We are always looking for ways to reduce our eco footprints, whether it be through eating more local foods or reducing plastic usage. But what about when it comes to pets? These stores around the city are great places to shop for your dog (some also have options for cats, too). Many of these spots carry organic and locally sourced pet foods, as well as toys and accessories made from recycled and natural materials. Pop in to pick up something for your pup and help out the environment in the process.
Wooftown
Address: 10 Birch
Target customer: The one-stop shopper
Wooftown is a mecca for eco-friendly doggie accessories. Get your pup a cozy fall jacket with their selection of Eleanor dog jackets, an eco-friendly Toronto brand that makes hand-crafted puppy jackets out of recycled materials and repurposed production scraps, mostly wool. Wooftown also carries a selection of dog beds made from recycled water bottles by the brand P.L.A.Y. and an assortment of toys from trendy eco-conscious brands like Harry Barker and Jax & Bones. Fuel up your pup with a wide range of organic dog treats from Canadian brands like Flying Hound, Blue Dane dog treats, and Chew Chew treats. If that’s not enough, you can pick up their biodegradable “Poop Bags” on your way out.
Olivia Bednar
The Dog Bowl
Address: 984 Dundas West
Target customer: The fun lover
Conveniently located by the Trinity Bellwoods dog bowl – the name being a not-so-subtle nod – this Dundas West spot sources all its dog food from Canada and the U.S. A lot comes from Ontario farms, is premium grade and ranges anywhere between $15 and $80. They also have a great selection of eco-friendly toys and the employees are highly knowledgeable on where the food is sourced and might joke that their pups eat better than they do.
Courtesy of The Dog Market
The Dog Market
Address: 2116 Queen East
Target customer: The recycling junkie
This NOW Reader’s Choice Winner for Best Pet Store stocks a wide range of eco-friendly toys and treats. The toys are among their most popular items, especially the brand West Paw, which creates toys out of a plastic blend they’ve called Zogoflex, which they recycle to make new continuously make new toys out of old materials. They also carry many food products that are all sourced from Canada, including brands like Acana/Orijen and Now!/Go.
Courtesy of The Bone House
The Bone House
Address: 946 Queen East
Target customer: The health nut
This Leslieville spot carries strictly human-grade dog food and treats, mainly sourced within North America to reduce their carbon footprint. Keep your pup healthy and glowing inside and out with all-natural and holistic supplements for dogs such as probiotics, bone broth and herbal remedies from lines like Adored Beast apothecary and Olie Naturals. The Bone House has a wide range of handpicked eco-friendly toys, gear, collars and leashes that are ethically made with recycled materials.
thebonehouse.ca
Olivia Bednar
Helmutt’s Pet Supply
Address: 865 Queen West
Target customer: The organic owner
Helmutt’s is the ultimate stop for all your puppy’s organic health food needs. They have a wide selection of raw and locally sourced foods. A popular brand of food they stock is the Canadian family-run Open Farm, which contains all ethically sourced ingredients from their family farm. Their products include treats, dry and wet food, which range from $12 to $60 a bag. If your dog is on a raw food diet, Helmutt’s has a wide range foods to serve their needs.
Olivia Bednar
Timmie Doggie Outfitters
Address: 867 Queen West, 1178 Queen East
Target customer: The fashion-forward owner
If you can’t find what you’re looking for at Helmutt’s, pop over next door to Timmie Doggie Outfitters, for eco treats as well as cute doggie outfits. Many of their products are made from hemp, including the popular Beco Pets brand toys that are eco-friendly and are surprisingly affordable, as well, running from about $5-10 a piece. They also help in strengthening and cleaning your dog’s teeth. In addition to the trendy hemp craze, you can purchase treats and supplements here from the popular line True Hemp. Timmie’s also stocks adorable outfits.
Olivia Bednar
Dogfather & Co.
Address: 1007 Yonge, 179 Avenue
Target customer: The puppy spoiler
This quirky shop is the place to spoil your dog. They specialize in totally raw natural treats with brands like Stella & Chewy, Totally Raw, and Pill Buddy Naturals. They also carry premium organic birthday cakes by Dream Cakery – yes, dog birthday cakes. They also stock the most ridiculous pet onesies and Donald Trump-themed chew toys. Check out one of their two posh locations, one in Rosedale and one in Yorkville.
In addition to these physical shops, there are also many independent Etsy shops online which stock many eco-friendly dog toys that are equally as important to support.
cultureintern@nowtoronto.com | @OliviaaBednar
