Vancouver residents may love their pets even more than they love the great outdoors (which says a lot!). Vancouver has a proud reputation for pet-friendliness; however, not all suburbs can offer your pets the lifestyle they deserve.
From adventuring through the lush nature and having lots of friends to feeling welcome wherever they go and having access to their essential services, certain suburbs will make your furry friend feel right at home.
This article will walk you through the best areas of the city and surrounding areas for your pet to flourish, highlighting what makes them special, plus the pet-friendly places you and your pet can explore.
Crucial pet-friendly factors include:
If you don’t have a furry friend yet but are looking for one, here are the best places to adopt a dog or cat in Vancouver.
Best for: Active dog owners who like to run, hike and bike, including young professionals and families with pets.
North Van is a paradise for humans and animals that love mountain hiking trails, forested parks, and long networks of walking paths. The North Van outdoor culture is so essential, and dogs are such a big part of everyday life.
Basically, you would stand out if you didn’t have a dog!
A couple of things to consider are the higher housing costs than other areas of the city, and the fact that the rainier climate may result in muddy paws coming into your home (perhaps think twice before buying that white rug!).
Local favourite: Nemesis Café (Shipyards)
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Other pet-friendly spots in North Vancouver
Best for: Those who want a balance between nature and affordability
Port Moody has a small, close-knit community feel where pet owners can create a bit of a network. Even though it’s a little far from downtown, SkyTrain access is quick and easy.
Port Moody is perfect for couples. remote workers and young families who are priced out of central Vancouver but still need convenient access. Keep in mind that this area is rising in popularity, causing rental rates to rise as well.
Pet-friendly parks are speckled all over and offer a place for neighbours to connect and animals to play.
Local favourite: The Yellow Dog Brewing Co.
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Other pet-friendly hotspots in Port Moody:
Best for: People who want a combo of pets and urban life
New West is still more affordable than central Vancouver, yet it maintains urban amenities and lifestyle options. You'll find walkable neighbourhoods and an abundance of riverfront paths.
New Westminster is great for those looking to buy a condo or renters looking for apartments. It seems to be popular with first-time homeowners and newcomers to Canada.
There are a few considerations, including less or no backyard space. Also, some high-rise apartment complexes have a size limit for dogs.
Local favourite: Steel and Oak Brewing Co.
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Other pet-friendly hotspots in New West:
Best for: Families with pets with many good schools nearby.
Burnaby is perfect for pet-loving families and multi-pet households, suitable for both renters and homeowners.
Burnaby’s mix of suburban roads with wide sidewalks paired with the convenience of the city attracts working families and professionals. To balance out the urban sprawl, there are large parks and leafy streets in every neighbourhood (perfect for dog walking!).
Though you may want to consider having a vehicle, as some areas are spread out, and be cautious when walking pets around busy roads full of fast drivers.
Local favourite: Dageraad Brewing
Other pet-friendly hotspots in Burnaby:
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Best for: Peaceful, flat walking routes for pets to explore
Richmond is great for retirees and families looking for a quieter lifestyle, and larger immigrant families appreciate the big houses. Consider Richmond as a place to live if you travel for work a lot, as it hosts Western Canada’s largest airport (YVR).
Keep in mind that it has fewer forested trails, and in some areas, you definitely need a car or to use public transit to access work or amenities.
Local favourite: The Stevenson Waterfront
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Other pet-friendly hotspots in Richmond:
As you can see, Vancouver offers a wide range of options for you and your furry friend to call home. Ultimately, the right fit for you and your pet largely depends on your lifestyle. Once you’ve decided on the perfect area and new home, the next challenge is getting your pet there safely and smoothly.
This is particularly tricky if you’re moving from far away, whether it’s across the country or even from overseas. That’s where a professional pet transport service comes in with the help of Wise Move.
Booking a reliable and affordable pet transport service becomes quick and easy with Wise Move, ensuring your pet has a stress-free move.
Wise Move is Canada’s leading moving service, helping thousands of customers with home moves, furniture removals, car and motorcycle transport, and more. Since 2017, we’ve delivered reliable and affordable moving services across Canada. As one of the country’s trusted moving companies, we make moving simple and stress-free with fixed prices that give customers peace of mind every step of the way.
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