Best Pet-Friendly Shops, Restaurants, and Cafés in Montréal

Montréal Is Increasingly Dog-Welcoming

Montréal's culture has shifted noticeably in recent years. More restaurants offer terrasses that welcome dogs, more shops invite four-legged visitors inside, and the city's love for its canine residents is on full display.

Whether you are looking for a brunch spot, a place to shop with your dog by your side, or a café where you can relax together on a rainy afternoon, this guide has you covered.

Note: Policies can change. Always call ahead or check online before your visit to confirm current pet policies, especially during winter when terrasses close.

Pet-Friendly Cafés

Café Moustache — Le Plateau

A neighbourhood staple known for welcoming dogs on its cozy terrasse. Great coffee, homemade pastries, and a chill atmosphere where dogs blend right in.

• Vibe: Relaxed, artistic, quintessentially Plateau
• Dog policy: Dogs welcome on the outdoor terrasse
• Best for: Morning coffee with your dog on a slow weekend

Tommy Café — Multiple Locations

Tommy has several locations across the city, and most offer terrasse seating where dogs are welcome. The coffee is consistently excellent.

• Vibe: Modern, bright, great for working
• Dog policy: Terrasse only at most locations
• Best for: Laptop-and-latte outings with your pup beside you

Pikolo Espresso Bar — Downtown

A tiny gem near Peel metro with sidewalk seating where dogs are a common sight during warmer months.

• Vibe: Intimate, espresso-focused
• Dog policy: Sidewalk seating welcomes leashed dogs
• Best for: Quick espresso stops while exploring downtown

Humble Lion — NDG

A Notre-Dame-de-Grâce favourite with a welcoming terrasse and a community feel. Dog owners are regulars here.

• Vibe: Cozy neighbourhood café
• Dog policy: Dogs welcome on the terrasse
• Best for: Weekend brunch with your furry companion

Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Terrasse Culture

Quebec's terrasse culture is one of the most dog-friendly dining experiences in Canada. From June through September, outdoor dining spaces appear across the city, and most welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs. Bring a water bowl, avoid peak hours if your dog is anxious, and clean up any mess immediately.

Popular spots with dog-friendly terrasses include Chez Claudette (Le Plateau, famous poutine), Loïc (Saint-Henri, brunch and seasonal dishes), and Le Réservoir (Le Plateau, craft beer and pub food).

Pet-Friendly Shops

Many hardware stores across Montréal allow leashed dogs inside, including most Home Depot, Rona, and some Canadian Tire locations. Always check for posted pet policies at the entrance.

For pet-specific shopping, Mondou (Quebec's largest pet store chain), Global Pet Foods (specializing in natural food), and Ren's Pets (West Island and South Shore) all welcome dogs and offer knowledgeable staff.

Neighbourhood Walking Guides

Combine shopping and dining with a dog-friendly neighbourhood stroll.

The Plateau — Avenue Mont-Royal and Rue Saint-Denis

The Plateau is arguably Montréal's most dog-friendly neighbourhood. Many shops along Mont-Royal and Saint-Denis have water bowls outside their doors. You will find dog-friendly terrasses on nearly every block in summer.

Route suggestion: Start at Parc Lafontaine, walk west along Rachel, turn north on Saint-Denis, and end at Avenue Mont-Royal for a terrasse lunch.

Mile End — Boulevard Saint-Laurent and Avenue Fairmount

Mile End is trendy, creative, and welcoming to dogs. Numerous cafés and shops along Saint-Laurent and Fairmount welcome leashed pups.

Route suggestion: Walk through Parc Jeanne-Mance, head north on Saint-Laurent, and loop back along Fairmount.

Vieux-Montréal — Old Port

The cobblestone streets and waterfront promenades of Old Montréal make for a scenic dog walk, especially in spring and autumn.

Route suggestion: Start at Place Jacques-Cartier, walk along the Quai de l'Horloge, and enjoy the waterfront. Several terrasses along Rue Saint-Paul welcome dogs.

Verdun and Wellington Street

Verdun has exploded with new restaurants and boutiques in recent years. Wellington Street is increasingly dog-friendly, with several shops and cafés welcoming pets.

Route suggestion: Walk along the Lachine Canal path from Atwater Market to Verdun, then explore Wellington.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (Peak Dog-Friendly Season)

• Terrasses are open from late May through September
• Water your dog frequently — carry a portable bowl
• Avoid hot pavement during midday heat
• Many festivals and markets welcome leashed dogs

Winter and Year-Round Options

Most terrasses close by October, but dog-friendly shops remain open year-round. Some cafés offer enclosed vestibules or heated terrasses. Covered markets like Marché Jean-Talon sometimes allow leashed dogs in outdoor sections. Dog-friendly businesses often post updates on social media.

Planning Your Dog-Friendly Day Out

A great day out with your dog in Montréal might include morning off-leash time at a park, coffee at a dog-friendly café, browsing a pet boutique, walking through a scenic neighbourhood, and dinner on a terrasse.

With a little planning, you and your dog can enjoy Montréal together in ways that strengthen your bond. Alqo celebrates the relationship between dogs and their owners — and a city that embraces that relationship too. Montréal's dog-friendly scene continues to expand, so keep exploring and do not be afraid to ask — many businesses that do not advertise a pet policy are happy to accommodate well-behaved dogs.