Best of Toronto
The Best Pet Stores in Toronto
The best pet stores in Toronto can be found in almost every neighbourhood in the city. There's no denying Torontonians love their pets, every popular retail block seems to have a handful of specialty boutiques with products and services dedicated to pampering your precious fur baby. As a creepy cat lady in training it comes as no surprise to me that the majority of these shops go to the dogs, as there are plenty of spots to get your pup clipped and coiffed, massaged and photographed by a professional (my cat Nigel assures me he is not interested in any of this!).
Having a doggie birthday party? Why not order a custom dog cake from Big Dog Bakery in the Beach. Find high end designer dog clothing straight off the doggie runways at Cosmopawlitan on Queens Quay. Or maybe you want sleek and modern dog furniture from Timmie's Doggie Outfitters?
Rest assured fellow cat worshipers, you have not been totally overlooked! Feline fun can be found at some of these 12 spots, nominated by our readers as the best pet stores in Toronto.
Previously: The Best Pet Grooming and Daycare in Toronto
Timmie Doggie Outfitters
Timmie Doggie Outfitters brings style to your dog and cat accessories and products. Two graphic designers running shop has it filled with unique, modern designs for everything from pet furniture to leashes to dishes and bowls. Order online or visit the Leslieville or West Queen West shops, the latter conveniently located next to Helmutt's Pet Supply, making it a one stop shopping destination for stylish pets. More »
Helmutt's Pet Supply
Helmutt's will give you everything your pet needs from nutritional food products to organic treats, bowls, toys and everything in between. If they don't have it in stock, just ask and they'll try to get it for you. Local, healthy food for your dog or cat. Located right next to Timmie Doggie Outfitters, it's the perfect place to stock up on the basics. More »
Annex Pet Supplies
Annex Pet Supplies will deliver what your pets need on the weekends, if you're too busy playing fetch to get out to the store. The emphasis here is on local and healthy as much as possible. Toys, treats, litter pans and scratching posts, this store caters to both cat and dog lovers. More »
The Bone House
The Bone House features 85% Canadian made and 100% eco friendly products for pups. This cute little Queen East shop carries a wide range of products from doggie bathrobes to "business bags". A photographer offers a fun alternative to more traditional pet portraits. More »
Kennel Cafe
Kennel Cafe doesn't serve coffee to dogs, but it does stock a wide variety of natural, organic and earth-friendly products. Check the website for nutritional seminars, or submit a photo to the annual pet photo contest, or cat adoption days. Delivery available and frequent buyer programs make this a must shop for Roncesvalles pets. More »
Big Dog Bakery
Big Dog Bakery in the Beaches offers a unique spin on baked goods, offering local, premium, human grade ingredients. But if you're not fond of chick pea flour and salmon cupcakes, maybe your dog or cat might be! Big Dog does custom dog cakes for all occasions, with 10 varieties to choose from. More »
PetPod
PetPod is a modern alternative to the traditional pet store, with sleek designs and the most fashionable litter boxes this side of Manhattan. Local, hand made doggie coats and sweaters cut from the remnants of nearby designers workbenches, ensure your pup is looking at least as good if not better than you while you strut your stuff down King West. More »
My Dog Spot
My Dog Spot offers skillful grooming for your dog (or cat), starting at $45, as well as a variety of other spa-like services. The staff are friendly here and obviously love their furry clients. The shop also features a quaint selection of treats, toys and accessories for both cats and dogs. More »
Planet Dog
Planet dog specializes in natural and holistic diets, and also offers full service grooming or just quick bath or towel dry after a muddy play session outside. As well, at Planet Dog you can find bedding, fun toys, stylish clothing and boots and accessories, grooming supplies and natural herbal remedies. More »
My Pet Boutique
My Pet Boutique is a stop for the most fashionable dogs in Yorkville, offering up gourmet treats, quality toys and gifts for both cat and dog lovers. Order up a ready made gift basket, or have My Pet Boutique custom design one just for you and your favourite pet. More »
Cosmopawlitan
Cosmopawlitan offers up spa treatments that are vital for the heath and wellness of your dog or cat. Drop them off for a day of play and socializing and know that they'll be well taken care of in a cage-free environment. Also at the shop is a huge selection of clothing, for every pet-occasion, as well as toys and of course the basics. More »
Small Wonders
Small Wonders Pet Emporium is chock full everything pet. Two resident cats keep a close eye on customers as they browse a huge selection of toys and food and pet supplies and friendly staff are on hand to make sure that you get just what your pet needs. More »
Discussion
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YAY TIMMIES!!!
