When you think of Ottawa, you might imagine the perfect city to raise a family. Safe and scenic neighbourhoods, incredible schools, and a vast real estate landscape that definitely appeals to families of all stripes and sizes. The beautiful parks and playgrounds and endless amenities and conveniences are more evidence that Ottawa is a fantastic place for anyone to live.

However, let’s not forget the furry and four-legged members of the family. Is Ottawa a good place for pets? Let’s take a look to see what our favourite city has to offer.

Are you planning on buying a home in Ottawa? Our Buyer’s Guide can help streamline the process. Download your copy right here. 

A Loving Community

No matter where you are in Ottawa, it’s not uncommon to encounter people of all ages strolling happily down the street with their dogs in tow. If you are one of those lucky dog owners, you’ve probably noticed how many people smile or even stop to chat and give your fur baby a friendly pat.

All of this paints a picture of how welcoming and loving the entire City of Ottawa is towards your dog. However, this warmth and affection isn’t just reserved for your dog, Ottawa loves and welcomes all pets, from cats and bunnies to tropical birds and even reptiles. 

Ottawa is so enthusiastic about its non-human residents that it hosts numerous pet-friendly events throughout the year. Both pets and their owners can look forward to the annual Ottawa Dog Festival and Ottawa Pet Expo where you can participate in games and pick up some delectable treats. Feline lovers can bond while swapping their sweetest stories and cutest photos in the Ottawa Cat Lovers Facebook Group.

Like most cities, Ottawa does limit the number of pets per household. This is for your safety as well as to ensure your pets’ well-being and happiness. That said, a generous allowance of five pets in total (with a maximum of three dogs) means you can fill your house with love and companionship.

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Which Ottawa neighbourhood is right for you and your furry friend? The posts below will give you some to consider.

• Ottawa’s Civic Hospital Neighbourhood; Make it Your Home Too!
• Is Barrhaven a Good Place to Live? 
• Rural Ottawa or City Living: Which is Right for You?

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Outstanding Parks and Green Spaces

Ottawa’s parks are quite literally going to the dogs, and pet owners couldn’t be happier about it. It’s hard to imagine a way to improve upon these green spaces with their trails, gorgeous scenery,  and epic playgrounds and splash pads.

As far as we’re concerned, Ottawa’s parks and greenspaces are even better when they are filled with four-legged bundles of love. There are too many to count, but here are just a few places that welcome you and your dog with open arms. 

• Hampton Park: Dogs should be on a leash when near the playground at Hampton Park. The dog run, however, is epic, and your furry friends will have a blast leaping and bounding and running freely through a wide-open field. This is also a fantastic place to socialize with other dog lovers!
• Reid Park: With a children’s playground and a dedicated dog area, Reid Park offers endless fun and games for your whole family. Doggos are even allowed to go in the wade pool as it’s drained for the season. A wet pup is a happy one – just remember to bring some towels for the journey home! 
• Princess Margriet Park (Formerly Fairmont Park): Chell Team has a special appreciation for Fairmont Park since it’s right in our neighbourhood. And what’s not to love? There are rolling fields, tennis courts, and a leash-free zone where energetic pooches can frolic about. 
• Central Experimental Farm: An actual working farm is the central research station for the federal Department of Agriculture and is open to the public. The research fields and ornamental gardens are off-limits to pets for safety reasons. However, leashed and well-behaved dogs can join you as you explore the farm, the adjacent Arboretum and Fletcher Wildlife Garden.
• Bruce Pit: Bruce Pit is a massive and very popular park just off Cedarview Road near Bells Corners. This 1.5 km loop weaves in and out of forested areas and offers waterside views. There is also an off-leash area where dogs can roam freely.
• Conroy Pit: With 5 km of wooded trails to explore, Conroy Pit receives enthusiastic endorsement from doggos all over the city! Designated off-leash areas only add to the fun and excitement, which makes this an attractive destination for dog lovers everywhere. 

Is a move coming up and you’re not sure where to start? Read Is It Smarter to Buy First or Sell First? Next. 

Pet-Friendly Restaurants

Watch out, Ottawa diners, your favourite restaurants are about to be overrun with a flood of adorableness on four legs. Yes, many patios will allow your friendly, well-behaved pup to join you for a meal or snack. Some will even serve up a large dish of cool water so no one gets left out of the fun. 

Whether you’re planning a date night and don’t want to leave your loved one behind or a family meal out, there’s a very good chance your dog can join you, thanks to new Ontario legislation. Pubs, family restaurants, and cafes with a patio just got a lot more fun and welcoming during the warmer months. 

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Looking for even more tips for buying an Ottawa home? The posts below will help you make an informed decision:

• Are Older Homes a Good Investment in Ottawa?
• A How-To Guide on Combining Households When You Already Own Your Own Homes
• Strategies to Help First-Time Buyers Enter the Real Estate Market

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A Dedication to Pet Wellness

You’ll find many services dedicated to helping your furry friend live a long and high-quality life in Ottawa. For starters, the Ottawa Humane Society offers wellness services for families who may not be able to access regular veterinary care. 

There are also many excellent veterinary clinics throughout the city providing various services to keep your pet with you for as long as possible. Please note that the Chell Team does not endorse any clinic or service. However, here is an unofficial list for your convenience. 

• Ottawa Barrhaven Animal Hospital – (613) 825-7921: A fully-equipped animal hospital offering cardiology, pharmacology, lab tests, heartworm prevention, ophthalmology, vaccinations, dentistry, surgery, ultrasounds, and X-rays, along with general pet health services. 
• Carling Animal Hospital – (613) 725-3439: A full-service clinic that extends to pocket and exotic pets. 
• Algonquin Animal Hospital – (613) 224-5701: A general clinic offering regular examinations, nutritional consulting, and vaccinations. 
• VCA Canada Alta Vista Animal Hospital – (613) 731-6851: Advanced diagnostics and a 24-hour emergency clinic are available. 

So, to all the woofers, meowfers, fuzzballs, chirpers, ankle-biters, lounge lizards, the not-so-cuddly slitherers, and the ultra-cuddly snuggle bugs out there, we are thrilled to say that the beautiful City of Ottawa welcomes you with open arms! If you wish, we may even allow your human companions to join you! 

Do you want to know more about buying or selling a home in Ottawa or the surrounding areas? Our Ottawa real estate agents are happy to help. Contact us today at 613.829.7484 or email mail@chellteam.com for more information.