Markham's Best Neighbourhoods for Pet Owners: Yards, Trails, Vets and Pet Friendly Condos

by Neeraj Moolchandani

Buyers · Pet Owners

Markham's Best Neighbourhoods for Pet Owners: Yards, Trails, Vets and Pet Friendly Condos

Your pet will live in your next home too. Here is how to choose a Markham home and neighbourhood that works for every member of the family.

Neeraj Moolchandani is a top real estate agent in Markham, Ontario.

The Short Answer

For Markham pet owners, the best homes have a fenced yard, easy access to trails or an off leash park, and durable floors. Markham has permanent off leash dog parks in Box Grove, Cornell, Miller Avenue and Huntington Park, plus seasonal pop up areas. The City allows up to four mature pets per home, such as two dogs and two cats, and dogs and cats must be licensed. Condo buyers should check the building's declaration and rules, since some limit pet size, number, or type.

Neeraj and the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the teams Markham families trust with their moves, know that a pet can shape the whole search. Here is what to look for.

What Makes a Home Pet Friendly

  • A fenced yard. Check the fence height, condition, and gaps. Ask who owns shared fences.
  • A mudroom or side entrance. A place to wipe paws and store leashes.
  • Durable floors. Tile, vinyl plank, or sealed hardwood handle claws and accidents better than carpet.
  • Room for a crate and bowls. Away from main walkways.
  • A quiet street. Less traffic means safer walks and calmer pets.

Markham's Off Leash Dog Parks

The City of Markham lists these permanent off leash dog parks:

Dog Park Location Nearby Neighbourhoods
Boxgrove 6780 14th Avenue Box Grove, Cornell
Cornell Community Dog Park 300 William Forster Road Cornell
Miller Avenue 560 Miller Avenue Central Markham
Huntington Park 116 Huntington Park Drive West Markham

Source: City of Markham. The City also runs seasonal pop up off leash areas in each ward. Dogs must be licensed, over six months old, and supervised.

Off your own property, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 2 metres, and you must pick up after them.

Moving with a dog? Neeraj can help you find a home near the right trails and parks. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.

Trails and Green Space

  • Rouge National Urban Park on the east side, close to Box Grove and Cornell. Dogs must be on a leash.
  • Toogood Pond in Unionville, with walking paths around the water.
  • Milne Dam Conservation Park in the centre of the city.
  • Neighbourhood parks and trails in Berczy, Wismer and Greensborough.

A home a short walk from a park or trail makes daily exercise easy in every season.

Markham's Pet Rules

  • Licensing. Dogs and cats must be licensed within 30 days of ownership, with proof of rabies vaccination, and wear their tag.
  • Pet limit. Up to four mature pets per home: two dogs and two cats, one dog and three cats, or four cats.
  • Leash rule. Dogs must be leashed off your property, except in marked off leash areas.

Confirm current rules with Markham Animal Care Services before you move.

Buying a Pet Friendly Condo

In Ontario, a condo's declaration and rules can limit pets. Before you buy:

  1. Ask for the declaration and rules, and read the pet section.
  2. Check for limits on number, size, weight, or type of pet.
  3. Ask about elevator and lobby rules for pets.
  4. Look for nearby green space and a pet relief area.
  5. Have your lawyer review the status certificate for pet related issues.

Ground floor townhouses with a small yard can be a great fit. See our townhouse buyer's guide and condo buyer's guide.

Buying a condo with a pet? Let us check the building rules before you offer. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.

Vets and Pet Services

Markham has many veterinary clinics, groomers, and pet stores spread across the city. When you shortlist homes, check the drive to your preferred vet and the nearest 24 hour emergency clinic. In an emergency, minutes count.

Your pet deserves a good fit too. Start with a quick call. Call or text Neeraj at (647) 370 8885.

Questions

Pet Owner Questions, Answered

Where are the off leash dog parks in Markham?

The City of Markham lists permanent off leash dog parks at Boxgrove (6780 14th Avenue), Cornell Community Dog Park (300 William Forster Road), Miller Avenue (560 Miller Avenue), and Huntington Park (116 Huntington Park Drive), plus seasonal pop up areas.

How many pets can I have in Markham?

Markham allows up to four mature pets per home, in combinations of two dogs and two cats, one dog and three cats, or four cats.

Do I need a licence for my dog or cat in Markham?

Yes. Dogs and cats must be licensed within 30 days of ownership, with proof of rabies vaccination, and must wear their licence tag.

Can a Markham condo ban pets?

A condo's declaration and rules can limit or restrict pets. Read the pet rules and have your lawyer review the status certificate before you buy.

Which Markham neighbourhoods are best for dog owners?

Box Grove and Cornell are close to off leash parks and Rouge National Urban Park, while Unionville offers walks around Toogood Pond. Many family neighbourhoods also have fenced yards and local trails.

A Home for Every Member of the Family

Tell Neeraj about your pet. He will help you find a home with the yard, trails, and rules that fit.

Call or text (647) 370 8885 · info@kaizenrealestate.ca
Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage · 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4

Pet licensing, limits and off leash parks: City of Markham Animal Services. Rules may change; confirm with the City. This article is general information, not legal, tax, mortgage, or financial advice. Market commentary describes current conditions and is not a promise of future prices. Information is believed accurate but should be independently verified. Not intended to solicit properties currently under contract.

Neeraj Moolchandani
Neeraj Moolchandani

Agent

+1(289) 544-0278 | neeraj.moolchandani@exprealty.com

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