The essential A‑to‑Z guide for dog travel in Montréal

Arriving in Montréal with a Dog

From Montréal‑Trudeau Airport (YUL) to downtown

Getting into the city

• Taxis: Standard Montréal taxis generally accept dogs, but it is courteous to ask at the taxi stand or when calling a dispatcher. Many drivers will happily take a leashed dog on a blanket or in a soft carrier; offering to protect the seats goes a long way.​
• Rideshare (Uber Pet and Lyft): Only drivers who enable options like Uber Pet are obliged to accept animals, and an extra fee may apply. For standard rides, drivers can decline pets other than service animals, so messaging in the app to confirm that a dog is welcome is recommended.​​
• Car rental: Most rental companies either require pets to remain in carriers or reserve the right to charge cleaning fees if hair or damage is left behind. Some locations restrict pets entirely, so travellers should review the pet policy on the rental company’s website before booking and note any cleaning clauses in the contract.​
• The STM 747 shuttle bus in Montréal allows dogs to travel, but with strict conditions: dogs must wear a muzzle, be kept on a short leash (maximum 1.25 metres), and only one dog is permitted per person. Dogs are not allowed on seats and must remain on the floor, except for trained service animals. Travellers must also validate an appropriate fare for their pet.

Customs and documentation

Instead of memorising regulations, travellers should always check official pages shortly before their trip.

• For Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) provides up‑to‑date rules on bringing pets into the country, including vaccination expectations and documentation.​
• As a practical rule of thumb, carry your dog’s vaccination records (including rabies) in both digital and printed form, stored with your passport for easy access at check‑in and inspection.​

Travellers should also consult their airline’s own pet‑travel page for cabin vs. cargo rules and carrier dimensions, as these vary by carrier.​ 

Where to stay: dog‑friendly accommodations

Montréal offers a growing range of pet‑friendly hotels, from design‑forward boutiques to major chains, alongside apartment‑style rentals suited to longer stays.​​

Dog‑friendly hotels to consider

• Central hotels such as Le Germain Hotel Montréal, W Montréal, and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth welcome dogs and are well located for walking to Mount Royal, the downtown core, or the Old Port.​
• Many properties charge a nightly pet fee and limit the number or size of dogs per room, so guests should always confirm the exact policy, fee, and permitted number of animals before booking.​

Questions to ask when booking

• What are the nightly pet fees or one‑time cleaning charges?
• What pet amenities (beds, bowls, treats) are included, and what extra services can be arranged?
• Are there weight, size, or breed restrictions?
• May dogs be left unattended in the room, and if so, only when crated?
• Is there a designated pet relief area on‑site, or a nearby park or green space within a five‑minute walk?
• Can the hotel help guests pre‑book dog‑walking, pet‑sitting, or other services for times when they will be out?

Short‑term rentals

• Apartment and home rentals can be excellent with dogs, but rules are often buried in house guidelines. Guests should always confirm:
• whether dogs are allowed at all,
• any deposits or extra cleaning fees, and
• whether dogs may use shared outdoor areas such as courtyards or rooftop terraces.​

Eating out: dining, cafés, and patios

Understanding Québec's restaurant rules

Indoor vs. outdoor access

• Québec’s health regulations generally prohibit dogs inside restaurant dining rooms, with exceptions for service animals.​
• Dogs are often allowed on outdoor patios (terrasses) at the owner’s discretion, provided they are leashed, under control, and kept away from food‑preparation and service areas.​​

In practice, most dog‑accompanied meals in Montréal take place on patios, sidewalk terraces, or at casual counters with outdoor seating.​

How to handle patios with a dog

• When approaching a restaurant or café, ask the host whether the terrasse is dog‑friendly before being seated; rules can differ from one patio to the next on the same street.​
• Calling ahead on busy evenings or during festivals helps clarify whether dogs are allowed at the time you plan to eat and where your dog should lie so as not to disrupt staff or other guests, including those with allergies or fear of dogs.​ 