The one thing I miss about not living in Leslieville is Timmies. Such a great shop, so friendly and lot's of cool things in there that aren't ridiculously expensive. Pretty reasonable.
I'm not sure how Menagerie was left out of this! Aside from the great stuff they have for dogs and cats they're one of the few places that have a great selection of OTHER kinds of pets too! Everything from some amazing birds to snakes to tropical fish and its staffed by a great group of people.
ALSO...a lesser-known spot on Dovercourt near Hallam is Earth Echoes. Bearded dragons, all sorts of snakes, lizards, geckos and all the supplies you'll ever need backed by some amazing knowledge (tough to find) make this a great place.
I'm surprised to find that Menagerie Pet Shop isn't on this list.
They've got an amazing fish department - but this list seems pretty slanted towards things with fur.
I too echo my awe at the omission of Menagerie on Parliament. The people there actually care about the pets and special note to the bird section and that they do bird sit (for a fee).
Guys! This is a reader's poll. If you wanted something included, you should have added it when the call for submissions went out.
I can't believe that EVERY single time there is a best of on blogTO that someone has to repeat this lol.
Timmies is missed by our family after we moved far away from it :(
We now go to the petview on John/Queen, it's pretty decent actually, but it ain't no Timmies.
Elizabeth, two things:
1. This list should be called "The Best Mutt Supply Shops in Toronto". This is a dog list. This is not a pet list. Pets are myriad. Surely you had a hamster growing up.
2. The omission of the Menagerie -- one of the best and most varied pet stores in the province -- is foolish, even given #1 above, as it's a fine place for mutt supplies as well.
Research, research, research.
Also, get a cat.
"(my cat Nigel assures me he is not interested in any of this!)"
Taken directly from the article. Way to nullify anything you said prior to that.
I too cannot believe that Menagerie was overlooked! Unless this was a list of best "Pet Boutiques". For my part, I couldn't care less if a place can bake a custom cake for my dog's birthday party. I do however, care that I'm paying $10 more for the came bag of dog food or that the staff there knows nothing other than the fact they carry Juicy Couture for chihuahuas...
I know I may be exaggerating a bit here but I've been to most of the places listed and still go religiously to Menagerie, even though it is out of my way, with the once in a blue moon stop at either Timmies or Small Wonders.
Menagerie may be a little cluttered inside and they may not carry the latest designer pet duds or pooch pastries. They do however carry an extensive selection of quality foods and treats, with a lot of healthy, organic, holistic, and biologically appropriate options. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and you instantly notice that are true animal lovers.
Services they offer above and beyond your normal pet store
(at a fee of course):
- Bird nail and wing clipping as well as boarding
- Reptile boarding
- Self serve dog/cat bathing station
Any true animal lover should at least check these guys out, It's well worth the detour! My pooch and I have been going there for over 4 years now and I don't foresee it changing any time soon.
I'm also surprised that Menagerie is missing from the list. It's really darn hard to find quality ferret supplies in this city. Everyone's supplier is whitewashing the stores with Marshall's junk.
let's say this ALL together now people:
"nominated by our readers"
It's so annoying how these threads are 95%: Why isn't such and such place on the list!
Short Answer: Cause you DIDN'T NOMINATE IT!
Wow, the claws really come out when defending pet stores! :)
I guess not many orangutan owners chimed in to the poll!
Insight to take away from this is that dog owners spend a fortune on pet-lifestyle accessories ... cat owners do not.
For what it's worth, I also love Menagerie and was disappointed it did not make this best of list. As for these shops being skewed towards dogs, lets face it - dog owners love it and any cat lover knows they only care about the box their stuff comes in anyway. :)
the dog lounge rules!!!!
I STILL CAN'T BELIEVE MENAGERIE WAS NOT ON THIS LIST !
