Pet-Friendly Renovation in Toronto

A standalone dog wash station in the GTA typically costs $3,000 to $6,000. This includes the tiled walk-in shower base, hand-held sprayer with hot and cold water, drain plumbing, non-slip floor, grooming counter, and built-in shampoo storage. Larger combined dog-wash plus mudroom builds run $8,000 to $15,000.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is our top recommendation. It is completely waterproof, scratch-resistant against claws, warm underfoot, and looks like real hardwood. Brands like Coretec, Karndean, and Shaw Floorte stand up to pets for 15+ years. Sealed concrete with decorative stains is another excellent option for a modern aesthetic. We avoid traditional hardwood and laminate in pet-heavy zones.

Yes. We use specialty patio panel inserts (Endura Flap, PetSafe Freedom, MyPetDoor) that slide into the existing door track without permanent modification to the glass or frame. This is reversible and ideal for renters or homeowners who want to keep resale flexibility. Costs run $700 to $1,800 installed.

A catio is a screened outdoor enclosure attached to a back window, door, or small balcony that lets cats safely enjoy fresh air without escaping or encountering predators. Small balcony or window catios start around $4,000. Full backyard catios with multi-level perches, weatherproof roofing, and connection tunnels to multiple windows can run $10,000 to $15,000.

Yes — modern smart pet doors like SureFlap (microchip-activated), PetSafe Smart Door, and MyPetDoor reliably let only your pet in by reading their existing microchip or a special collar tag. They prevent raccoons, stray cats, and unwanted animals from entering, and many integrate with home automation hubs to log entries and exits or send phone alerts when your pet comes or goes.

In pet-heavy neighbourhoods like Trinity Bellwoods, Riverdale, High Park, and the Beaches, a well-built dog wash station is a strong selling feature that can shorten days-on-market and appeal to the roughly half of GTA buyers with pets. Outside of pet-loving neighbourhoods, the resale impact is more modest but the daily lifestyle benefit for current owners is substantial.

For cats, our top picks are textured luxury vinyl plank (visible grain breaks up scratches), sealed concrete, and porcelain tile in non-rest zones. For walls, washable scuff-resistant paint like Sherwin-Williams Emerald, Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa, or Behr Premium Plus Ultra in eggshell or satin sheen handles regular cleaning of fur, dirt, and the occasional scratch. We can also install corner guards in heavy-traffic spots.

Yes. We build fenced dog runs from cedar, vinyl, or chain-link with options for synthetic turf or pea gravel surfacing, automatic gates, dog-house shelters, and shade structures. Typical 100-square-foot fenced runs cost $3,000 to $7,000 depending on fence height (4 to 6 feet), surfacing choice, and any utility relocations. We obtain fence permits where required by Toronto bylaws.

Yes. Built-in feeding stations are typically tucked under bench seating in a mudroom or kitchen toe-kick, with raised bowls that match your pet's height. Litter cabinets hide the litter box inside a vented bathroom vanity drawer or laundry-room cabinet, with a small entry door cut into the side panel. Both are popular cat features that keep food and litter off the floor and out of sight.

Most pet-friendly features require minimal permits. Dog wash stations require a plumbing permit since they involve adding a drain and hot and cold water lines. Catios and fenced dog runs may need a fence permit depending on height and Toronto bylaws. Pet doors, flooring, and paint do not require permits. RenoHouse handles all permitting as part of the project.