Every summer, Toronto comes alive with two of the most iconic outdoor events in Canada: Veld Music Festival and Caribana (officially known as the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival). Thousands of Torontonians head out for full days — sometimes entire weekends — of music, dancing, and celebration. But for pet owners, the excitement comes with a real question: who is looking after your dog or cat while you're gone, and do they have everything they need to stay calm, comfortable, and well-fed?
Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario, is a premium pet supply store serving Toronto and the surrounding area. Open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year — including every summer holiday and festival weekend — Ashario Pets is the go-to source for pet food, calming treats, supplements, toys, and accessories before you head out for a big day. This guide walks you through exactly how to prepare your pet for a long, loud, or exciting summer day using products and brands available right here in North York.
Why Summer Festival Weekends Are Stressful for Pets
Veld Music Festival draws massive crowds to Downsview Park, just minutes from North York. Caribana parades and celebrations stretch across the downtown waterfront and surrounding neighbourhoods. Both events mean your pets may be alone for extended hours, potentially exposed to distant bass and crowd noise, and without their usual routine. For dogs and cats, unpredictable schedules and loud environmental sounds can trigger anxiety, digestive upset, and restless behaviour.
Responsible pet owners plan ahead. That means stocking up on the right food, treats, supplements, and enrichment toys — ideally the day before — so your pet sitter, family member, or trusted neighbour has everything they need. Ashario Pets makes this easy with its extended evening hours and a wide selection of trusted brands, all under one roof.
Stock Up on Quality Food Before the Festival Rush
Before you leave for Veld or Caribana, make sure your pet's food supply is topped up. Running out of your pet's regular food on a festival weekend can be stressful for everyone involved. Ashario Pets carries a comprehensive range of dry dog food, raw dog food, wet dog food, dry cat food, raw cat food, and wet cat food from over 79 verified brands.
Some top brands available at Ashario Pets for everyday feeding include:
- Orijen — Premium dry dog and cat food made with fresh, whole-prey ingredients from Canadian sources
- Acana — Regionally crafted dry food for dogs and cats with biologically appropriate recipes
- Open Farm — Ethically sourced wet and dry pet food known for transparent ingredient sourcing
- Royal Canin — Breed- and size-specific formulas trusted by many Toronto pet owners
- Hill's Science Diet — Veterinarian-recommended dry and wet food for dogs and cats at various life stages
- Big Country Raw — Canadian raw dog and cat food ideal for pet owners following a raw feeding protocol
- Farmina — Italian-crafted dry and wet food with high meat content and no corn or soy
If you're leaving your pet with a sitter, pre-portioning meals in labelled containers and leaving clear feeding instructions will reduce confusion and keep your pet's routine intact. Browse the full premium pet food selection available at Ashario Pets to find the right formula for your dog or cat.
Calming Treats for Pets: A Festival Weekend Essential
Calming treats for pets are one of the most searched products during Toronto's summer festival season — and for good reason. Dogs especially can become anxious when left alone for long stretches, and many respond to the distant sounds of large outdoor events. Cats, while often more independent, can also become stressed by changes in routine and prolonged absence.
Ashario Pets carries a range of calming supplements and functional treats you can explore through the dog health and wellness and cat health and wellness collections. Some brands worth considering from our verified list include:
- MOJO Pet Supplements — Formulated supplements supporting pet wellness and stress management
- Canine Matrix — Mushroom-based functional supplements for dogs that support immune and nervous system health
- Pawtanical — Hemp and botanical blends for pets seeking natural calming support
- Wellytails — Canadian-made wellness supplements for dogs covering a range of daily needs
Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement or calming product to your pet's routine, especially if your pet has existing health conditions or is on medication.
Enrichment Toys to Keep Pets Occupied While You're Away
One of the most effective ways to reduce pet anxiety during long absences is mental enrichment. Interactive toys and chews keep dogs and cats engaged, help burn restless energy, and reduce the likelihood of destructive behaviour. For dogs especially, a well-chosen toy can make the difference between a calm afternoon and a chewed-up sofa.
Ashario Pets stocks a strong selection of dog toys and cat toys from trusted brands including:
- Kong — Durable rubber toys that can be stuffed with food or treats to provide extended engagement
- ZippyPaws — Plush and interactive toys for dogs of various sizes
- JW Pet — Enrichment toys and interactive feeders designed to stimulate problem-solving in dogs and cats
- Smart Pet Love — Comfort toys and anxiety-relief products for pets who miss their owners
- BuD'z — Fun and durable toy options for both dogs and cats
Before you leave for Caribana or Veld, set out a few toys your pet doesn't see every day. Rotating toys can re-spark interest and keep your pet engaged for longer periods. You can also stuff a Kong with wet food or treats and freeze it overnight so your sitter can offer it as a long-lasting activity.