All these great pet shops need to carry www.foufoudog.com
We are a canadian company that specializes in designer doggy wear and accessories. We have given functional a new twist :)
Pls visit our site for more info or contact us at 416.628.1916
For the nearest retailer or if you are interested in selling our brand
Happy shopping :)
If you love your pet, don't embarrass it by making it wear a damn tutu! Please!
re:keven
Ok, so what does it matter if the list was nominated by readers, people can still comment on how they are surprised something didn't make it. It also gives people looking at the list more options of places...
OR?
You could nominate and see your choice listed, than you wouldn't be 'so' surprised that it wasn't listed! ;) Cause honestly, if all of you actually nominated this store, it would have made the list.
http://files.myopera.com/Mysticmaster/blog/facepalm.jpg
Am i the only one who is shocked that Menagerie didnt make this list?
I really thought more people would have voted for Menagerie.
But nothing. Not a peep from any commetors either.
My vote is for Menagerie.
Everyone should check it out. Thats Menagerie. Great place.
Once again for those you dont know..its called Menagerie.
i just wanted to thank everyone for our nomination and wanted to share my wife Melanie's and my sincere appreciation for our shop, PET POD being chosen for the list. i also want to put in a good word for menagerie, which is where i personally get my marine aquarium livestock and food for our pet ball python and leopard geckos. i see there are alot of menagerie fans posting replys to this article, add Melanie and i to the list! menagerie only stocks captive propigated corals and marine livestock and as anyone who has shopped at Pet Pod knows, we are all about being as environmentally consious as possible. we specialize in dog and cat accessories and select food and treats, and basic fish foods but i have no hesitation referring clients to menagerie for exotics and non cat/dog items, as well as to the above other shops and umbrella pets if we don't carry what you are looking for. my wife and i are pet lovers first and if we don't carry it, it won't hurt our business one bit to send you where we know you can get what you are looking for. plus it will mae your pets and you happy, and you just might come back to us next time you are looking for something else!
thanks again to everyone,
Mathew and Melanie, owners, Pet Pod
Just wondering HOW you nominate a location for the Best of Toronto?
They post an entry calling for nominations, you just have to watch for it!
If "95%: Why isn't such and such place on the list!" then maybe that's a HUGE indication that the polls aren't obvious enough on the site.
I'd look to correcting some flawed web design rather then trying to insult readers.
Shouldn't this be THE BEST CAT & DOG PET STORES?
I've got a rabbit, and unfortunately I have to go the suburbs to get my treats for my pet!
We have two guinea pigs and in order to get their proper food (Oxbow Hay and Pellets) we have to go to Global Pet Foods at Yonge and Davisville. It's the only pet store in the city that supplies Oxbow products, which is by far the best brand for guinea pigs, rabbits, chinchillas and other small animals.
What is the process to nominate a particular business on this website?
maybe less people know about it, but menagerie definitely should have been on this list! (and I did vote for it!) really reccomend it for reptiles, fish and the fluffy ones. really, really awesome staff, reasonable prices, and they take proper care of their animals, unlike the major pet stores.
www.menageriepetshop.com/
Mathew, I'll definitely be checking out PetPod soon, you guys sound great!
@ laurel, thanks, we look forward to seeing you.
also, i just wanted to say that as we are a small store, we try to stock what our customers are looking for, so you can buy what you want, rather than what we want to sell you. if you are looking for something we don't have, we can defiantly look at doing a special order for you and if enough people are looking for the same product/line, etc, we can look at carrying it full time. we opened with a very small inventory and asked everyone coming in what they were looking for and are trying our best to tailor or inventory to our customers, while also striving to carry as many environmentally friendly products as possible.
thanks again for everyones votes,
Mathew, Pet Pod
No amount of "web" design can fix people refusing to read instructions.
this thread was hijacked to advertise your small biz, MATHEW?
Tacky!!!
ps. spell check is something you should give a try.
@whateves, i wasn't hijacking the thread at all. people were commenting that all the above shops only sold cat and dog items and i was only saying that we could special order for people looking for supplies for other animals. I was also praising menagerie, as were a lot of other posters for the great job they do and for the fact that they sell supplies for other animals, not just cats and dogs. my original post was to thank everyone who voted and to also support the other shops that were mentioned along with a few that were not. I don't see how praising other shops and referring others to them is advertising my business, being on the list is advertising enough for me. Sorry about the spelling errors, i don't have spell check on my work computer. thank you again to all who have supported us, we truely appreciate it!
