Which Markham homes and neighbourhoods work best for pet owners?For pet owners, the best Markham home usually has a fenced yard or quick access to trails and off-leash parks. Markham has permanent off-leash parks in Boxgrove, Cornell, Huntington Park and Miller Avenue, plus seasonal pop-up parks in each ward. Rear and side yard fences can be up to 1.8 m. The City allows up to four mature pets per household, and dogs and cats must be licensed. Condo buyers should read the declaration and rules, since condo pet restrictions bind both owners and tenants.
For many households, the dog or cat is part of the house-hunting team. A good yard, a nearby trail and a pet-friendly building can make daily life much easier.
Michael John Lau, a REALTOR® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, one of the most active real estate teams in Markham and York Region, helps pet owners check the details that matter, from fence heights to condo rules, before they buy.
Off-leash parks by area
| Off-leash park | Nearby neighbourhoods |
|---|---|
| Boxgrove, 6780 14th Avenue | Box Grove, Cornell, Wismer |
| Cornell Community, 300 William Forster Road | Cornell, Box Grove |
| Huntington Park, 116 Huntington Park Drive | Thornhill, Bayview Glen area |
| Miller Avenue, 560 Miller Avenue | Commerce Valley, Langstaff area |
Seasonal pop-up off-leash areas run in each ward, including Cricklewood, Victoria Square, Monarch, Mintleaf, Blodwen Davies, Berczy Park South, Aaniin Community Centre Park and Ada Mackenzie. For trails and patios, see the dog owner’s guide to Markham.
What to look for in a house
- Fenced yard: Markham’s fence by-law allows up to 1.8 m in rear and side yards and 1.2 m in front yards; on corner lots, the exterior side yard is limited to 1.2 m.
- Gate and fence condition: gaps, rot and gate latches.
- Flooring: durable, scratch-resistant floors.
- Mudroom or side entrance: for muddy paws.
- Pools: pools deeper than 0.6 m need a 1.2 m enclosure fence, which also keeps pets safe.
- Nearby trails: ravines and parks within a short walk.
Neighbourhood fit
| Area type | For pet owners |
|---|---|
| Established areas such as Unionville, Markham Village and Thornhill | Larger yards, mature trails and ravines |
| Cornell and Box Grove | Off-leash parks nearby, Rouge trails, smaller yards |
| Newer communities such as Wismer and Berczy | Parks and trails, smaller lots, laneway homes |
| Downtown Markham condos | Walkable, with parks nearby; check building rules |
House hunting with a pet?
Michael John Lau can help you find homes with the yard, trails and building rules that suit your pet.
Book a buyer consultationSearch Markham homesPrefer to talk? Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885.
Pet-friendly condos
Condo declarations and rules can restrict pets, and those restrictions apply to owners and tenants. Courts have found that some total bans may be unreasonable in certain cases, and the Human Rights Code can require accommodation for disability-related animals, but the safest approach is to check before you buy. Your lawyer should review:
- Limits on the number, size or type of pets
- Rules on elevators, lobbies and common areas
- Pet relief areas and nearby green space
For renters, Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act makes “no pet” clauses in leases void, except where a condo declaration prohibits pets.
Markham’s pet rules
- Licensing: dogs and cats must be licensed within 30 days, even if microchipped. The City lists $34.50 for a dog and $23.50 for a cat, expiring December 31. New residents can transfer a licence from their old municipality free within 30 days of moving.
- Pet limit: up to four mature pets per household, as two dogs and two cats, one dog and three cats, or four cats.
- Leash: a maximum 2 m leash off your property, and stoop and scoop applies.
- Animal Care Services: 905-415-7531.
Pets and selling your home
When it is time to sell, pets need a plan too. Arrange for them to be out of the home during showings, repair any scratched floors or doors, deep-clean carpets and fabric, and remove litter boxes and food bowls before photos. Buyers with allergies notice pet odours quickly, so fresh air and a professional clean help. A well-kept yard with a sound fence can be a selling point for other pet owners.
Before you buy
- Walk the yard and fence line, including gates.
- Find the nearest off-leash park and trail.
- Locate nearby veterinary clinics and emergency vet services.
- For condos, read the declaration and rules on pets.
- Check the street for traffic speed and sidewalks.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. The goal is to make sure you have all the information before you buy.
The right home works for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones. Call the Kaizen Real Estate Team at (647) 370-8885 or book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the off-leash dog parks in Markham?
Permanent parks are at Boxgrove, Cornell Community, Huntington Park and Miller Avenue, plus seasonal pop-up parks in each ward.
How many pets can I have in Markham?
Up to four mature pets per household, as two dogs and two cats, one dog and three cats, or four cats.
Do I need to license my cat in Markham?
Yes. Dogs and cats must be licensed within 30 days, even if microchipped.
How high can my backyard fence be in Markham?
Up to 1.8 m in rear and side yards and 1.2 m in front yards.
Can a Markham condo ban pets?
Condo declarations and rules can restrict pets, and they apply to owners and tenants. Check before you buy.
Can a landlord refuse pets in Ontario?
'No pet' clauses in leases are void under the Residential Tenancies Act, except where a condo declaration prohibits pets.
Michael John Lau and Neeraj Moolchandani are licensed REALTORS® with the Kaizen Real Estate Team, eXp Realty, Brokerage, 9763 Markham Rd, Markham, ON L6E 1A4. Licence #4784577. Call (647) 370-8885. Off-leash parks, licensing, pet limits and fence rules are from the City of Markham (fee year not stated on the licence page; confirm current fees). Rental pet rules are as summarized by Animal Justice (August 12, 2024). Condo pet case law is as summarized by NOW Toronto. This article is general information only and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with another brokerage.
