Toronto isn’t just for humans — it’s for the animals who live here, too! You may not be able to bring your dog with you everywhere, but you might be surprised by how many places in the city are seriously pet-friendly. Whether your pet is the cafe-hopping, serious snacking kind, or just in need of a spa day, Toronto is a city that wants to make your pets a part of your weekend plans. Here are some of the best ways to spice up your pet’s routine.
Wonder Pet Cafe
If your party plans aren’t complete without your pup by your side, Wonder Pet Cafe is the place to be. Despite its name, this cafe is a hub for much more than coffee and snacks. It can serve as an adoption centre, a home for rescue animals, a safe space to heal when in need of a “sip and snuggle,” and a place to enrich your pets’ lives by offering opportunities to socialize. Whether you want to spend the day with your pet, meet a new one or get your cuteness fix, this is the place to do it.
The Drake Hotel
If you and your unemployed roommate could use a little relaxation and reset (because really, who doesn’t?), Toronto’s pet-friendly hotels are celebrating this holiday the right way.
At The Drake Hotel, pets are treated like actual guests, not just add-ons. With their “Best Friends Welcome” package, you and your plus one will be greeted with local treats, in-room beds and bowls, and a photobooth coupon so you and your mini-me can leave with something more than just a cluttered camera roll.
Coffee shops
I don’t know what your dream Saturday morning looks like, but mine has an iced coffee in one hand and a breakfast sandwich in the other, while I’m walking in Toronto, sunglasses on. The only thing that could make that better is struggling to hold my leash and my iced coffee in the same hand.
With these Toronto cafes, there’s no reason this dream couldn’t become a reality. Downtown, De Mello Coffee (located within The Well) makes it easy to stop in with your dog thanks to its no-kitchen setup and open-air layout.
For my working dog-moms on the go, Bevy Coffee has built a reputation as a go-to WFH spot in the city, but did you know you could bring your built-in, in-house co-worker with you? Dogs are permitted (and encouraged!) inside this spacious coffee shop.
In the east end, Sumach Espresso leans fully into being pet-friendly, with plenty of dog-approved outdoor seating and even offering treats (for pets, not humans) upon entry. Dark Horse Espresso Bar remains a reliable option with six locations across the city; dogs are welcome on the patio here.
Sarang Kitchen
Forget dinner for one — this neurodiversity-friendly restaurant lets your pet join in on the fun. At Sarang Kitchen on the Danforth, their patio doubles as a full-on pet-friendly dining experience for non-verbal friends and their owners alike. While you order Korean fried chicken and cocktails, your sidekick can order from their pet-friendly menu, complete with a Korean Bark-B-Q set, Puppuccinos and even a Pawgarita.
The Scent Den
Located inside The Wholesome Canine Clinic at 2096 Dundas St. W. is a way to spend your day that’s unlike anything you or your pet have seen before. Toronto’s first and only indoor sensory zone for dogs is exactly what you’d imagine — it’s designed to bring out your dog’s inner wolf. Set their natural instincts free through scent, texture and exploration by encouraging sniffing, foraging and exploring, all ways to naturally calm their nervous system. With this 50-minute session, enrichment therapy becomes a bonding experience between you and your pet.
Escape the Pound at Trivia Escape Rooms
Escape the pound alongside your furry friend with Trivia Escape Rooms. Located at 1615 Dupont St. is the escape room that turns a normal afternoon with your best friend into a top secret mission. With anywhere from two to six players, this family-friendly challenge is perhaps the one activity in Toronto where a pet isn’t just encouraged, but required! While you and your team solve the puzzles, your sidekick will sniff for treats all the way out the door.
The Petninsula — Lavakan Pet Spa
The Petninsula is the proper way to end the weekend on a high note. Tucked away on the ground floor of 2010 Queen St. E. is The Lavakan Pet Spa. This self-serve wash experience turns every pet’s nightmare into a spa day with their best friend. With controlled temperature, massage jets, and ozone therapy this is the Othership of wash days.
Berczy Park Dog Fountain
Sure, there are plenty of dog parks in the city — but this downtown park is the only one that truly celebrates dogs. Featuring a three-tier fountain decorated by actual dog sculptures of all breeds and sizes, Berczy Park is full of whimsy. With tables and benches sprinkled throughout and even some green space for your dog to do their business, you can sit and soak in the sun while your dog takes in the magnificent sight of a fountain honouring their species! And don’t worry about disappointing your furry friend when they inevitably try to play with one of the sculptures; the park is usually teeming with real-life dogs on a walk.
Black Lab Brewing
The dog theme here extends well past the logo and the beer — Black Lab Brewery is completely pet-friendly, meaning you can meet your friends for a drink inside or outside with your furry friend in tow. Have a beer in honour of Snoopy, the owner’s Labrador, who was the inspiration for the brewery and sadly passed away in 2023.
