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Real Estate Talk:
Dog-friendly neighbourhoods

Finding the best homes and locations for you and Fido

By Joseph Marovitch

Previously published on August 18, 2021
Updated July 27, 2022

I have a dog and live in a neighbourhood where almost everyone has one. Our dog, Elvis, is a handsome 87-pound Boxer with an amazing brindle coat. For dog owners, a dog is as much a part of the family as children. As well, having a dog means residents are part of the dog owner community, which is special since dog owners are so friendly and sociable. Since so many of us have dogs, it must be a consideration when searching for a property.

We had our dog before the pandemic, however, with the pandemic, dog owners increased significantly as we were all stuck in our homes for most of the year. Being required to remain home was especially difficult for those living alone.

As a note, there are NO innately aggressive dogs. Dog owners can create aggressive dogs but any dog from a warm and caring family, and trained properly, will be a loving and faithful dog who will risk their life for their family, you the dog owner. Other benefits of having a dog in the family are they are known to alleviate depression and reduce blood pressure. The advantages far outweigh the responsibility for those capable of caring for a dog.

When searching for a home, there are certain criteria required that may already be on the property or can be created. Some criteria are a fenced-in backyard, a doggy door, and a hose in the backyard to clean the dog off.

Some dog rules are universal, and some are specific to the municipality. In Westmount, there are several beautiful dog parks, such as in Murray Park and Westmount Park, which require that dogs have a Westmount permit. In NDG, dog parks require dogs to have a Montreal permit, which is accepted all over the city. In Ville Marie, there are many great dog parks such as Percy Walter Park on McGregor at Dr. Penfield, and Parc Lafontaine. These locations offer dog water fountains and dog cans for poop. Most municipalities have dog parks within minutes of all residential areas.

A universal rule on the island of Montreal is that dog owners must pick up the dog poop in poop bags. There are fines for allowing a dog to poop on a lawn or in a park and not pick it up. It is also rude and un-neighbourly.

When searching for a home, there are certain criteria required that may already be on the property or can be created. Some criteria are a fenced-in backyard, a doggy door, and a hose in the backyard to clean the dog off.

Most residential areas have a village where all the stores and restaurants are. Therefore, buyers will want to know exactly how far away the veterinarian is, the pet store and the groomer. Where is the nearest doggy daycare in case the owner wants to go on vacation?

All dog owners must obtain a permit for their dogs and it must remain on the dog’s collar for instant access should the police request verification. In Montreal, dog permits cost about $30 per year and can be obtained online. The fine for a dog owner whose dog does not have a permit can cost around $600. A dog left tied up outside a store for more than five minutes can result in a fine of $350 in Montreal.

‘… buyers will want to know exactly how far away the veterinarian is, the pet store and the groomer. Where is the nearest doggy daycare in case the owner wants to go on vacation?’

One last note on where to acquire a dog. I will always recommend purchasing a rescue dog from the local SPCA. We found Elvis at the SPCA in St-Agathe. Both my family and Elvis are grateful for finding each other. As well, a rescue dog will usually already have all their vaccinations and medical records and comes with a microchip which allows the dog owner to easily find the dog should it disappear. Another advantage of acquiring a rescue dog is the dog permit is usually free for the first year.

For further information on purchasing or selling a property with a dog, leave your comments below or feel free to contact me.

Should you have questions or comments, please refer to the comments section at the bottom of the page. As well, to view past articles, click here.

Next article: Kick-starting the real estate market in September


State of the market

The real estate market is taking a beating as the Fed combats high inflation by rapidly raising interest rates. Many sellers are realizing the seller’s market is diminishing quickly and are removing their homes from the market if they cannot obtain as high a price as they would have received months ago when the seller’s market was super hot.

‘In the next few months, we may see more homes on the market, a reduced inflation rate, and hopefully a reduction in interest rates if the Fed succeeds.’

At the same time, more and more buyers are opting to rent due to high interest rates and carrying costs of a home due to inflation at 8.1% and rising. The best bet for buyers and sellers is to wait out the summer. In the next few months, we may see more homes on the market, a reduced inflation rate, and hopefully a reduction in interest rates if the Fed succeeds. If these issues come to fruition, buyers will have more options, sellers will have an audience of buyers, and the real estate market will be much healthier.

Have a great week!


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Feature image: Elvis the Boxer, courtesy of Joseph Marovitch
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Other articles by Joseph Marovitch


Joseph Marovitch - WestmountMag.ca

Joseph Marovitch has worked in the service industry for over 30 years. His first career was working with families from Westmount and surrounding areas, hosting children between the ages of 6 to 16 as the owner and director of Camp Maromac, a sports and arts sleep away summer camp established in 1968. Using the same strengths caring for the families, such as reliability, integrity, honesty and a deep sense of protecting the interests of those he is responsible for, Joseph applies this to his present real estate broker career. Should you have questions please feel free to contact Joseph Marovitch at 514 825-8771, or josephmarovitch@gmail.com


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  1. Linda Hammerschmid

    The comfort dogs bring to us humans is boundless and yet another reason I babysit dogs from
    around my area. Lots of love every day!
    Landlords who forbid dogs
    A) should have to take a class in dogs &
    B) be charged more tax for refusing to accept families with furry children !!!

    Of course, dog owners need to be considerate of other tenants and responsible or they should be charged more as well. As for tenants who abhor dog neighbours, maybe they need a class
    too – before banning dogs in apartments ban smokers as they are definitely lethal to everyone.


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