Examples and markets stops

Dog‑accommodating cafés and breweries

• A few cafés, specialty shops and breweries welcome dogs in certain areas. Examples include Café Maison Pawz (Griffintown), Bulla Café (Plateau Mont‑Royal), and Microbrasserie 4 Origines (Pointe‑Saint‑Charles), which offers leashed dogs access to both taproom and patio, plus water bowls around the space.
• Even in these pet‑forward venues, dogs should remain on leash, away from service counters, and ideally settled on a mat or blanket.​

Public markets

Atwater Market and Jean‑Talon Market are Montréal must‑visits for fresh produce, pastries and local vibe, but Montréal’s public market authority states that, due to provincial agriculture and food‑safety regulations, pets are prohibited even in open‑air sections. (service animals excepted).​

Workaround: Stroll the nearby sidewalks or Lachine Canal path (right by Atwater), then take turns going inside, one person grabs cheeses and bread while the other waits with the dog. Both markets have nearby benches and shade trees where dogs can relax on leash. 

For current policies:

• Marchés publics de Montréal FAQ

What to do: parks, attractions, and dog-centric fun

Dog-friendly outdoor spaces

Montréal’s greatest strengths for dog travel are its parks, linear paths, and neighbourhood greens.​

• Mount Royal Park: Forested trails, lakeside paths, and lookout views make this a favourite morning walk for locals and visitors; dogs are welcome on leash.​
• Lachine Canal National Historic Site: The canal path runs for several kilometres along the water and is ideal for leisurely on‑leash walks or runs, often combined with a stop at nearby Atwater Market’s outdoor area.​​
• Other key green spaces: Parc-Nature du Bois‑de‑Liesse and Parc Jarry offer extensive dog‑friendly walking, and Parc Jarry includes a popular fenced off‑leash area; Parc Jean‑Drapeau on Saint‑Helen’s Island provides quieter waterfront trails and views.​​

Where dogs are not allowed

• Dogs are generally not permitted inside Montréal’s major museums (such as the Montréal Museum of Fine Arts, the Biodôme, or the Biosphere), historic churches, and many indoor tourist attractions, except for service animals.​

Dog-centred activities and events

• Join seasonal fun like the Pawlloween Pawrade where hundreds of costumed pups parade through the street each autumn.​​
• Breed meet‑ups draw crowds too: Shibas gather at the Yatai festival, while corgis strut during the street fair on boulevard Saint‑Laurent at Corgi Pawty. Track dates via social media or local dog groups.​
• Capture memories with Le Saint Motel’s creative indoor or outdoor location shoots around the city.

Pet-focused expo

• The Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie (SNAC) is Montréal’s largest annual pet‑focused expo, featuring dogs, cats, exotic animals, agility demonstrations, and educational talks. Visitors should note that personal pets are generally not allowed inside, even though animals feature in the event.​

Getting around: public transit, rideshares, and walkable routes

STM métro and buses

Métro rules for dogs

• Under a pilot project, leashed dogs are allowed on the STM métro during specific off‑peak hours: on weekdays from opening until 7:00, from 9:30 to 15:30, and after 18:00, and at all times on weekends and holidays.​
• All dogs must wear a muzzle from the moment they enter the station until they leave; only one dog per person is permitted, and dogs must stay off seats and away from escalators and busy access points.​

Buses

• On STM buses, animals are allowed only if they remain inside a closed carrier, which makes buses more practical for small dogs comfortable in bags or crates.​
• Montréal has approved a pilot project to allow leashed, muzzled dogs on buses outside peak hours, so visitors should always verify the current status on the STM website before travel.​

For current policies:

• STM – Travelling with animals 

REM (Réseau express métropolitain)

• Guide and service dogs are permitted on the REM, and other animals must travel in appropriate carriers. Access rules for leashed dogs are evolving through pilot projects, with conditions that may differ from the métro.​
• For now, many visitors find the métro more flexible than the REM for medium and large dogs, and should check REM’s “Travel with animals” FAQ for the latest details.​

For current policies:

