Park9 FAQ

Create an online account through the Park9 client portal, upload proof of vaccinations from a licensed vet, and book a complimentary Meet & Greet Assessment. The assessment lets our team meet you and your dog in person and confirm that our off-leash Playcare and boarding services are the right fit. Once approved, you can book daycare, boarding, grooming or shuttle through your account — usually within one business day of registering.

Dogs must be up to date on Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parvovirus, Bordetella (kennel cough) and Rabies. Guardians are required to provide veterinarian certification, and proof of titers is accepted in lieu of vaccinations. Flea and tick prevention is required from May to November. Please allow a minimum of 72 hours between giving your dog these vaccinations and using our services.

Yes. Dogs and cats 7 months of age or older must be spayed or neutered prior to joining Playcare or boarding. If your dog is over 7 months and not fixed, we offer Private-Style boarding at Park9 Pearson YYZ as an alternative — lodging in a private suite with 3 potty breaks, 2 personal play sessions, feeding and medication administration. Private-Style boarding starts from $110 per night.

Yes. We offer tours during regular business hours at both locations. Because tours are scheduled around play and rest periods to avoid disrupting the dogs, please call ahead to book a time. We also have live 24/7 webcams in every playroom — 4 cameras at Pearson YYZ and 2 at Downtown Toronto — so you can see the spaces after enrollment.

Every new dog starts with a complimentary Meet & Greet Assessment — a meet-and-greet that lets our team confirm whether our Playcare service is the best choice for your dog. Assessments are valid for 60 days. If your dog has not visited within 60 days, we may ask for a reassessment, which carries a $28 charge. Cat boarding and grooming clients can skip straight to booking after registration.

If your dog was adopted or rescued, they must be re-homed for at least six to eight weeks before attending Park9 Playcare or boarding. This gives them time to settle into their new home and reduces stress in a group play environment. Our team will confirm this during the Meet & Greet Assessment.

Playcare is a drop-off and pick-up service where dogs enjoy supervised off-leash group play during the day — 3, 6 or 12 hours. Overnight boarding includes the full Playcare experience plus a private suite for sleeping, evening care, and overnight supervision. Boarding is available only at Park9 Pearson YYZ. Playcare is available at both locations — Downtown Toronto and Pearson YYZ — and at Pearson 365 days a year.

Playcare starts at $36 for up to 3 hours per day. Up to 6 hours is $46, and up to 12 hours is $60. We offer 5, 10 and 15 visit multi-pass packages at discounted daily rates — for example, the 3-hour daily rate drops to $32 on a 5-visit pass, $30 on a 10-visit pass, and $28 on a 15-visit pass. Passes are valid for 60 days. An Elite Unlimited Pass is $850 for unlimited Playcare at both locations for 30 days.

Two to three days a week suits most dogs. Five days can work for high-energy breeds, but watch for signs of burnout — reluctance at drop-off, sore muscles, or irritability at home. Dogs need rest days too. Puppies under six months benefit from shorter days and more nap breaks while their bodies and social skills develop.

Yes. Every Park9 playroom has its own live 24/7 webcam. Pearson YYZ has 4 cameras — the indoor pool, small playground, large playground and south playground. Downtown Toronto has 2 — small and large playground. Log into your online account to access the feeds. If you can't spot your dog, they may be having a meal, enjoying a one-on-one service, or in a spot outside the camera's view — text us at 647-799-3692 and our team will help you find them.

Yes. Dogs are assigned to a playgroup based on size, play style and temperament. Small dogs play with small dogs; large dogs play with large dogs. We often rotate dogs between playgroups and rooms, so your dog may be in a different area on different days. Park9 Downtown Toronto specializes in small dogs, while Pearson YYZ hosts both small and large breed groups.

Generally, no. Group play amplifies stress for reactive dogs and can make anxiety worse. Park9 is a social environment where dogs engage in off-leash group play, and all dogs must be comfortably social with other dogs and humans. If a facility claims they can "fix" reactivity through daycare, that is a warning sign. We offer Private-Style boarding at Pearson YYZ as an alternative for dogs who need their own space.

Playcare space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are appreciated and can be made through your online account. Booking ahead ensures we have the right number of attendants on hand to give your dog the level of supervision and attention they deserve.