I'm just glad the Bark & Fitz franchise didn't make this list.
They only care about profits and a high percentage of their goods are NOT from Canada. I'm happy to see that people are supporting their local neighbours and NOT A FRANCHISE :)
@Keven
Where the heck do we nominate or vote on these Best Of poll???
I've scoured the website and found nothing, is it hidden and only available to certain user???
Just looked at the Menagerie website... it looks like they sell guinea pigs. Is this true? I hope not. I'm only going to say this in case someone stumbles upon this site when they're searching for a guinea pig: Please do not purchase a guinea pig from a store. Like cats and dogs, there are shelters full of guinea pigs that are thought to be "throw-away" pets, only unlike cats and dogs people don't think to look into shelters for them. Guinea pigs in pet stores tend to be sick, and sometimes inbred. Buying them from a store only perpetuates the cycle. So please, if you're going to get a guinea pig (preferably you'd get two so they have a buddy as well) please go to a shelter. Sorry about hijacking a bit, but my gf and I try to educate about guinea pigs where we can because they're awesome pets that often don't get proper care. For other guinea pig info go here: http://www.guineapigcages.com/
It sounds like some of you either work or own Menagerie,...or you're just some weird and scary person that shops there,...
Your passionate comments may hurt the image of Menagerie. Look above,...now you have activists getting involved, making Menagerie look even worse, since they supports guinea-mill's that breed these animals in terrible conditions.
Next time, blogto may have an extra category. Best Live Pet and Supply Shop in Toronto. All the haters of nice pet shops can all vote then.
BTW, if you're so hardcore about getting your votes in,...maybe you should read the blog more often, so that you don't miss a thing.
Congratulations to Helmutt's for making the list. By far the best Pet Supply shop in west Toronto.
Helmutt's Pet Supply carries those items! I have bought for my rabbit there many times..and they are always willing to order me stuff that you mau want but do not see in store
I love The Bone House they have cozy beds, healthy food, yummy treats, and the coolest toys. I like the eco friendly canadian made concept as well. The prices are the best in the city so my human loves it too.
Tega
That's good to know. When we first got our two GPs, my girlfriend called a few dozen places and none carried what we needed. Not sure if she called Helmutt's, but it's good to know that they supply proper food. Far too many stores sell crap that isn't meant to be eaten at all by small animals and pass it off as daily essential food.
@Jack: I'm not an activist who is against Menagerie. I just happen to be a pet owner who owns a kind of animal that a lot of people think of as "throw-aways". It's not activism, it's education. That's all.
I disagree. I shop at the Bark & Fitz in Bloor West Village. The staff are super knowledgeable not to mention extremely friendly. Bark & Fitz is Canadian, with three stores in different parts of the city. And they sell plenty of Canadian products. My dog's harness is made by Smoochy Poochie, which is an independent Canadian maker (I think it's one woman that makes them). I know they have very strict guidelines as to what time of food they'll sell, (ie. nothing with corn, wheat, gluten, by-products, etc). And the food I buy (Orijen) is also Canadian. When I first got a dog, I was clueless and would have bought anything. But the owner of the Bark & Fitz actually talked me out of buying stuff I didn't need. She wasn't in for a quick buck, and has kept me as a loyal customer because of it.
Oh dear, so many stores, so little time!! Many thanks!
Does someone knows of good place for rabbit treats? :)
Thank you!
And yes, I totally agree with Pascale, it is a Pet Boutiques list for dog owners.
Petpod & Timmie Doggie Outfitters are my favorites! I also love the Pawsway near Harbourfront.
First, let me say thanks to all who voted for us...it's nice to see our name in print! No doubt the majority of our business is for our four-legged furries, but we've always made sure to have supplies for birds, fish and small animals too. And if it's not on the shelf, and we can lay our hands on it, we'll get it in for you. Oxbow is an excellent brand, and I'm happy to say it's our main one for small animal supply. Cheers all! and Thanks again!
BTW...I can't believe no one nominated Menagerie either! Excellent shop, none the less!
