Is RC a pet-friendly neighbourhood?

by Sophia Han

Dog-lovers,

rejoice!



In the spring, it’s common to see people out walking their dogs in Renfrew-Collingwood. The neighbourhood has many green spaces, including Gaston Park and Collingwood Park.

If you are new to the neighbourhood, you may wonder if RC is pet-friendly. The answer is “yes” and “no.” There are many parks but there are also many rules dog-owners must follow. Dogs must be leashed except in off-leash areas. All dogs in Vancouver must have a license. Dogs should stay a safe distance from playgrounds.

Dogs are not the only pets you may see in local parks. Increasingly, cat owners are bringing their furry friends outdoors on leashed walks.

How to greet a dog 

There are dos and don’ts when it comes to greeting a strange dog on the street. Some dogs can become over-excited around strangers. Some may be fearful and act aggressively.

Wait until the dog wags its tail or shows other signs of friendliness before approaching. It can be helpful to kneel or turn your body to one side while you hold out a hand for them to sniff.

If you find a dog that seems lost, you can call Vancouver Animal Services at 604- 873-7000. You can also bring the dog to the nearest vet, since most pets in B.C. can be identified from a microchip that vets are equipped to scan.

With more than 35,000 dogs in the city, chances are you will meet several furry friends this spring.

Renfrew Community Park Off-Leash Dog Enclosure

2929 East 22nd Avenue

Kingsway Veterinary Clinic

3139 Kingsway

Boundary Animal Hospital

3114 Boundary Road

VOCABULARY rejoice – to celebrate common – something that happens often green spaces – areas in a city with plants and trees wonder if – use wonder if before a sentence that may be true or untrue pet-friendly – suitable for pets leashed – to be attached to a rope, line or chain safe distance – a distance far enough to ensure safety increasingly – when something becomes greater or more frequent dos and don’ts (idiom) – rules aggressively – in a way that seems dangerous or angry it can be helpful to (phrase) – use before a suggestion or advice microchip – a permanent ID for animals equipped – to have the tools or skills to do something with – you can use with at the start of a sentence to describe a possible result: “With less rain, it will likely be a hot summer.” chances are (idiom) it is likely

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