🐾 First Dog Adoption in Montreal?

Wilscarly Naudé
Jun 8
3 min read

7 Real-Life Steps for a Smooth Start

Bringing home a dog in Montreal? First off: Congrats! 🎉 Whether you're adopting from the SPCA, Animatch, or a smaller rescue group, welcoming a pup is a beautiful step. But let’s be real—Montreal living adds some extra layers to the process. Apartment rules, leash laws, snowbanks, and city sounds? Yeah, it’s not just about belly rubs and fetch.

Here's your realistic, down-to-earth guide to make sure both you and your new best friend settle in just right.

🧐 1. Pick the Right Pup for Your Life

Not every dog fits every lifestyle—and in Montreal, the right fit really matters.

🐶 Got a tiny Plateau apartment? Maybe skip the Great Dane.🏃‍♀️ Super active and always out in the parks? A high-energy pup could be perfect.💇‍♀️ Not into grooming every week? Skip the floofy breeds.

📍 Montreal Tip: Many rentals here have pet restrictions—so double check your lease before you fall in love with a dog you might not be allowed to keep. Seriously. Save yourself the heartbreak.

🏠 2. Get Your Home Pup-Ready

Your apartment’s about to have a four-legged roommate—make sure it’s safe and comfy for them!

🧼 Hide the chewable stuff (chargers, shoes, that vintage book collection...)🛏️ Make a cozy spot with a bed or crate where they can chill🦴 Grab the basics: leash, food, bowls, collar with ID tag (a must in Montreal), and a couple of toys

💡 Local Hack: Hit up small pet stores in your area—staff can often give better personalized advice than the big chains, especially for city dogs.

📜 3. Know the Local Rules (So You Don’t Get Fined!)

Montreal loves dogs—but it’s got rules. And fines. Know these to stay stress-free:

✅ License your dog with your borough—it’s mandatory

✅ Keep them leashed in public (max 1.85 m leash)

✅ Scoop the poop—always⚠️ Certain breeds have extra rules—muzzles, harnesses, etc.

🌐 Montreal Tip: Check your borough’s website for dog-specific bylaws—they do vary depending on where you live!

🩺 4. Book That Vet Visit ASAP

Health first! 🩺 Within the first few days, get your new furry friend checked out.

✅ First vet visit: check-up, vaccines, ID tag, any concerns

✅ Discuss neutering/spaying if not done already

✅ Get advice on flea/tick prevention and seasonal needs

💰 Money Tip: Vet bills add up quickly here. Look into pet insurance if you can, and keep a list of emergency vet clinics nearby (some are open 24/7).

🕒 5. Create a Routine—and Start Training Early

Dogs thrive on routine—and it makes your life easier too.

🍽️ Feed them at the same times each day

🚶‍♂️ Walk them regularly (hello, green spaces!)

🧠 Teach simple commands early on: sit, stay, come

🐕 Explore local dog parks to help with socialization

📍 Training Tip: Check out group classes or private trainers in the city. Some even specialize in rescue dogs or apartment living!

🌆 6. Ease Them into City Life

Montreal can be a lot for a dog who’s used to quiet. Take it slow.

🚧 Loud noises, sirens, crowds—go for short exposure sessions

🐾 Try different surfaces: snow, cobblestone, subway grates

🚫 Dogs can’t ride the STM unless they’re in a carrier or are service animals, so plan walks or car rides accordingly

🧘‍♀️ Patience tip: Some dogs need more time to adjust—just like people. Go at their pace and reward bravery.

❤️ 7. Lean on the Local Dog Community

This journey will have hiccups—but also major heart-melty moments.

🤝 Chat with other dog parents at the park

📱 Join Montreal dog groups on Facebook or Reddit

🔧 Reach out to the shelter or trainer if things feel tough

💌 Final Reminder: You don’t have to do this perfectly—you just have to do it with love and patience. And hey, your dog doesn’t care if your French isn’t fluent or if you forgot the poop bag once. They’re just happy to be yours.