Liberty Village Is a Dog Neighbourhood
Walk through Liberty Village on any given evening and you will see more dogs than strollers. The neighbourhood's young, condo-dwelling demographic has made it one of Toronto's densest dog populations per capita, and the local businesses have responded accordingly.
Here is everything you need to know about raising a happy dog in Liberty Village.
Off-Leash Parks and Green Spaces
The main off-leash area is the Stanley Park dog run at the corner of Stanley Terrace and King Street West. It is not large — maybe half an acre of fenced gravel and grass — but it is the neighbourhood's social hub for dog owners. Weekday mornings and evenings between 5 and 7 PM are peak hours.
The temporary off-leash area near Lamport Stadium on King Street gives dogs more room to run and is less crowded than Stanley Park. It is technically a city-managed space that opens seasonally, so check the City of Toronto website for current hours.
For longer walks, the Martin Goodman Trail runs along the waterfront just south of the Gardiner Expressway. Dogs must be on-leash, but it is a beautiful 3-to-5-kilometre stretch that connects to Sunnyside and the Humber Bay parks, both of which have proper off-leash areas.
Liberty Village Park on East Liberty Street is a small green space that is on-leash only but good for a quick bathroom break. The grass is well-maintained and it rarely gets too crowded.
Veterinary Care
Liberty Village Animal Hospital on East Liberty Street is the neighbourhood's go-to vet. They handle everything from routine vaccinations to emergency visits, and their hours extend to evenings on weekdays. For a neighbourhood this size, having a full-service vet within walking distance is a genuine luxury.
For emergencies outside regular hours, the closest 24-hour option is the Veterinary Emergency Clinic on Yonge Street — about a 15-minute drive. Keep their number saved in your phone.
See our full list of Liberty Village veterinarians for all options.
Grooming and Walking Services
The Dog House Grooming handles everything from basic baths to full breed-specific cuts. Book at least a week in advance for weekend appointments — they stay busy.
Liberty Pooch is the neighbourhood's most popular dog walking service. They offer both group and solo walks, and their walkers know every corner of the neighbourhood. Rates are competitive with the city average, and they can accommodate midday walks for the work-from-home-but-in-meetings crowd.
For a full list of dog groomers in the area, check our directory.
Pet Stores and Supplies
Woof & Whiskers is Liberty Village's dedicated pet store, stocking premium food brands, treats, toys, and accessories. They carry local and Canadian brands that you will not find at the big-box stores, and the staff actually knows their products.
For emergency supplies — you ran out of food at 9 PM on a Sunday — Shoppers Drug Mart on King Street carries a small selection of dog food and basics. Not ideal, but it has saved more than a few Liberty Village dog owners from a late-night drive to PetSmart.
Dog-Friendly Patios
Liberty Village's restaurant scene is generally dog-tolerant on patios, though policies vary by establishment. The most reliably dog-friendly options include:
Brazen Head Irish Pub has a patio where dogs are welcome and the staff will often bring a water bowl without being asked. LOCAL Public Eatery allows dogs on the patio and the spacious layout means your dog is not tripping servers. Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery is another good option — the patio is large enough that dogs have room.
For coffee runs with your dog, Balzac's Coffee Roasters and Dark Horse Espresso Bar both have sidewalk seating where dogs are welcome.
Condo Dog Life: Practical Tips
Living with a dog in a Liberty Village condo comes with specific challenges. Most buildings allow dogs but have weight limits — typically 25 to 35 kilograms depending on the building. Check your condo's pet policy before signing a lease.
Elevator waits during peak hours (8 to 9 AM and 5 to 6 PM) can add 5 to 10 minutes to your morning walk. Some buildings have designated pet elevators or pet relief areas on specific floors.
For noise complaints — and barking dogs are a common one in condos — address the issue proactively. A tired dog is a quiet dog, so invest in adequate exercise. The dog walking services listed above are worth every penny if your schedule keeps you away during the day.
The Neighbourhood Is Getting Better for Dogs
The City of Toronto's Liberty Village Public Realm Strategy includes plans for more green space, including a new park at 34 Hanna Avenue slated for construction after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. More parks mean more room for dogs — and fewer crowded mornings at Stanley Park.
Liberty Village is not a rural paradise for dogs, but for an urban neighbourhood, it does the basics right: accessible vet care, quality grooming, walking services, and enough green space to keep most dogs happy.