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Best of Toronto

The Best Pet Grooming and Daycare in Toronto

Posted by Lauren / November 29, 2009

Pet Grooming TorontoThe best pet grooming and daycare services in Toronto are more about people than they are pets. This requires some further explanation, but it isn't a far jump to get to where I am. First off, the services we're discussing here are exclusively for dogs. Let's face it, dogs are a popular pet who require a lot of professional servicing for things like walking, grooming, daycare and obedience training.

And while I never fully got "dog people" (I grew up with cats, a whole other animal so to speak), now that I have a furry little bundle of canine joy I realize the importance of people in the pet service industry. When you leave your dog for grooming or at doggy daycare, you want to feel confident that the people you are leaving them with will take care of Rover just as you would.

So, in the wake of some not so good pet news in the city in the last fews days, here's a list of the 11 best pet grooming, daycare and other services in Toronto where you'll be sure that your dog is in good hands.

Coming Soon! Watch for a separate "Best Pet Stores" round-up.

UrbanDog

UrbanDog

This doggy daycare and spa fits in perfectly with the industrial chiq aesthetic that can be found in the adjacent Distillery District. Professional grooming packages start at $35 with a report card for your pooch, or you can DIY starting at $20. UrbanDog boasts a “playcare” philosophy put to practice in their 7,500 square foot facility. Add to that a loyalty program for dog food (the Diner’s Club), and the urban dogs that hit UrbanDog have it made in the shade. More »

Spaw Boutique

Spaw Boutique

Now talk about pampering your pup! Spaw Boutique on King West offers a sophisticated and classy alternative to being left home alone through their doggy day care, plus posh spa services including a “mani and pawdi” or hair colouring for special events, and a great selection of haute couture doggy attire. More »

My Dog Spot

My Dog Spot

This cheery and cute little shop just north of the Danforth on Pape is dedicated to making your pooch clean and happy. The friendly staff at My Dog Spot offer professional full grooming packages starting from $45 or quick “Bath & Tidies” from $25. They also offer a selection of products, toys and baked treats. More »

Metro Hound

Metro Hound

Metro Hound is a charming shop in the Beaches, specializing in DIY dog washing. Get your dog clean in a relaxed and friendly environment starting at $22.50. They also offer a really great selection of unique toys and gear for your best of furry friends. More »

It's a Dog's Life

It's a Dog's Life

It’s A Dogs Life is an unpretentious and laid-back doggy day care facility near High Park. It’s emphasis is on the care and training of your furry friend, and they offer one of the few “Kinderpuppy” daycare programs in the city to help pups aged 8-16 weeks become better socialized. They also offer professional and DIY grooming services, plus four levels of obedience training. More »

Timmie Doggie Outfitters

Timmie Doggie Outfitters

What happens when two graphic designers open a dog boutique? Timmie Doggie Outfitters happens. With two Timmie-the-Dog inspired locations on West Queen West and in Leslieville, Timmie’s offers top-notch grooming and a great selection of food, toys and other products for your inspirational four-legged friend. Grooming is by appointment only and offered through most of the week, so call ahead. More »

The Wagging Tail

The Wagging Tail

It’s a four-legged party at The Wagging Tail doggy daycare in the Beaches. Fun-loving and knowledgeable staff make sure your dog’s day away from home keeps them busy and having a good time. They also host sleepover parties (aka overnight boarding). And should your pup need a good wash down, they offer professional grooming as well. More »

My Dog's Daycare

My Dog's Daycare

My Dog’s Daycare is a cute little daycare centre in Roncesvalles Village. Cheery staff keep numbers low in order to look after your best friend as if they were their own. They also offer grooming should you want to froof your pooch. More »

The Soggie Dog

The Soggie Dog

The Soggie Dog is Leslieville’s DIY dog washing destination. Or you can get the “Soggie Dog Special” and have staff wash your pooch while you enjoy a complimentary coffee at nearby Te Aro Cafe. Either way, they offer easy to use state of the art washing facilities and friendly service. Community minded Soggie Dog also hosts wash-a-thons throughout the year in support of various dog rescue organizations. More »

