Dog Friendly Vancouver

This is the place to find all kinds of "dog friendly" hotels, restaurants, stores and attractions in Vancouver, British Columbia. Any information pertaining to dogs in Vancouver will be posted here.

Nature Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet

February 11, 2010 - Nature's Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of their Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet for dogs and cats with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 because these products may be contaminated with Salmonella. The only products affected are limited to chicken medallions, patties, and chubs with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10. No other Nature's Variety products are affected.

The affected products are limited to the Nature's Variety Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diet packaged in the following forms:

3 lb chicken medallions (UPC# 7 69949 60130 2) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10

6 lb chicken patties (UPC# 7 69949 60120 3) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10

2 lb chicken chubs (UPC# 7 69949 60121 0) with a "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10

The "Best If Used By" date is located on the back of the package above the safe handling instructions. The affected product was distributed through retail stores and internet sales in the United States, and in limited distribution in Canada.

If you are a consumer and have purchased one of the affected products, please return the unopened product to your retailer for a full refund or replacement. If your package has been opened, please dispose of the raw food in a safe manner by securing it in a covered trash receptacle. Then, bring your receipt (or the empty package in a sealed bag) to your local retailer for a full refund or replacement.

Nature's Variety became aware of a potential problem after receiving a consumer complaint. Subsequent testing indicated that the lot code related to the consumer complaint tested negative for Salmonella. However, additional subsequent testing found the "Best If Used By" date of 11/10/10 to be contaminated with Salmonella.

No pet or human illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this lot code.

Reed Howlett, Nature's Variety CEO, stated, "Because pet health and safety are our top priority, Nature's Variety takes every step necessary to ensure the quality and safety of our products. In addition to our industry best manufacturing practices, and in an abundance of caution, all Nature's Variety raw frozen products now will undergo a 'test and hold' period before being released for sale."

Salmonella can affect both humans and animals. Even though no illnesses have been reported, consumers should follow the Safe Handling Guidelines published on the Nature's Variety package when disposing of the affected product. People handling raw frozen pet foods may become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not followed the safe handling guidelines set forth by the company.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, or fever. Although rare, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments including arterial infections, endocarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, or urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with the affected product should contact their health care provider.

Pets with Salmonella infections may become lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting. Some pets may experience only a decreased appetite, fever, or abdominal pain. Infected, but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed any of the affected products and is experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.

Consumers with additional questions can call our dedicated Customer Care line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-374-3142

Or, consumers can email Nature's Variety directly by visiting naturesvariety.com

Not Vancouver related but a good dog story

A toddler, lost overnight in the woods, with only a t-shirt to protect her from 30-degree weather, isn’t the kind of story that usually ends well. But it did for three-year-old Victoria. Thanks to her Queensland heeler named Blue.

“We have to give a lot of credit to Blue,” said Kim Rayfield, the girl’s aunt. “He pretty much stayed with her all night.”

Or maybe we should call him Lassie?

Victoria wandered away from her Cordes Lake home and got lost in the nearby mountains. She was off to find the family’s other dog, Rusty, who she mistakenly thought was lost. Not long after, her parents noticed her missing.

Some 15 hours later, she was discovered by searchers in a Department of Public Safety helicopter. They found her lying on the ground, face down. She had been lying amid the brush and rocks, with her feet frostbitten and her body in scratches. Blue was right at her side. The dog had been keeping her alert and warm all night.

At first, Blue seemed apprehensive, protective of Victoria, according to the newspaper. But then she smiled and Blue relaxed.

“I think once the dog realized we were there to help them out, he was very excited,” Department of Public Safety pilot Matthew Uhl said.

Victoria was treated for mild frostbite on her feet and was kept overnight for observation. She is expected to be fine.

Welcome back, Victoria! And great job Blue

Source

Don’t give Halloween candy to dogs. Candy can be harmful to pets and chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats, and ferrets. Candies that have the artificial sweetener xylitol can also be poisonous to dogs–even small amounts can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and lead to depression, lack of coordination and seizures. Symptoms of chocolate ingestion can include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and increased thirst, urination and heart rate, and even seizures.

Avoid putting costumes on pets. Many don’t like costumes, and some can confine or restrict their movements. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume doesn’t impair their movement, hearing, sight or ability to breathe or bark. Also check the costume for any choking hazards. A safer alternative is a simple Halloween bandanna.

Keep dogs inside and away from the front door and trick-or-treaters. With doors constantly opening and closing, pets may escape the safety of their home. Make sure your pet has identification tags should s/he accidentally get loose.