Dog boarding is available at Park9 Pearson YYZ, located at 9 Meteor Dr, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1A3 — approximately 5 minutes from Toronto Pearson International Airport. It is the largest facility of its kind in the city, open 365 days a year and staffed 24 hours a day. Boarding is not offered at our Downtown Toronto location; a $25 each-way shuttle connects the two.

Dog boarding starts at $82 per night for a Premiere suite (24 sq ft, ideal for small/medium dogs). Signature suites (36 sq ft) are $92, Executive suites (48 sq ft with private TV and webcam) are $102, and Slumber suites (with a dedicated overnight staffer) are $94. Private-Style boarding for non-social dogs starts at $110. Multi-night discounts apply — 7, 14 and 21-night rates are available. Peak period charges of $15 per day apply to the 2 days leading up to and following any statutory holiday.

All boarding includes indoor and outdoor Playcare, daily pool time in the UV-filtered indoor pool, feedings, medication administration at no extra charge, and overnight supervision. There are no extra charges for Playcare, feedings or medications. TLC services like one-on-one time, private pool time, and individual walks are available as add-ons. The building is staffed 24 hours a day for the safety of the dogs and cats in our care.

Yes, we request that you bring your dog's regular food to avoid digestive issues. Please separate each meal in a zip-top bag clearly marked with your dog's name and any special feeding instructions (e.g. add water). Add an extra food bag in case you are delayed in picking up your pet. You are welcome to bring a favourite toy, but please do not bring valuable or irreplaceable items — Park9 is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items.

Yes. Park9 Pearson YYZ is staffed 24 hours a day. For dogs in our Slumber suite, a dedicated overnight staffer stays with them through the night — your dog can choose a comfy bed or snuggle up to the attendant. For dogs in private suites, staff conduct overnight checks. Webcams provide 24/7 visibility for owners at home.

If your dog becomes ill or injured, our team contacts you immediately and, if needed, your veterinarian or our on-call vet. We require written consent at check-in authorizing emergency medical treatment in your absence. Any dog or cat that has been ill with a communicable condition will require a veterinarian certificate of good health prior to an overnight booking confirmation. We are not equipped to care for acutely sick animals or those requiring medical treatment beyond the dispensing of medication.

For regular weekends and weekdays, 1–2 weeks' notice is usually sufficient. For peak periods — Christmas, March Break, summer travel season, and statutory holidays — we recommend booking 3–6 months in advance. Waiting lists are common throughout all major holidays and we encourage booking early. Peak period charges apply to the 2 days leading up to and following any statutory holiday.

Yes, depending on size and temperament. Signature suites (36 sq ft) are ideal for two small dogs from the same family. We assess each pair during the Meet & Greet Assessment to confirm they are comfortable sharing space. Multiple dog and cat discounts are available — ask when booking.

Yes. Park9 Pearson YYZ offers dedicated cat boarding in a separate, climate-controlled wing with its own HVAC system and individual air supply for each suite. The cat wing features floor-to-ceiling sky lofts, window suites with bird feeder views, a climbing wall of play, and a private litter box for every guest. Cats are housed away from all dog playrooms and suites. Cat boarding is available at Pearson YYZ only.

Cat boarding starts at $62 per night for a Classic loft (80 cubic ft with glass door into the play area). A Classic loft with window is $67, and a Luxury loft (175 cubic ft with full-height windows) is $72. Rates are per night, per cat. A $15 peak season and holiday daily charge applies. Multi-cat discounts are available for cats from the same family.

Cats must be up to date on core vaccinations including FVRCP (feline viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, Panleukopenia) and rabies. Kittens must have proof of 2 doses of FVRCP vaccinations given at least 3–4 weeks apart, with the last dose given no less than 7–10 days prior to boarding. Kittens older than 12 weeks must also have proof of a rabies vaccination. Outdoor cats must be on veterinarian-recognized flea and tick medication to board.

Every cat boarding stay includes a private loft with climbing and resting perches, a separate sky loft, a private litter box, a 15-minute one-on-one cuddle session, feedings, and any medication administration requested. The cat wing is separate from the dog areas and has its own HVAC system to keep things safe, clean and fresh. Additional services are available to customize your cat's stay.

