Is Upper Canada Mall Pet Friendly?

No, Upper Canada Mall is not pet-friendly.

Unless your pet is a certified service animal, you cannot bring dogs, cats, or other pets into the mall. This is the mall’s official policy and applies to all indoor areas.

Now that we’ve answered the big question right off the bat, let’s dive deeper—because there’s more to know, especially if you’re a pet owner in Newmarket looking for dog-friendly options nearby.

🛍️ What Does “Pet-Friendly” Actually Mean?

Let’s take a moment to clarify. When we ask if a place is “pet-friendly,” it can mean a few different things:

• Pets are allowed freely inside.
• Only service animals are allowed (as required by law).
• Pets are allowed only in certain areas, like patios or outdoor walkways.

In Canada, especially in Ontario, malls typically only allow service animals. Regular pets—even small, well-behaved ones—are generally not welcome inside most enclosed shopping centers.

📍 Upper Canada Mall’s Pet Policy

As mentioned above:

Upper Canada Mall does not allow pets.

The only exception is certified service animals that assist people with disabilities.

This policy is consistent throughout the mall, including its food court, shops, and common areas. The security team and customer service will kindly but firmly ask you to leave if you attempt to bring in a non-service pet.

🐕‍🦺 Are Service Animals Allowed?

Yes. According to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), service animals are allowed in Upper Canada Mall.

Here’s what you should know:

• You are not legally required to carry documentation.
  1. However, staff may ask: Is the animal required due to a disability?
  2. What task is the animal trained to perform?

This doesn’t apply to emotional support animals (ESAs) unless they are specifically trained as service animals.

📌 Important: Under Ontario law, emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals unless they perform a trained task directly related to a disability.

💬 What Other Shoppers Are Saying

We scanned reviews and community posts (yes, we went down the Reddit rabbit hole), and here’s the general sentiment:

• Many people report being turned away when they tried bringing in pets.
• Some were surprised, thinking a small dog in a carrier might be fine. (It’s not.)
• Others appreciate the no-pet policy for safety, cleanliness, and allergy reasons.

So, while the rule may not please every pet lover, it’s consistently enforced and widely understood.

🐾 Are There Any Pet-Friendly Features Nearby?

Just because Upper Canada Mall isn’t pet-friendly doesn’t mean your day is ruined. Here are some nearby spots where your four-legged companion is welcome:

• Newmarket Riverwalk Commons – An excellent spot for walks and fresh air, only a short drive away.
• Pet Valu (Yonge Street) – A pet supply store where pets are welcome.
• Relatively pet-friendly patios – During spring and summer, some cafés near the mall allow dogs on outdoor patios (call ahead to confirm).

So, it’s doable if you want to mix errands with quality time for your pup—you have to step outside the mall.

🚗 Tips If You’re Shopping With a Pet Nearby

Bringing your pet along for the ride? Here are some smart tips to make your trip safe and stress-free:

• ❌ Never leave your pet in the car, even for “a few minutes.” Ontario has strict laws against this, which can be dangerous—even on mild days.
• 🔁 Consider tag-team shopping if you’re with someone else: one person shops while the other walks the dog outside.
• 🦴 Keep your dog leashed away from entrance doors to avoid misunderstandings with mall staff.

🛍️ Looking for a More Pet-Friendly Shopping Option?

If you’d rather not deal with pet restrictions, consider visiting these alternative spots:

• Toronto Premium Outlets (Halton Hills) – An outdoor mall where some stores allow dogs inside (policies vary by store).
• Kensington Market (Toronto) – It’s not a mall, but this eclectic neighborhood is dog-friendly.
• Fairview Mall (North York) – Still not pet-friendly, but larger corridors and outdoor cafés make it slightly easier to navigate with a pet waiting outside.

🐶 Final Thoughts: Should You Bring Your Pet to Upper Canada Mall?

Let’s wrap it up:

Upper Canada Mall is not pet-friendly.

Unless you have a trained service animal, it’s best to leave your pet at home—or take them for a nearby walk while someone else shops.

We get it—it’s disappointing. But the good news is plenty of dog-friendly parks, patios, and shops are still nearby. With some planning, you and your pet can enjoy your day out in Newmarket.

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