Often when we talk about real estate in Markham, we talk about family-friendly neighbourhoods, and while that is great, there are people looking to live in Markham who have fur babies instead of human babies (or they have both). When you are looking to buy a home, you want to know that your community is welcoming to your pet. Markham is one of the best spots in Ontario to live if you are a dog and there are a number of reasons why.
Dog off-leash areas
While your dog may love a good, old-fashioned walk down the street on their leash, many love nothing better than to run free and play and socialize with other dogs. Markham has a leash-free dog area in the city, located at the northwest corner of Miller Avenue and Rodick Road, right on Miller. This off-leash area features tons of room for your pup to roam in a large area covered in wood chips. There is a double gate to enter (so loose dogs do not get out), two water stations, supplied poop bags (in case you forget yours), plus benches for you to sit and watch your pet play. The area has plenty of shade so you and/or your pet can relax out of the sun while visiting.
Another benefit to the Markham off-leash area is that it has an agility centre with tunnels, ramps and jumps for your dog to practice their skills or just have fun on. Many other dog off-leash parks in other cities don’t have anything quite like this. Reviewers of this park say it is a great place to let your pet roam and get rid of energy and that it is well-maintained (you can’t expect much less in Markham!). The park is taken care of by a volunteer group in Markham – Leash Free Markham – who are also responsible for assessing applications for new dog parks in Markham.
Ontario SPCA
Stouffville is the home and headquarters of the Ontario SPCA, a group who provides care and shelter for homeless animals. They ensure that animals in the Markham community are well cared-for and help to find homes for homeless animals, as well as provide vet care for those who need it. They also provide training programs and compassion fatigue programs. You can learn, volunteer or just visit the centre at any time.
The Markham Cat Adoption and Education Centre not only houses homeless cats, it provides community educational and therapy programs. There is a reading program that helps kids struggling to read by letting them read to a cat.
Animal Services
There are a number of businesses in Markham that provide various animal services. If you need boarding, grooming or training, you can check out Dog Village. For intensive training services, you may want to check out Canine Campus. There are also a number of great veterinarians in the area.
If you and your pet are looking for a new home in the Markham area, let me know how I can be of service.
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