• REM – Travel with animals 

Taxis, rideshares, and walking

• Taxis and rideshares: Traditional taxis are often the simplest option with larger dogs; travellers should confirm acceptance before loading and offer a towel or blanket for the seat. In the Uber app, only Uber Pet guarantees access for dogs, while standard rides on all rideshare options depend on the driver’s discretion; messaging the driver ahead of time is key.​​
• Neighbourhood walking: Central neighbourhoods such as Plateau‑Mont‑Royal, Mile End, and areas around Mount Royal and the Lachine Canal are extremely walkable, making it realistic to combine walking with occasional métro use for most outings.​

Shopping and urban exploration

Dog-friendly shopping centres

• Royalmount: The Royalmount retail and entertainment complex allows leashed dogs in its common areas, providing a climate‑controlled option in poor weather. Individual stores may set their own rules, so visitors should always confirm at the door.​​

Malls that generally do not allow pets

• Large downtown centres such as Complexe Desjardins typically restrict access to service animals only, and most enclosed malls follow similar policies, so visitors should assume no pets unless a specific complex explicitly states otherwise.​

Chains, standalone stores, and etiquette

• Several big‑box and chain retailers (for example, some locations of Winners, HomeSense, Marshalls and Rona) plus many independent pet boutiques are dog‑friendly when dogs are leashed and well behaved, but policies vary by location and can change.​
• Best practice is to check door signage and ask staff before entering, especially in busy urban stores. Keeping dogs on short, non‑retractable leashes, wiping paws at entrances in winter, and being ready to step outside if a space feels too crowded helps maintain goodwill.​

Montréal dog travel resources and links

Planning ahead makes traveling to Montréal with your dog seamless. Bookmark the resources below before departure so you have regulations, logistics, and local support at your fingertips.

Entry requirements and airline policies

• CFIA – Travelling with a pet
  Canadian entry requirements, documentation, and health rules
• CFIA – Importing pets
  Detailed import conditions by species and country of origin
• Airline pet travel pages
  Always verify your carrier’s pet policies directly (cabin vs. cargo, carrier dimensions, booking steps):
  • Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet
• Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL) – travelling with a pet
  Pet-relief areas and terminal rules

Getting around the city

• STM – travelling with animals
  Dog access rules, métro time windows, leash and muzzle requirements
• REM – travel with animals
  Conditions and pilot-project updates

Where to stay

List of dog-friendly hotels in central Montréal

• Luxury
  Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth | Four Seasons Hotel Montréal | Hotel Le St-Sulpice | Hotel Mount Stephen | Hôtel Le Germain Montréal | Sofitel Montréal Golden Mile | The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal | W Montréal
• Mid-Range
  Hotel Gault | Hotel St-Paul | Hyatt Centric Montréal | Hyatt Place Montréal – Downtown | InterContinental Montréal | Omni Mont-Royal | Renaissance Montréal Downtown Hotel | Sheraton Centre Montréal | The Westin Montréal
• Boutique / Value
  Embassy Suites by Hilton Montréal | Hampton Inn by Hilton Montréal | Hôtel Monville | Le Square Phillips Hôtel & Suites | SENS HØTEL | Vogue Hotel Montréal

Veterinary and emergency care

• Centre Vétérinaire DMV (24/7 Emergency)
• Centre Vétérinaire Montréal (Emergency Services)

Markets, events and shopping

• Marchés Publics de Montréal – FAQ (Pet Policy)
  Atwater, Jean-Talon, and other public markets
• Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie (SNAC)
• Royalmount – rules and regulations
  Confirmation of dog access in common areas

With clear rules, trusted local providers, and these vetted links saved in advance, you can experience Montréal with your dog confidently and explore the city like an informed temporary local.

Pawsome Concierge as your in‑room partner

• Many hotels prefer that dogs are not left completely alone in rooms, and some explicitly prohibit unattended pets; an in‑room pet‑care partner solves this challenge for visitors who want to enjoy Montréal’s restaurants, museums, and festivals.​
• Pawsome Concierge can provide hotel‑room visits, evening sitting, and dog walks directly from the property, so travellers can book non‑dog‑friendly activities while their dog enjoys one‑on‑one care. Pre‑booking before arrival is strongly recommended, especially in peak seasons. 

Special collaboration with Pawsome Concierge