Keep candy wrappers away from dogs. If animals ingest aluminum foil or cellophane it can cause intestinal blockage and induce vomiting.

Keep Halloween decorations away from pets. Dogs and cats can easily knock over a jack-o’-lanterns and start a fire. Curious puppies can get burned by candles. Keep dangling decorations in high places to avoid choking hazards. Wires and cords from holiday decorations also pose a danger to pets. If chewed, a wire can damage your pet’s mouth from shards of glass or plastic or give them a potentially lethal electrical shock.

Use fake cobwebs sparingly on trees and bushes. They can pose a risk to pets and small birds can easily become entangled in the webbing.

Four Paws Rough & Rugged Pimple Ball with Bell

Four Paws is deeply concerned about reports of injuries suffered by some dogs as a result of a manufacturing defect in some of its Pimple Ball with Bell toys. We have stopped shipping the toys to our distributors and asked them to have retailers remove the toys from their shelves immediately and return them at Four Paws expense.

In addition, we have halted shipments of the toys from the manufacturer and we are sending Executive Vice President Barry Askin to personally inspect the manufacturer's facility in order to make sure that the defect has been corrected.

Four Paws is also changing the packaging of its Pimple Balls with Bells to make it easier to inspect them for potential defects and we are individually inspecting every one of the toys in inventory in order to identify any that may be defective.

Consumers who have purchased one of the toys identified by the UPC listed below, should immediately take the toy away from their pet. You may return the Pimple Ball with Bell for replacement to the address listed below. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-835-0909.

Item Number: 20220

Description: Pimple Ball with Bell, 2"

UPC Code: 0 45663 20220 0

Item Number: 20225

Description: Pimple Ball with Bell, 2 1/2"

UPC Code: 0 45663 20225 5

Item Number: 20227

Description: Pimple Ball with Bell, 2 3/4"

UPC Code: 0 45663 20227 9

Item Number: 20325

Description: Teaser Ball with Bell, 2 1/2"

UPC Code: 0 45663 20325 2

Item Number: 20326

Description: Teaser Ball with Bell, 2 3/4"

UPC Code: 0 45663 20326 9

Item Number: 21317

Description: Dumbbell with Bells, 1 3/4"

UPC Code: 0 45663 21317 6

Item Number: 21325

Description: Dumbbell with Bells, 2 ”

UPC Code: 0 45663 21325 1

Item Number: 21708

Description: Dental Dumbell

UPC Code: 0 45663 21708 2

Item Number: 21995

Description: Rough and Rugged Fun Bag (3 pieces)

UPC Code: 0 45663 21995 6

Consumer Returns:

Four Paws Products

Pimple Ball with Bell Return

50 Wireless Blvd.

Hauppauge, NY 11788

Sit Stay Read is a program that helps kids improve their reading skills by getting them to read out loud to dogs. They currently operate only in Chicago but would like to spread out to many other cities.

Go to the website to meet the dogs, donate and shop for a good cause.

Animal Control By-Laws

#9150 Sec. 3.1

Dog Licenses

A person must not keep a dog that is older than three (3) months unless such person has acquired an annual license for the dog, and has paid the annual license fee.

Fees

License Fees:

• Male or female dog $65.00

• Neutered male or spayed female $35.00 (Note: Proof of neutering/spaying is required for first time applications)

Unlicensed Dog Impound Fees

• Unlicensed Dog $150.00 (Plus license fee)

• Unlicensed aggressive dog $350.00 (Plus license fee)

Licensed Dog Impound Fees:

• Regular impound $75.00

• Aggressive dog impound $275.00

Board/Maintenance Fee:

• Regular board (per day) $15.00 + GST

• Aggressive dog board (per day) $20.00 + GST

#9150 Sec. 4.1

Dogs Can Not Run At Large

A person who keeps a dog must not permit, suffer or allow the dog to run at large.

#9150 Sec. 4.2

Dogs Must Be On A Leash

A person who keeps a dog must not permit, suffer or allow the dog to be on any street or other public place unless the dog is under the immediate charge and control of a person by means of a leash that is not more than 2.5 meters long.

#9150 Sec. 1.2

Aggressive Dog

"Aggressive dog" means:

any dog with a known propensity, tendency or disposition to attack without provocation any domestic animal or human, or

a dog which has bitten another domestic animal or human without provocation.

#9150 Sec. 4.3

In addition to complying to section 4.2, a person who keeps an aggressive dog must at all times have the dog muzzled while off its property to prevent it from biting another animal or person.

#9150 Sec. 4.5

A person who keeps an aggressive dog must, at all times while the dog is on property owned or controlled by such person, securely confine the dog either indoors or in an enclosed structure capable of preventing the entry of young children and adequately constructed to prevent the dog from escaping or biting a domestic animal or human being.

