Travel with pets

For many, travelling as a family includes their furry, four-legged members too.

Here are some tips for planning to travel with your dog or cat, and ways to ensure your pet stays safe and happy as you explore Ontario.

Pet-friendly places

Don’t leave your best friend home on your next Ontario adventure. Discover pet-friendly outfitters, accommodations and destinations across the province. 

Pet-friendly accommodations and destinations

One of the most important elements of your trip is where to stay. When you are travelling with your pet, this becomes even more important. Ontario’s pet-friendly resorts, hotels and motels take the worry out of your travel planning. Plus, discover activities and experiences that welcome pets.

Dog-friendly vacations in Ontario

From downtown Toronto to Ontario’s great outdoors, go exploring this summer with your four-legged sidekick.

The Pet-Friendly Canada Directory

A convenient, searchable database of accommodations that allow pets throughout Ontario and across Canada. The site is free to use for consumers and includes photos, pet policies, and descriptions of each accommodation, as well as pet travel information and tips. 

Bring Fido

Search for dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities across Ontario.

Pet-friendly resorts, lodges and parks

‘Resorting’ is an Ontario tradition the whole family will enjoy, including your pup at these top resorts and lodges.

Ontario Parks pet policy

Dogs are welcome at a selection of provincial parks across the province, with designated dog-friendly areas and trails. You’ll also find a list of roofed accommodations in Ontario Parks that allow pets.

Visit Toronto with your pet

Get tips for planning a city vacation with your pet in Toronto.

Dog-friendly places and activities in Ottawa

Bring your furry friend along on your next visit to Canada’s capital.

Pet-welcoming accommodations in Muskoka

Find resorts, hotels, cottages, inns and parks in Muskoka that allow pets.

Pet-friendly places in Prince Edward County

Heading to the County? Here’s where you and your dog are welcome.

Pet-friendly places in Southeastern Ontario

From patios to parks, there are plenty of fun experiences to share with your pet in the Bay of Quinte, Kingston, Lennox and Addington, 1000 Islands and along the Rideau Canal.

Dog-friendly places in South Georgian Bay

Get everything you need to know for visiting Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Meaford, Clearview or Wasaga Beach with your four-legged friend.

Visiting Niagara with pets

Find a selection of places to stay and visit with your pet in the Niagara Region.

Off-leash dog parks in Ontario

Find all the designated leash-free parks and trails where you and your pup can run free.

Dog themed events in Ontario

From pooch parties to doggy play day, there’s a surprisingly large number of dog focused events you can attend with your pet.

Pet retail

Because all dogs are ‘good dogs’, you’ll want to pick up extra treats or a fancy new collar for your pup. Or a fun toy for your adventurous cat. Most Ontario communities will have local pet shop. Here are few mentions.

• All Creatures Great and Small, Northumberland 
• Wags, Whiskers & Wings, Kingston
• Ren’s Pets, Ontario-wide
• Menagerie Pet Shop, Toronto
• Gus & Gigi’s Pet Shoppe, Huntsville

Know before you go with your pet

Bringing pets into Canada

All animals require specific paperwork on arrival in Canada, so if you are travelling to Ontario with your pet, find out exactly what information is required at Canada Food Inspection Agency. 

Dogs and domestic cats entering Canada from the United States will need certification, signed by a licensed veterinarian, that they have been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36-month period. This also applies to visitors wishing to bring a dog or domestic cat into Canada from a country other than the United States. 

Currently Ontario has a ban on the import of pit bull terrier breeds into the province.

Pet etiquette in parks and public places

Naturally, there are responsibilities and care to be taken when travelling with your pet. For safety and consideration of others, keep your dog on a leash in public spaces, unless otherwise designated and always pick up after your pet. Learn more about dog owners’ responsibilities under Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act. 

Tips for pet safety

Ontario’s summers are glorious, but we all need to take care not to overheat, including our pets. From hot cars to vaccinations, the Ontario Humane Society provides a great checklist of all the safety considerations for travelling with your pup. And if you’re heading into the backcountry or wilderness with your dog, you’ll want to be prepared with a dog lifejacket, extra food and a pet first aid kit.

Most veterinarian clinics operate within traditional business hours, however, there are several emergency vet hospitals throughout the province that provide urgent pet care after hours, such as 24/7 Emergency Care in Barrie or the Veterinarian Emergency Clinic in Toronto.

Pet kennels, motels and hotels

Not all attractions or public places are pet-friendly. And in some cases, such as crowded events or arduous hikes, your dog or cat would be more comfortable not joining you. Consider local pet ‘hotels’, boarding kennels or doggy daycare facilities for these occasions.