PAWfect Spa

PAWfect Spa

PAWfect Spa is a friendly little grooming shop at Avenue Road and Dupont. Owners Christina and Elsie will pamper your dog royally with award winning grooming services and an eye for style. They cater to all breeds and specialize in breed-standard cuts. With a second location in North York, they plan to start offering grooming classes to customers too. More »

Planet Dog

Planet Dog

Planet Dog has been a one-stop shop for all things dog at Kingston Road & Warden Avenue for the last 15 years. Really friendly and knowledgeable staff will help you fulfill every one of your doggy’s desires, with professional grooming services and a great selection of toys and products. They also offer a wide selection of frozen raw meats and bones for holistic and natural doggy diets. Bonus, they deliver too! More »

Discussion

47 Comments

jack / November 29, 2009 at 01:11 pm
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one of these places is going to have an outbreak of dog getting h1n1 from human.. it's already happening in hk... just wait and see
Sean Galbraith / November 29, 2009 at 03:19 pm
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I also recommend The Animal Clinic on Mutual for small dog day care.
Rick / November 29, 2009 at 06:37 pm
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While homeless and poverty-stricken people live everywhere in Toronto.
Laurie / November 29, 2009 at 07:48 pm
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I highly recommend Roncesvalles Pet Grooming & Washing at
478 Roncesvalles Ave.

Mrs. Choi takes care of dogs as if they were her own.



Teena in Toronto / November 29, 2009 at 09:51 pm
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Titus & Galuteus Doggie Spa at King/Strachan is good too.
Paul Arevalo / November 30, 2009 at 01:35 am
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Please check out another best place to have your dog groomed and a do-it-yourself dog wash in Mississauga. www.secondtub.com
gadfly / November 30, 2009 at 07:41 am
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I'd never own a dog that required these services: real dogs only need apply. Speaking as a proud owner of a Husky for 13 plus years and 2 labs before that..
Brad replying to a comment from gadfly / November 30, 2009 at 08:23 am
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That was really helpful. Thank you. Please tell us something else about yourself.
T. dork / November 30, 2009 at 09:11 am
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Mrs Choi at Roncesvalles Pet Grooming & Washing is great! I occasionally take my long-haired cat there and she sings little songs to him while he is being bathed.

And for the critics: cutting and grooming a pet saves HOURS of house cleaning. And it's safer to bring them to a groomer (I've accidently cut my cat trying to shave him myself).
Kiki / November 30, 2009 at 09:20 am
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A Touch of Love, also in the beaches, is amazing! The two guys who run it are great and so patient with all kinds of animals. I have a very tempermental cocker spaniel, who hates being groomed, and these two are the only one's I have been able to find who have been able to work with them. They also do a lot to raise money/awareness for animal charities - really really great groomers!
Ryan L. / November 30, 2009 at 09:26 am
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It's nice to see a list with entrants not crowded in the same old areas. Good work! Though the absence of anything north of Dupont is a little suspect, I guess that can sometimes be chocked up to smaller business density
Pooch / November 30, 2009 at 09:41 am
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Petopia at Eglinton/Burmondsey.
Great place. Huge facility with massive outdoor area that backs onto the Don Valley.
Take my Boston Terrier there once a week and cant say a bad word about the place. Day care, grooming, over night stays, toys, food, etc.
Pat Lo i believe is the manager and shes wonderyl.
Dawn / November 30, 2009 at 09:42 am
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LOVE Timmies. So friendly and I love the doggy Timmie, he's such a sweetheart.
Paul Ryu / November 30, 2009 at 09:45 am
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To do list for finding a good grooming shop:
1. word of mouth - if you see a beautifully groomed dog, ask where they go.
2. ask the grooming shop for a tour of their facility, procedures and the products that they use.
3. ask how many groomers work at the shop and how long they've been at their grooming shop.

