Dog-Friendly Businesses in Toronto – Your Guide to Pet-Friendly Places

The pet food industry has changed drastically over the last thirty years. With so many options now available it can be difficult deciding on which brand to feed your furry friend. Read further to learn what you can to do start controlling obesity in cats and dogs.  One of the greatest health issues facing both cats and dogs is obesity. Unfortunately even some of the best quality brands can contribute to this. Protein is great for cats and dogs, however formulas that lean to heavily on it can contribute to weight gain especially for pets that do not receive an adequate amount of exercise. One brand that is a great option for pet parents tackling this issue is Boreal. Boreal is made with quality ingredients mainly sourced from Canada and focuses on maintaining your pet’s weight and promoting their overall health. They also have many delicious recipes and limited ingredient options. Their weight loss and weight management secret is using low glycemic index starches like peas and beans and only using single protein meat sources. This should help keep your pet feeling fuller longer and maintaining blood sugar levels. Their recipes also include added minerals for balanced nutrition. Some great choices for pets are: Boreal Functional Indoor Cat Chicken Cat Food Boreal Functional Limited Ingredient Venison Taking all this into consideration, it’s clear that Boreal is a perfect choice to handle weight management for cats and dogs in Toronto while also providing them with great taste and balanced nutrition. By Tiffiney Manios, Sales Associate at Critter & Co. Photo by Lum3n on Pexels 

Local Dog Services Recommendations We’re happy to share some of our community’s favorite dog services in the area. Please note that while these recommendations come highly suggested, it’s important to do your own research when choosing services for your pet. We do not have personal partnerships with any of these businesses. Grooming Services Dog World Resort & Spa A premier pet groomer, boutique, and doggy daycare in downtown Toronto, Dog World Resort & Spa offers personalized grooming experiences and a curated collection of high-quality pet products. Juju Grooms Parkdale Known for its award-winning approach to grooming, Juju Grooms in Parkdale emphasizes positive reinforcement and gentle care, making it a top choice for pet owners in the area. Dogs and Goddesses This grooming salon is loved for its compassionate approach, focusing on creating a relaxed, enjoyable experience for pets while delivering top-notch grooming services. Dog Walking Services Brockton Village: Black Labbath Offering reliable dog-walking services, Black Labbath provides plenty of exercise and social time for dogs, with a personal approach. Little Italy: Wagging with Chantal Known for her friendly, reliable service, Chantal offers walks tailored to each dog’s energy level and needs. Unleashed in the City A trusted name in the area, Unleashed in the City offers both group and solo walks, as well as enriching outdoor activities. Fort York/Liberty Village: Gussy and Company A community favorite with a personal touch, Gussy and Company offers walking and care services tailored to each dog. Bones Hugs n' Harmony Specializing in small group walks, Bones Hugs n' Harmony is known for creating fun, social experiences for dogs in Liberty Village. Pet Photography Bark Pet Studio Bark Pet Studio offers professional pet photography to capture your pet’s personality in beautiful, high-quality images. Perfect for creating lasting memories of your furry friend! We hope these local recommendations help you find the best care and experiences for your pet! Remember to reach out to these businesses directly to learn more about their services and availability.   Feature photo credit: Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Congratulations on Deciding to Welcome a New Furry Family Member! Adding a pet to your family is a special moment, whether you’re adopting a playful pup, a curious kitten, or a wise senior cat. Here are some friendly reminders to get you started on this journey: Important Things to Keep in Mind Owning a Pet is a Long-Term Commitment Pets are lifetime companions. Dogs often live 12-18 years, and cats can live even longer! They’ll be with you through every life stage and rely on you for love, care, and stability. Being prepared for this commitment is essential to creating a fulfilling bond. Owning a Pet Takes Time and Effort Caring for a pet can be both fun and challenging. It’s hard work—especially with a puppy or kitten—but the ups and downs are worth it! Consistency and patience go a long way in helping your pet adjust and feel at home. Owning a Pet Has Costs From food and toys to veterinary care, grooming, and emergency expenses, pets come with a financial commitment. Be sure to budget for regular and unexpected costs to provide your furry friend with a happy and healthy life. Consider pet insurance to help with unexpected costs. First Things First: Do Your Research Take time to research what type of pet would best suit your lifestyle. Each pet has unique needs, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in your shared happiness. Focus on Compatibility, Not Just Looks Every pet is unique in personality, regardless of appearance. Choosing based on temperament and lifestyle compatibility is much more important than looks. Consider Online Compatibility Quizzes Not sure where to start? Try a breed or pet compatibility quiz to help identify options that may suit your household, whether for cats or dogs. For Mixed Breeds or Rescue Pets If you’re adopting a mixed-breed pet, learning about each breed in the mix can offer insights into likely behavior and needs. If it’s a rescue pet with unknown history, talk to the organization about their personality and be honest about what you’re looking for in a companion. Connect with Fellow Pet Owners Some of the best advice comes from other pet owners! Chat with friends who’ve recently adopted or visit pet communities online. You can even follow accounts dedicated to specific breeds or types of pets to learn more. Choosing a Rescue Organization Ontario has many wonderful rescues filled with pets looking for their forever homes. Here are some resources to get you started: Etobicoke Humane Society: A volunteer-run charity in Toronto dedicated to rescuing and rehoming cats and dogs in need. Petfinder Canada: Browse by breed, age, size, and location to find pets available for adoption in Ontario. Adopt-a-Pet: Another great platform to explore listings from various rescues and shelters. Many rescues share available pets on social media, so following local groups can help you stay up-to-date. Tip: Working with a reputable rescue is essential, as not all rescues operate the same way. Do your research to avoid red flags and ensure you’re supporting a group that prioritizes the welfare of the animals.  Learn more about our shelter and rescue support initiatives here. Choosing a Responsible Breeder If you’re interested in a specific breed and choose to go through a breeder, it’s essential to work with a responsible, ethical breeder who cares about the health and well-being of their pets. Use Trusted Resources: The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) breeder search is a good place to start for dogs, as CKC-registered breeders follow a code of ethics. For cats, consider using the Canadian Cat Association breeder directory. Know the Signs of a Reputable Breeder: Reputable breeders provide health guarantees, detailed information about the breed, and a supportive environment. The Humane Society offers a checklist to help you make an informed choice. Owning a pet is a meaningful journey, and with the right preparation, you’ll build a lifetime of happy memories with your new companion. Don't forget to come see us at Critter & Co. Pet Outpost for the Best Toronto Pet Supplies. Good luck finding the perfect furry addition to your family!   Feature picture credit: Photo by Danielle Daniel