A Real Client Story: When Pet Size Becomes a Challenge
My empty-nester clients, ready to move from their stately family home, had found the perfect condo in Yorkville; but their downsizing goals met one obstacle. They had 2 beloved dogs, one above the weight and size allowed by the condo board. This was a Labrador-sized dilemma: give up the condo or, heaven forbid, give up the dog! Thankfully, a fellow resident and influential board member represented them at a board meeting with compassion and personal attestation prompting the board to allow their second dog.
This isn't always the case: There are owners whose pets do not satisfy the condo guidelines or possess any latitude for special consideration, and they cannot move in without abandoning their pet. Some pet owners ignore or overstep condo regulations and are lawfully, and regretfully, asked to get rid of their pet, deemed a "nuisance." For those of us who are dog-lovers, moving without our beloved dog is akin to deserting a beloved family member.
Understanding Condo Pet Restrictions
How specific are condo pet guidelines?
The laws for luxury condos range all the way from welcoming all dogs, with no restrictions whatsoever, to restricting them altogether. Condo guidelines can be extremely specific in order to protect the well-being of all its residents. From a recent document: "a dog, not to exceed 25 in or 64 cm in height at 'withers' (being the ridge between the shoulders of a four-legged animal)". But amidst the legalese there is sometimes wiggle room for special consideration: Happily, for all of us, this worked for my Labrador-loving clients.
The hospitable leaning towards dog-owners is growing in accordance with the 30% boost in dog ownership in the last decade.
Yorkville Condos With No Pet Restrictions
Which Yorkville buildings welcome all dogs?
Many Yorkville condo residences have no restrictions for pet owners:
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Four Seasons Private Residences
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155 Cumberland
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The Lotus at 8 Scollard
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The Hazelton Private Residences at 133 Hazelton
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4 Lowther
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Crystal Blu Condominiums at 21 Balmuto
Especially where there are no restrictions, an animal-loving community is established and pets remain the most amenable magnet for meeting fellow residents.
Common Pet Restrictions in Toronto Condos
What are typical condo pet restrictions?
Most buildings allow pets with some restrictions:
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Size-based restrictions: Some buildings (like the Regency at 68 Yorkville) allow 2 dogs if they can be carried; that means small dogs, not those whose owners are bodybuilders
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Number restrictions: Some allow 1 dog or 1 cat; some restrict to 1 or 2 pets per suite
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Height and weight limits: Buildings specify maximum measurements
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Universal rules: No buildings will allow guard dogs; most welcome service dogs; there is never discrimination as to the type of dog – breed or rescue
Rules laid out in each condo building are usually very specific.
Dog-Friendly Amenities in Modern Condos
What facilities do pet-friendly buildings offer?
The accommodation to a dog-owning lifestyle is reflected in modern building amenities:
In-Building Features:
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Dog-washing stations (36 Hazelton, 2 St. Thomas, Pears on the Avenue)
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Grooming facilities as part of the amenities
Nearby Off-Leash Parks:
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Ramsden Park
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Craigleigh Gardens (between Mt. Pleasant and Bayview)
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Philosopher's Walk at U of T (on-leash policy respectfully ignored by well-behaved dogs)
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Jean Sibelius Square (Dupont and Bathurst) - no longer off-leash but welcomes responsible dog-owners
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Huron St. Playground (Huron and Lowther) - separate off-leash area promised through Playground Enhancement Program
The Growing Challenge: Green Space for Urban Dogs
What is the biggest challenge facing condo dog owners?
Neighborhood parks provide the greatest "relief" to the doggie and its owner. However, green space and its potential usage, are in as proportionately high demand as building space in the downtown core.
The Numbers:
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An average 40-story condo tower can potentially house 280 dogs
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City planners predict a doubling of the population in the city's core within the next 24 years
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1/3 of condo residents will be dog-owners
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The growing phenomenon of condo family life with children plus dog is an anticipated reality
The Problem:
Now herein lies the problem: even as condo buildings allow for pets, WHERE are dog-owners going to take their pets on their daily 2-3 walks? As the problem increases, so do public complaints and concerns. CBC Radio recently ran a series entitled: "A Place to Go: Designing the City for Dogs and People." It started with an interview of dog-owners who no longer take their dogs to one specific park that is contaminated from overuse.
As the city grows and with it our entrenched "Must Love Dogs" sentiment, city councils, condo boards, city planners, architects, animal activists – and all of us who love dogs – are obligated to find solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my large dog if I move to a Yorkville condo?
Yes, but it depends on the building. Six Yorkville condos have no pet restrictions: Four Seasons Private Residences, 155 Cumberland, The Lotus at 8 Scollard, The Hazelton Private Residences at 133 Hazelton, 4 Lowther, and Crystal Blu Condominiums at 21 Balmuto. Contact us to check the specific pet rules for your desired building.
What are typical pet size restrictions in Toronto condos?
Most buildings specify maximum height (often 25 inches at withers) and weight limits. Some buildings allow only dogs that can be carried. Each building has specific rules outlined in their condo documents.
Can I have multiple dogs in a Yorkville condo?
It varies by building. Some allow 2 dogs if they can be carried, others restrict to 1 dog or 1 cat, and some have no restrictions at all. Buildings with no restrictions typically allow multiple pets.
Are there dog-washing stations in Yorkville condos?
Yes. Modern amenities include dog-washing stations at 36 Hazelton, 2 St. Thomas, and Pears on the Avenue, plus grooming facilities in newer buildings.
Where can I take my dog off-leash near Yorkville?
Nearby off-leash parks include Ramsden Park, Craigleigh Gardens (between Mt. Pleasant and Bayview), and a promised separate area at Huron St. Playground (Huron and Lowther). For a complete list of Toronto's off-leash areas, visit the City of Toronto's official page at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dog-off-leash-areas/
What if my dog exceeds the building's size restrictions?
Some buildings allow special consideration through board approval, as happened with my clients' Labrador. This requires board meeting presentation and often support from existing residents.
Do condos discriminate against certain dog breeds?
No. There is never discrimination as to the type of dog – breed or rescue. However, guard dogs are not allowed in any buildings.
Need Help Navigating Condo Pet Policies?
If you're considering a move to a condo - whether downsizing from a family home, relocating to Yorkville, or simply seeking a change - navigating pet guidelines can feel overwhelming. I've walked countless clients through this exact journey, from understanding building restrictions to advocating for special considerations. The anxiety of not knowing whether your beloved dog will be welcome in your new home is real, and I understand what you're going through. Feel free to reach out; I'm always here to help you find a residence where both you and your four-legged family member will thrive.
Contact Nissan Michael and Grace Chan of the Mr. Yorkville Real Estate Group
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