Take your dogs to where you know they will treat them with great respect and kindness.
Thanks for voting Timmie Doggie Outfitters as one of Best in T.O for grooming.
DL / November 30, 2009 at 10:25 am
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Have tried numerous grooming places and the best, hands down, is Canine Clips on Queen St. E. Cassandra is fabulous. No nonsense gal, does a great job, and priced quite reasonably.

Happy Tails on Mount Pleasant also did a really good grooming job but the price was pretty steep. So, if you have money to burn, good place to go.

Metro Hound is terrific if you just want to go and wash pooch. Lovely clean shop and lady who owns it is very helpful and knowledgable.
Jessica / November 30, 2009 at 10:53 am
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Hello!! This info is GREAT! Just to let everyone know there is a new DOGGIE DAYCARE opening in Etobicoke/Mississauga called BARKS n' REC!! They are having an OPEN HOUSE event next weekend - Sat Dec 5 & Sun Dec 6 from 10am to 4pm... free treats and free doggie assessments, sales on everything in the boutique and free weekend play sessions! Looks like it's going to be great - spread the word to anyone you know in the area!!!

BARKS n' REC 1590 Matheson Blvd, Unit 8 Miss, ON L4W 1J1
tel: 905-629-2922 e: info@barksnrec.com

WWW.BARKSNREC.COM
Julie / November 30, 2009 at 12:44 pm
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I've been to a few of the stores and groomers on your list and big thumbs up!! Both Timmie locations are great! Also have to mention Rover and Rover for a top notch alternative to big commercial daycare and boarding places. We tried Petopia once for boarding and our poor little girl came home scared silly and underweight, we had to hand feed her for days after she came home. It looks like a cool place but it wasn't right for us.
Michelle / December 1, 2009 at 07:23 am
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The fact that someone has gone out, done interviews, story gathering, research i.e. real journalistic work on what salon will give a pet thier best hair day is absolutely absurd.

Even worse, people read this and take the advice.

A pet is an animal. I believe in animal rights, but its completely f*cked that we treat pets in the western workd like royalty, while we couldn't give a sh*t about the dying africans on our tv screens.

Maybe I'm just cynical. Perhaps there aren't other issues in the world to focus on, or better ways to spend our money.
Michelle's Evil Twin replying to a comment from Michelle / December 1, 2009 at 07:44 am
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I completely agree. I know that I have put my entire life on hold, and I eat nothing more than bread and water until all of the problems in the world are solved and unicorns dance in the street under rainbows. Anyone who does anything less is an asshole.
gadfly replying to a comment from Michelle / December 1, 2009 at 08:14 am
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Many of the responses on this site are so predictable...sigh. Don't worry, Michelle, black Africans will always be there for you to feel sorry for (in fact, why not let them all live with your so you can feel better about yourself?) and the UN will always be there to take your money, whether people pamper their pooches or not.
Economics 101, Michelle: if we send all our money over THERE, rather than having a healthy economy (like being able to lavish money on silly things like pampering our pooches) over HERE, then eventually we will be living in grass huts, too.

But then that is what the social engineers are striving for anyway.

No, the better course would be to send Africa NO aid whatsoever, remove Western influence completely, thus allowing their infant mortality rates to rise to pre-colonial levels and they can all return to the shiny, happy days that they once had, living in grass huts and chucking spears all day....[rolls eyes.]

Y'need to lighten up, Michelle.
Dorothy & Toto replying to a comment from gadfly / December 1, 2009 at 08:46 am
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Scarecrow: I haven't got a brain... only straw.
Dorothy: How can you talk if you haven't got a brain?
Scarecrow: I don't know... But some people without brains do an awful lot of talking... don't they?
Dorothy: Yes, I guess you're right.

gadfly....seriously.
TT replying to a comment from Michelle / December 1, 2009 at 08:53 am
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You must work for the Human Society, what with your love of animals and all.