No. The Park9 shuttle service is dogs only. If your cat needs to stay at our Pearson YYZ boarding resort, please arrange transport separately. The shuttle runs between Park9 Downtown Toronto (56 Sherbourne St) and Park9 Pearson YYZ (9 Meteor Dr, Etobicoke) and is available to boarding dogs only.

Park9 offers professional dog grooming at both locations. Two of our most popular bookings are The Ultimate Haircut (from $85) and Just the Massaging Bath (from $45), which includes ear cleaning and fur brushing. À-la-carte add-ons include nail trims ($25, or $18 with a bath), nail grinding ($28), ear cleaning ($15), anal gland expression ($15), blueberry facial ($12 with a bath), deskunking treatment ($25 with a bath), and dematting/deshedding ($30 per half hour). We use natural products and never use cage dryers.

Frequency depends on breed, coat type, and how much brushing you do at home. Long-haired and heavy-shedding breeds should be groomed every 4–6 weeks. Short-haired dogs or those kept in a short trim can go 8–10 weeks. Regular grooming prevents matting, reduces shedding, and keeps skin and coat healthy. Your groomer can recommend a schedule after the first appointment.

Puppies should start grooming after their second set of vaccinations. Their first visit is a puppy intro groom: bath, blow dry, brushing, nail trim, and light trimming. This builds a positive association before a full haircut is needed. Starting early makes future visits easier.

Yes. If your dog is staying for a day of Playcare or a boarding stay at Pearson YYZ, you can add a grooming appointment or a departure bath for a full resort experience. Departure baths are cage-free spa services available for boarding guests — a perfect way to bring home a clean, healthy and happy dog. Ask about adding a bath or groom when you book your dog's stay.

Yes. Our grooming team works at your dog's pace and uses gentle handling techniques. If your dog is sensitive to something specific — clippers, dryers, water — please tell us ahead of time so we can prepare. For dogs with severe anxiety, we may recommend a shorter session or a discussion with your veterinarian about calming options.

Yes. Park9 runs a shuttle for boarding dogs between our Downtown Toronto location (56 Sherbourne St) and our Pearson YYZ boarding resort (9 Meteor Dr, Etobicoke). It is $25 each way and can be requested when you book boarding online. Dogs travel in safety harnesses, on cushioned rubber flooring with mats, and we carry fewer than 7 dogs per trip so every dog has their own space. Please note: the shuttle is dogs only.

First, reserve boarding at Pearson YYZ through your online account or by calling either location. Then add the shuttle to your booking — one-way or round-trip. Drop your dog off at Park9 Downtown Toronto (56 Sherbourne St) at your scheduled pickup time. When boarding ends, we bring your dog back to our Downtown location for you to pick up. The shuttle is driven by Park9 staff, not a third-party courier.

No. The Park9 shuttle service is dogs only. If your cat needs to stay at our Pearson YYZ boarding resort, please arrange transport separately. See our cat boarding page for details.

During peak periods, an additional peak fee of $15 per day applies. For boarding, peak period charges also apply to the 2 days leading up to and following any statutory holiday. Peak periods include Christmas, March Break, summer travel season, and statutory holidays. All prices are before tax. Please ask when booking if you are unsure whether your dates fall within a peak period.

Reservations cancelled with less than 48 hours' notice are subject to a cancellation charge equal to the deposit amount. During the Christmas peak period, the notice window is 7 days. Grooming appointments require a $50 deposit to confirm, and cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice result in a charge equal to the deposit. A 50% deposit is required at the time of boarding reservations. Waiting lists are common throughout all major holidays.

Multi-visit passes are non-refundable but remain valid for the full 60-day period. If you have unused days that you are unable to use within the validity window, please contact us — we may be able to extend the pass or apply a credit to your account in certain circumstances. The Elite Unlimited Pass is $850 for 30 days and is non-refundable.

Yes. We are happy to give medication, but require a Medication Form to be completed each time your dog or cat stays with us. All medication must be in its original container. While Park9 will administer medications as instructed by you, we do not suggest our staff has been specifically trained to treat your dog or cat's medical condition. We do not accept dogs or cats that require medical treatment beyond the dispensing of medication (e.g. drains, bandage changes, suture removal).

If you are running late, please call us so we can make arrangements. For boarding, dogs not picked up by closing time on their scheduled checkout date will be charged for an additional night unless prior arrangements were made. We understand emergencies happen — communication is key.