#9150 Sec. 6

Impounding

If a dog is off its property, not leashed and not under the immediate charge of a responsible person, it may be impounded and/or the owner or keeper ticketed for breach of the Animal Control Bylaw.

#9150 Sec. 4.4

Beaches

A person who keeps a dog must not permit, suffer or allow the dog to be on a bathing beach or in the waters adjacent to a bathing beach.

#9150 Sec. 6.5

Biting Dog

A dog which has bitten or who is alleged to have bitten a person may be seized and impounded for a period of up to 21 days.

#9150 Sec. 4.9

Dog Waste

A person who keeps a dog, or a person who has care, custody or control of a dog, except for a service dog in the company of a handler who is physically disabled or a guide dog in the company of a handler who is blind, must immediately remove any excrement deposited by the dog, and deposit it in a suitable refuse container. (This does not apply to the dog owner's property).

#9150 Sec. 4.12

Barking Dog

A person who owns or occupies a premise must not permit, suffer or allow the sound of a barking or howling dog that a person not on the same premises can easily hear and that disturbs or tends to disturb unreasonably the quiet, peace, rest, enjoyment, comfort or convenience of such person.

#9150 Sec. 4.11

Dogs in Open Vehicles

A person who keeps a dog, or a person who has care, custody or control of a dog, must not keep the dog in an open vehicle unless such person secures the dog in a manner that prevents the dog from falling or being thrown out of the vehicle.

#9150 Sec. 4.13

Upset or Breaking into Refuse Containers

A person who keeps a dog, or a person who has care, custody or control of a dog, must not permit, suffer, or allow the dog to upset or break into a refuse container on a street or other public place.

#9150 Sec. 5.1

Basic Care

A person who keeps a dog, or a person who has care, custody or control of a dog, must give the dog food, water, shelter, and exercise sufficient to maintain the dog in good health.

#9150 Sec. 5.2

Tethering

A person who keeps a dog, or a person who has care, custody or control of a dog, must not tie or fasten a dog to a fixed object by using a choke collar or choke chain or by tying a rope, chain, or cord directly around the dog's neck.

Burnaby Lake Regional Park

Sprott Street Burnaby

Dogs on leash are allowed at this park and on the trails. This park is popular for birdwatching. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, great blue herons, or even green-backed herons. Along the shoreline you might see beavers, ducks and turtles. For some good exercise, try one of the trails that circles the lake.

Burnaby Mountain Park

Centennial Way Burnaby

Dogs on leash are allowed at this park and on the trails. The park offers mountain, water and city views from the top of Burnaby Mountain. You might even see some deer or bald eagles. To get there, take Lougheed Highway and turn north on Gaglardi Way to Centennial Way.

Central Park

Boundary Road Burnaby

Dogs on leash are allowed at this park and on the trails. This park is an urban forest with douglas fir, western hemloc, poplar and maple trees. To get there, take the Trans Canada Highway to Boundary Road. Go south to get to the park.

Confederation Park

Willingdon Avenue Burnaby

Dogs on leash are allowed at this park and on the trails. There is an off-leash area located north of Penzance Drive, roughly between Willingdon and Gamma Avenues. To get to the park, take Hastings Road and then go North on Willingdon Avenue.

Colony Farm Regional Park

Colony Farm Road Coquitlam

This park offers large open fields with wildflowers. It is a good birdwatching spot to find hawks and herons. Dogs on leash are allowed on the trails, except for beaches or where posted. To get there, take the Trans Canada Highway (Highway 1) east. Take the Cape Horn Interchange to Highway 7 (Lougheed), then turn right onto Colony Farm Road.

Capilano River Regional Park

Capilano Park Road North Vancouver

This park offers lush forest trails and is also home to the Capilano Fish Hatchery. Dogs on leash are allowed on the trails, except for beaches or where posted. The park is located in North Vancouver, next to the Cleveland Dam.

Charleson Park

999 Charleson Street Vancouver

Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round in the Grass Bowl from 6am to 10pm. At the Waterfall Pond, dogs are allowed off-leash before 10am and after 7pm from June through September. During the rest of the year, there are no restricted off-leash hours at the Waterfall Pond.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Southwest Marine Drive Vancouver

This is a popular park for jogging and running. The park offers over 30 miles or 54 kilometers of trails. Dogs on leash are allowed on the trails, except for beaches or where posted. There is also an off-leash area in this park which will be posted with signs.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Cambie Street Vancouver

This 130 acre (52 hectare) park has about 6 million visitors per year. The popular Quarry Gardens is located at the top of the hill in the park. This land used to be an actual quarry before it became a city park. Dogs are allowed in the park and on the walkways and trails, except where posted. Dogs must be on leash. The park is located off Cambie Boulevard and is surrounded by the following streets: Cambie Street, Kersland Dr., 37th Ave., Midlothian Ave., and 27th Ave.

