain in loving foster homes until they are adopted.