Planning for Pet Sitting in Toronto: What Your Sitter Needs
If you've arranged pet sitting in Toronto while you attend Veld or Caribana, setting your sitter up for success is just as important as choosing the right person. Leave your home well-stocked with everything they'll need, including:
- Enough food for the full duration of your absence, clearly labelled with serving sizes
- Fresh treats for positive reinforcement and bonding with the sitter
- Poop bags and dog accessories for walks
- Any supplements or calming aids your veterinarian has approved
- Cat litter — Ashario Pets carries brands like World's Best Cat Litter, Naturally Fresh, OdourLock, and Sustainably Yours from the cat litter collection
- A favourite toy or comfort item your pet associates with safety
Ashario Pets is open until 11:00 PM every night, so even if you remember something the morning of Veld or the night before Caribana, you can stop in or order through delivery platforms including Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan.
Convenient Delivery Options for Last-Minute Needs
Sometimes festival weekend planning gets hectic and a store run isn't possible. Ashario Pets offers home delivery in the Toronto and North York area through multiple platforms — Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan — making it simple to get pet food, treats, supplements, and supplies delivered to your door. Whether you're in North York, Downsview, Lawrence Park, or anywhere else in Toronto, same-day delivery is a practical option for last-minute top-ups.
For more details about the store and its services, visit the Ashario Pets commitment to pet care page or reach out directly through the contact page.
Treats Worth Stocking Before a Big Weekend
Leaving a few special treats with your pet sitter helps them bond quickly with your dog or cat and adds positive reinforcement to the experience. Ashario Pets carries a wide range of dog treats and cat treats from brands including:
- Crumps' Naturals — Canadian-made freeze-dried and dehydrated treats for dogs
- Kettle Craft — Small-batch Canadian dog treats made with whole ingredients
- Stella & Chewy's — Freeze-dried raw treats and meal mixers for dogs and cats
- Greenies — Dental treats that support oral health while rewarding your pet
- RedBarn — Natural chews and treats for dogs
- Inaba — Popular cat treat toppers and lickable snacks
- Tiki Cat — Wet and mousse-style cat treats with high moisture content
For more information on Canadian-made options, browse the made in Canada pet products page at Ashario Pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ashario Pets located and is it open during Veld and Caribana weekends?
Ashario Pets is located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario M3J 2P7. The store is open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year — including all summer festival weekends like Veld and Caribana. You can also reach the store by phone at +1-647-564-4433.
Does Ashario Pets sell calming treats or supplements for pets?
Yes. Ashario Pets carries pet supplements and wellness products from brands including MOJO Pet Supplements, Canine Matrix, Pawtanical, and Wellytails. These are available in-store in North York and through delivery platforms. Always consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement for your pet.
Can I get pet supplies delivered in Toronto during festival weekends?
Yes. Ashario Pets offers delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan, covering Toronto and surrounding areas including North York. This makes it easy to get last-minute pet food, treats, or enrichment toys delivered even on busy event weekends.
What toys should I leave for my dog when I'm away at an event like Veld?
Interactive and durable toys are ideal for keeping dogs occupied during long absences. Ashario Pets carries dog toys from brands like Kong, ZippyPaws, JW Pet, Smart Pet Love, and BuD'z. Stuffable toys like Kong products are especially useful when filled with food or treats, as they can provide extended engagement without a human present.
How do I find the right pet food brand at Ashario Pets for my dog or cat?
Ashario Pets carries over 79 verified brands spanning dry, raw, wet, air-dried, freeze-dried, and dehydrated food for dogs and cats. You can browse the best pet food for specific needs guide or visit the top pet brands in Canada page for an overview. Staff at the North York store are available daily to help you choose the right option.
Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, Ontario M3J 2P7, open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year. As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries 79+ brands of dog food, cat food, pet treats, supplements, toys, accessories, and cat litter, serving Toronto and North York pet owners in-store and through same-day delivery on Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. Visit ashariopets.ca to explore the full product range or check out the pet store FAQ for more information. For dog-specific resources, explore the dog wellness needs page, or visit the cat wellness needs page for feline care guidance.