Stanley Park

Georgia Street Vancouver

This park is the largest city park in Canada and the third largest urban park in North America. It attracts about 8 million people per year. The park has 1,000 forested acres and offers miles of trails, including a 6.2 mile paved trail around the perimeter. On the north side of the park, you will get a view of Lion's Gate Bridge. This bridge connects Vancouver and North Vancouver and is similar in size to the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. Dogs are allowed in the park, except on beaches or where posted. Your dog is welcome to walk or jog with you on the trails. Stanley Park is located is just north of downtown Vancouver. To get there, take Georgia Street towards North Vancouver. Dogs must be leashed.

Get information about every Vanouver neighbourhood park at the Park Board Website

Please call or check the webpage of each park for any updates.

• Large dogs can sit on seats like humans. Consider buying a doggy seatbelt.
• Small dogs may like being transported in a kennel. A familiar environment will make trips less scary.
• Keep windows partially open. It's okay to allow your dog to get his nose out the window but you don't want him jumping or falling out.
• On long trips take bathroom and exercise breaks.
• If your dog gets carsick ask your veterinarian.
• Never leave your dog alone in the car. Sudden changes in temperature can cause everthing from anxiety to death.

CRAB Park - 101 E Waterfront Road

Unfenced dog off-leash area and dog beach is available for off-leash play from 6 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 10 pm. The off-leash area is the east side of the park. Dogs are not allowed in the area of the playground. Dogs must be well-behaved, have a current license, leashed outside of the off-leash areas and cleaned up after.

Fraser River Park - 8705 Angus Drive

Unfenced dog off-leash area and dog beach is available for off-leash play from 6 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 10 pm. Please see the signs outlining the off-leash area. Dogs must be well-behaved, have a current license, leashed outside of the off-leash areas and cleaned up after. The park is located at W 75th Avenue at Angus Drive.

John Hendry Park - 3300 Victoria Drive

Unfenced dog off-leash area and dog beach is available for off-leash play from 5 am to 10 pm. Please see the signs outlining the off-leash area. Dogs must be well-behaved, have a current license, leashed outside of the off-leash areas and cleaned up after.

New Brighton Park - 8705 Angus Drive

Unfenced dog off-leash area and dog beach is available for off-leash play from 5 am to 10 am from May 1 to September 30 and from 5 am to 10 pm during the rest of the year. Please see the signs outlining the off-leash area. Dogs must be well-behaved, have a current license, leashed outside of the off-leash areas and cleaned up after.

Spanish Banks - 4801 NW Marine Drive

Unfenced dog off-leash area and dog beach is available for off-leash play from 6 am to 10 pm. Please see the signs outlining the off-leash area. Dogs must be well-behaved, have a current license, leashed outside of the off-leash areas and cleaned up after. The park is located on NW Marine Drive at the entrance to Pacific Spirit Park.

Sunset Beach - 1204 Beach Ave

Unfenced dog off-leash area and dog beach is available for off-leash play from 6 am to 10 pm. Please see the signs outlining the off-leash area. Dogs must be well-behaved, have a current license, leashed outside of the off-leash areas and cleaned up after.

Vanier Park - 1000 Chestnut Street

Unfenced dog off-leash area and dog beach is available for off-leash play from 6 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 10 pm from May 1 to September 30 and from 6 am to 10 pm during the rest of the year. Please see the signs outlining the off-leash area. Dogs must be well-behaved, have a current license, leashed outside of the off-leash areas and cleaned up after. The park is located at Chestnut Street at English Bay.

All information is correct at time written. Hotels do change their policies without warning or updating their websites. Please call the hotel directly to get the latest pet policy.

In general dogs are expected to be well behaved and leashed at all times. Guests are expected to clean up after their dogs.

Prices quoted are in Canadian Dollars and do not include taxes.

Pets Can Stay is the national certifying and marketing body that has established the standard for accommodation providers that cater to the pet travel market.

Dogs must be on a leash and in control in stores. Non pet stores that allow dogs include most hardware stores (Canadian Tire, Home etc.) For the most part, if the store doesn't sell food, it's up to the store owners whether or not to allow dogs.

Do you have any tips about dog friendly places in Vancouver? Have you been to one of the places listed here? Let me know.