Which Toronto stores let you bring your dog inside? We checked the policies. Some are official. Some are 'nobody stops you.' Here's the real list.
Onslow's Team
Published June 12, 2026 Ā· Updated August 12, 2026 Ā· 3 min read
In this article
There's no Toronto bylaw or Ontario law banning dogs from non-food retail stores. The restrictions apply to food premises (restaurants, grocery stores) under provincial health regulations. For regular retail, it's up to the store. Service animals are always allowed everywhere under Ontario's accessibility law. This article is about non-service dogs.
These stores have published, confirmed dog-friendly policies. You're not sneaking in. They want you there.
Best for: Browse books with your dog. Officially.
š Multiple locations, Citywide
Official policy: dogs allowed in all stores. They've said it publicly and it's on their website. Cafe areas might restrict dogs depending on local food bylaws. Mall locations depend on the mall's rules too. The Indigo on Bloor is a safe bet.
Best for: Shop for hiking gear with the dog who's going to use it
š Multiple locations, Citywide
Published dog policy on their website. "Well-behaved dogs are welcome in all MEC stores." Leash required (max 6 feet), must be vaccinated, potty trained, max 3 dogs per person. No breed or size restrictions. The most detailed and transparent pet policy of any Canadian retailer.
No formal published policy, but widely reported as dog-friendly. Staff are generally welcoming. That said, individual locations and managers can say no, so calling ahead saves you the awkward moment at the door.
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| BMV Books | Three Toronto locations. Community-reported as dog-friendly. Call ahead to confirm your location. |
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| Winners / HomeSense / Marshalls | TJX brands are generally pet-friendly across Canada. Some locations have treats at the counter. |
| Holt Renfrew | Confirmed at the flagship, 50 Bloor St W. Luxury browsing with your dog. |
| Lululemon | No official policy but widely tolerated. Confirmed dog-friendly at The Well. |
| Roots | Some locations display 'Pets Welcome' decals. Not all. |
| Gap | Most locations welcome dogs. Corporate says store-by-store, but generally yes. |
| Old Navy | Generally welcoming. Policies left to individual stores. |
| Banana Republic | Community-reported as dog-friendly. Some locations reportedly keep treats behind the counter. |
| Free People | Listed on multiple verified dog-friendly store lists. |
| Patagonia | Welcomes leashed dogs. On-brand for them. |
| Adidas | Confirmed dog-friendly at The Well location. |
| Mark's | Officially welcomes friendly, well-behaved pets. Pets must be under control at all times. |
| Anthropologie | Most locations. Some reportedly keep treats behind the counter. Lots of breakables, so small dogs are safer. |
| Urban Outfitters | Standalone locations. Mall locations are iffy. |
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| Urban Barn | Welcomes dogs. Note: downtown locations (Queen W, King E) permanently closed in 2026. Leaside (65 Wicksteed Ave) and Etobicoke (181 North Queen St) still open. |
| Structube | Confirmed dog-friendly at The Well location. |
| Pottery Barn | Pets allowed at most locations. Easier with small dogs. Call ahead for larger dogs. |
| Crate & Barrel | Leashed dogs welcome. Dogs not allowed on furniture (fair enough). |
| West Elm | No written policy but generally allowed. Manager's discretion. |
| Sheridan Nurseries | Dogs welcome at the garden centre. Great for a wander with your pup. |
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lush | Officially welcomes dogs. Cruelty-free everything, including the door policy. |
| The Detox Market | Officially welcomes leashed dogs. Green beauty and wellness products. |
| Bath & Body Works | Standalone locations yes. Mall locations depend on the mall. |
| Sephora | Varies by location. Some allow small dogs in bags. Tight aisles make it tricky. |
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| Canadian Tire | Franchise-dependent. Most allow it. Some don't. Always call first. |
| Home Hardware | Known for being pet-friendly with wide aisles. Call ahead to confirm. |
| Rona | Most locations welcome dogs. Call ahead as it varies by store. |
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bass Pro Shops | Most locations welcome leashed dogs 6+ months old. Dogs not allowed in restaurant areas. (Vaughan location, technically outside Toronto.) |
| SAIL | Dogs welcome while you browse outdoor gear. |
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| Apple Store | Widely reported. No formal policy. Left to store manager discretion. Mall locations depend on the mall. |
| Store | Notes |
|---|---|
| Michaels | No official written policy but most locations allow dogs at manager's discretion. |
| Staples | No official Canada-wide policy but many locations allow leashed pets. |
| Store | Why |
|---|---|
| Home Depot | Official no-pets policy in Canada (different from the US). Tightened after a dog bite in 2011. |
| Lowe's | Service animals only in Canada. Again, different from the US. |
| IKEA | No pets. Service dogs only. Some locations have dog-tying posts outside. |
| Costco | Service animals only. Strict policy. |
| Walmart | Service animals only. Strict policy. |
| Dollarama | Service animals only. 'No dogs' signs on doors. |
| Zara | Service and assistance animals only at most locations. |
| Sport Chek | No standard policy. Too unpredictable. |
A lot of Canadians assume Home Depot and Lowe's allow dogs because they do in the US. They don't here. Leave the dog at home for the hardware run.
Stackt Market (28 Bathurst St): entirely outdoor, dog-friendly by design. Has an off-leash dog park (Bark Park) on site. Most vendors welcome dogs. The Shops at Don Mills (1090 Don Mills Rd): outdoor shopping centre that provides water bowls and treats. Dogs must be leashed. Large dogs may not be welcomed in all stores. The Well (Front & Spadina): welcomes dogs in the complex and inside select businesses. Look for their "Pet Love" symbol on participating stores. Distillery District: cobblestone streets, no cars, many boutiques and galleries welcome dogs. Kensington Market: outdoor, independent, generally tolerant. No official policy but nobody's going to stop you. One of Toronto's most dog-friendly neighbourhoods. Manulife Centre (55 Bloor St W): welcomes dogs of all sizes as long as they're leashed and well-behaved. Toronto Premium Outlets (Halton Hills): most stores allow dogs, but about 25% have "no dog" signs. Stores like Coach, Lululemon, and Zwilling confirmed dog-friendly. Check as you go.
These Toronto cafes have been reported as allowing dogs inside, not just on the patio: ā¢ Dark Horse Espresso Bar ā¢ Sydney Grind ā¢ La Gloria Mexican Coffee ā¢ Cafe23 (has a dog menu) ā¢ Three Horses Cafe Speed Shop (dog treats menu) ā¢ Bevy ā¢ Ivy Coffee Shop ā¢ Te Aro Ontario food regulations technically restrict animals in food service areas. These cafes are operating under newer amended regulations or in a gray zone. Policies can change. Don't be surprised if a specific location says no on a given day.
When in doubt: call ahead. A 30-second phone call saves a wasted trip. For dog-friendly places to eat and drink, see the patios guide.
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