I suppose it would have been helpful to actually mention our shop's name...from the gang here at Helmutt's, thanks.
I agree with some of what Barry has said. First of all, it is a Canadian franchise. However, there's allot that is NOT Canadian with the exception of Smoochy Poochy. I have shopped in all 3 locations, Yonge, Bloor West and The Beach. And let me tell you..........
Bloor West - Absolutely Fabulous, caring, friendly, knowledgeable staff. Nothing negative to say about them.
Yonge - So-so on the staff BUT the prices are wayyyy cheaper than the other 2 locations. I know, I have shopped around between all three to get the better deal. The beach location is the highest.
The Beach - The last time I was there, I asked a staff member about the food (actually I've been told she's the new manager - about a year) and she pulled a bag of food and read it to me. Very knowledgeable, indeed, NOT (I can read the bag myself, thank you very much). I also overheard her say to one of her staff that, "LESS TALK AND MORE SALES - YOU DON'T SELL - WE DON'T MAKE MONEY - YOU DON'T GET PAID". Maybe, that's the attitude that Tate has witness in order to have said that they only care about profit. I've been told that the beaches community is not very fond of that store's new management (I have allot of friends there). I myself, live in the Queens Quay area and work in the retail industry. So, I have to travel to buy the goods. So, I go where the staff is fabulous and the price is low and most of all where the staff and the clients are treated with respect and dignity. And that will NOT BE THE BEACH LOCATION OF BARK AND FITZ.
There's a new store in The Beach, TAILS, I've been to it, it carries everything and it's locally owned by a well educated owner, Dianne. Check it out people, i think you'll like it.
Feel jipped for not getting your vote!
Vote for your Best of T.O in Now Toronto
http://www.nowtoronto.com/bestof/index.cfm
Thanks for the mention, Nena. We are an independent pet store and try our hardest to stock only the best lines for all animals. The small animals, birds, reptiles and fish that we carry are very well looked after and we make every effort to make sure they all end up at the best homes. In regards to guinea pigs, we love the little furballs and would never let them live alone or sell them to someone with a "throwaway" mentality. We also carry the full-line of Oxbow for those fans!
What I forgot to mention was.... because of the attitude at the beach location of the Bark and Fitz and now that I know better. I WILL NEVER SHOP IN ANY OF THE BARK AND FITZ STORES and I will make sure that none of my family and friends do, either. PRETENTIOUS, GREEDY FRANCHISE.
@James. The Menagerie gets 99% of their GP's from customers who've had litters of them and trade them for supplies. We do not buy guinea pigs from suppliers that mass produce animals. We also rarely have any in store. We also sell Oxbow products as well as Cavi Nature line from Europe which most stores haven't even heard of. Have you actually talked to anyone from the Menagerie about the animals we sell? Assuming a pet shop gets it's animals from dubious sources just because they have a picture on their website is pretty short sighted. The Menagerie probably refuses more sales of small animals, birds, reptiles and even fish then we sell if we feel the persons interested are not willing to provide proper care.
thanks to all the nice comments from everyone. We have a lot of awesome customers many of whom have been coming for decades and that's the only poll that matters to us!
Support your local independent pet supply shop!
My Pet Boutique is by far the best. They always update their inventory.
Are there any good aquarium supply stores in the city?
How could My Pet Boutique rank 2 spots higher than Small Wonders? I suppose if you use cost or fanciness as your criteria, but other than that, there is NO COMPARISON!
Small Wonders wins out in quality, variety, diversity, knowledge, service, professionalism, etc. And to boot, their staff have been around for years, so there is continuity.
At My Pet Boutique, even the 'healthy snacks' aren't even the best on the market, to name a few of the differences I see.
We love Cosmopawlitan! First off, the owner and staff are very knowledgeable and friendly! They'll do anything within their power to special order products that you need. Second, they have some of the cutest cat and dog outfits/beds etc. around. Third, they're fairly priced and in a great and convenient location (lots of dog walking in our area) :) If you're in the area, you should definitely drop by!
Hi Jed! I went to highschool with you (Schickerowsky), and just coincidentally, own a pet store in Toronto! We have a good selection of aquarium supplies, and will certainly order in anything else you may need! I'd love to have you drop by to see!