None of your damn business how people want to spend their disposal income.
tac replying to a comment from Michelle / December 1, 2009 at 11:48 am
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this is cute. you better give away every penny of disposable income.
?? replying to a comment from Michelle / December 1, 2009 at 11:51 am
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I thought Mother Theresa had died?
Guess she came back as Michelle.
66 / December 3, 2009 at 01:29 am
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Be warned!!!! Don't go to Downtown Animal Hospital on Church
Lynn / December 3, 2009 at 10:53 am
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Urbandog Fitness + Spa is the BEST!!!!! The care, the grooming, the SHOPPING! Amazing...great daycare services!!
5andman / December 31, 2009 at 01:18 pm
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How about the best EMERGENCY HOSPITALS FOR PETS!

There are so many over-priced, questionable hospitals for pets in the city.
Lee Chan / January 5, 2010 at 12:01 pm
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I'm very surprised that Pet Cuisine & Accessories was not added to your list considering it won Toronto Barks "Best Groomers' in Toronto" 2008 and have the friendlist staff in Toronto!
127 Front Street East (416) 507-9968
20 Erskine Ave (416) 481-5775
http://www.petcuisine.ca
Peter replying to a comment from Lee Chan / March 1, 2010 at 06:17 pm
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They're not in the list for a reason. Have you seen Pet Cuisine's grooming area,...
chaka replying to a comment from Peter / March 2, 2010 at 11:59 am
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agreed and pet cuisine staff are not educated at all, the know nothing of the food or products they sell are never able to answer my questions and are super overpriced
debbie replying to a comment from Lee Chan / March 15, 2010 at 12:26 pm
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Pet Cuisine won best pet grooming in toronto because they had a very talented groomer. Key word "HAD". She's not there anymore. I have seen the grooming area. It was cramped and depressing. I personally know Bonnie the previous star at pet cuisine. She did the best she could with the space provided. However, she has now opened her own place in the beach called Baden Hound and it's a great place! There is no back room! All of her grooming is done out in the open so people can watch through the window. And there isn't a single cage in the place.
Alison Kelly / March 15, 2010 at 06:24 pm
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Dogpawsitive at 12 Logan Ave is amazing. Pick up and drop off day care services.

www.dogpawsitive.com
alli / March 16, 2010 at 03:45 pm
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i have been taking my dog to canine clips on queen east for five years now and cassandra is great. i know my dog resists getting groomed and what a challenge it must be, but she always does a wonderful job and makes him look wonderful.
moria / April 18, 2010 at 12:09 am
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I recommend puppy chappy petshop at northtownway.Pet Grooming & Washing is great!!!! 416-221-6334
Michelle / September 1, 2010 at 09:23 pm
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Re: I agree with the comments on Pet Cuisine on Front St. West - Bonnie Martin was the best, and only, good thing about them - the store itself was ridiculously overpriced.

Bonnie took extraordinary care of my min. poodle Bella since she was 10 weeks old and since she's moved out to Baden Hound in the Beaches - way too far for me - I've been unable to find another groomer who comes anything close to her skill and professionalism. I guess I'll have to make the trek out to the Beaches.
Michelle / September 1, 2010 at 09:24 pm
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Re: I agree with the comments on Pet Cuisine on Front St. West - Bonnie Martin was the best, and only, good thing about them - the store itself was ridiculously overpriced.

Bonnie took extraordinary care of my min. poodle Bella since she was 10 weeks old and since she's moved out to Baden Hound in the Beaches - way too far for me - I've been unable to find another groomer who comes anything close to her skill and professionalism. I guess I'll have to make the trek out to the Beaches.
Michelle / September 1, 2010 at 09:25 pm
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Re: I agree with the comments on Pet Cuisine on Front St. West - Bonnie Martin was the best, and only, good thing about them - the store itself was ridiculously overpriced.

Bonnie took extraordinary care of my min. poodle Bella since she was 10 weeks old and since she's moved out to Baden Hound in the Beaches - way too far for me - I've been unable to find another groomer who comes anything close to her skill and professionalism. I guess I'll have to make the trek out to the Beaches.
Marta / September 20, 2010 at 02:19 pm
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Thanks for the mention :) We do indeed strive to provide a home like alternative for daycare and boarding. Bigger isn't always better.
Sandra / February 4, 2011 at 04:51 pm
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I have walked by The Wagging Tail many times and only see dogs sitting looking out the window while the staff read or talk to each other. I even saw a poor dog on one side by himself with a muzzle on!
Susan / February 15, 2011 at 05:34 pm
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Pet Cuisine & Accessories is a GREAT store! After reading the negative comments above I had to provide my two cents!

