How dog-friendly is Toronto?

Toronto is often at odds with her dog owners.

Why, in a deserted schoolyard at 11 p.m., can a pooch not be let off the leash?

Why, on a sultry summers day, can a dog not rest at his owners feet in the shade of a patio table as both enjoy cool beverages?

Why are pet owners treated like smokers by potential landlords?

The gripes of the citys dog owners are many. But, overall, they say Toronto is definitely a dog-friendly place to live even before Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wongs proposal last week to open all parks to off-leash dog use between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.

Many things must be considered when looking at what makes a city dog-friendly: the number of off-leash dog parks, how dogs are treated in public spaces, transport options, and availability of important services such as grooming and vet care.

For Susan Rupert, the owner of Urban Dog Fitness and Spa, its an issue that dogs arent permitted in restaurants. She speaks longingly of Europe, where in, say, Paris, a city of stellar dog-loving repute, its the norm to allow pooches into restaurants, bistros and cafs.

We have laws that say dogs need to have their vaccinations and need to be healthy. So there is really no need for (safety) concerns. As long as they are kept away from food preparation areas, I dont see the issue, she said. Rupert, who admits to including her dog as part of her family, says its the same as allowing children into restaurants. Well-behaved dogs can be far less disruptive, she says.

In Vancouver, eateries can legally allow leashed dogs to sit with their owners on patios and terraces as long as they are well-behaved. Last month in Calgary, the citys first pooch-friendly patio was cleared by Alberta Heath Services.

Toronto does have one pet-friendly eatery: Williams Fresh Caf, at the Queens Quay pet learning and events centre PawsWay, has a double gate that separates the food preparation and serving area from the pet-permitted seating area.

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How dog-friendly is Toronto?