The prices may be a bit higher than the large American box stores but I feel good supporting independent Canadian businesses! The prices are comparable to any the other small pet retail locations in Toronto! When I mentioned that I found the cost of feeding my dog healthy food quite high they enrolled me in a food program that gives me a free bag after I purchase 10! Great staff!

Bonnie was a great groomer but since she has moved out into the suburbs I have found the new groomers Faye and Erin to be equal in talent, friendliness and efficiency! Any complaints about the groomer or grooming area are false and unfounded as my doggie loves it there!

In addition they recently renovated the store which doubled the actual size of the store! They have a huge colorfully decorated daycare/boarding space and grooming facilities. The ceiling is all painted in a bright green … its very welcoming!

Pet Cuisine remains my FAVORITE pet store in Downtown Toronto!
Gordon / May 7, 2011 at 11:40 am
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I saw someone mention best emergency clinic... In my experience, the 24 hour emerg. vet at young and davenport is my pick. Ive had to go there several times over the last decade. they have always treated me and my pets with utmost compassion and while their prices can be steep, they are still better priced than most emerg. clinics. Ive found Kingston Rd animal hospital to be the worst, both for price and competancy. Hope this helps!
Teresa replying to a comment from Sandra / May 7, 2011 at 11:48 am
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I dont think you should judge a doggy daycare on whether or not dogs are wearing muzzles. If anything, I would prefer to have an aggressive dog muzzled while around my dog. Its unfair, since you dont know why the dog is wearing a muzzle. Maybe it does not get along well with other dogs and the owner desparetly needed a place for her dog to stay. Or maybe the dog is aggressive with people and cannot be trusted without a muzzle. Not all dogs are friendly! I would also beware of competing businesses posting bad things about other business to benefit thier own companies. I think a better idea would be to speak to clients of the grooming/daycare in question and see what THEY say before you make your decision
Ron / August 10, 2011 at 10:10 am
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my dog got really sick, and threw up all over the place after being overfed, and who knows what at the Wagging Tail in the Beaches, plus dirty. contacted owner, never got back to me. I would highly recommend not risking this place.
HL replying to a comment from Michelle / November 25, 2011 at 11:42 am
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Hey Michelle, If you want to come express my dogs anal glands for me, then I'll stop taking him to the groomers. But until then, I'm gonna pay someone to do it for me. Also don't want to risk hurting him or cutting him during fur and nail trimming. It's sad that being willing to pay money to a professional to avoid possibly injuring my dog myself, makes me a bad person.
Tanya / December 19, 2011 at 10:36 am
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For grooming I highly recommend Diggin the Dog on Gerrard east of Main. My nervous jumpy senior dog loves it there. She usually hates being groomed but walks right into this store on her own, and straight to the back where the grooming takes place!
carol taylor replying to a comment from Michelle / January 8, 2012 at 04:46 pm
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Hi Michell I was reading your comments on your groomer bonnie and wondering if you ended up going back to her or not?If you did I understand. Iam a professional groomer of 15 Years.I have patience and a strong compassion and love for all animals.I can honestly say I love my job.I groom at Riverdale animal hospital 3 days aweek located on danforth near donlands.I also provide home grooming services to your home if you are interested.References available upon your request
MrsPotato / January 8, 2012 at 05:38 pm
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Spaw Boutique on King St W is set up like a sweat shop .. go have a look where your dog will be when it's not being groomed.
They end up crating them. I'll give the secret away.
All the dogs are crated in a small, low ceiling, basement room -- all barking and screaming at the top of their lungs.

Although, many of these places 'look' lovely & beautiful ... Please keep in mind of the overwhelming level of STRESS your dog encounters during a grooming session. Do your research before your drop your canine off for a day at the 'spa'.

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