How to Keep Your Pets Calm During Toronto's Veld Music Festival and Caribana Weekend

Pet care during festivals is a topic every Toronto pet owner should take seriously — and for good reason. Veld Music Festival at Downsview Park and Caribana Weekend (the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival) are two of the loudest, most vibrant summer events in Ontario. The booming bass, fireworks, street celebrations, and dense foot traffic that ripple through Toronto's neighbourhoods every summer can send even the most laid-back pets into a state of genuine distress. If you live in or near North York, Etobicoke, York, or any of the central Toronto areas where these festivities make their presence felt, this guide is for you.

At Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7, we carry a wide selection of calming products, supplements, toys, and enrichment tools designed to help dogs and cats navigate high-stress situations. Open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 365 days a year, we're here for your pet's needs before, during, and after festival weekend. As of 2026, Ashario Pets carries 79+ brands of pet food, treats, supplements, toys, and accessories to support your pet's overall wellness.

Why Festival Weekends Stress Pets Out

Veld Music Festival typically takes place at Downsview Park, which sits in the heart of North York — a short distance from Ashario Pets on Finch Ave W. The event draws tens of thousands of attendees and produces significant sound levels that carry across surrounding residential streets. Caribana Weekend, which includes the Grand Parade along Lake Shore Boulevard, generates celebration sounds, drumming, and amplified music that spread well beyond the waterfront. Combined, these two events can make late July feel like a war zone to dogs and cats with sensitive hearing.

Animals experience sound very differently from humans. Dogs can hear frequencies up to 65,000 Hz — compared to a human's 20,000 Hz — and cats can detect even higher ranges. This means the thudding bass from a festival stage, the blare of a sound system several blocks away, or the collective energy of thousands of people moving through a neighbourhood registers at an entirely different intensity for your pet. Signs of noise anxiety in pets include:

• Panting, pacing, or trembling
• Hiding under furniture or in closets
• Excessive vocalization (barking, meowing, howling)
• Destructive chewing or scratching
• Refusing to eat or drink
• Attempting to escape the home

If your pet shows any of these signs regularly, consult your veterinarian before festival season arrives. A professional can rule out underlying health concerns and may recommend behavioural strategies alongside the supportive products available at pet supply stores.

Create a Safe, Sound-Buffered Environment at Home

One of the most effective things you can do for pet care during festivals is to prepare your home before the noise begins. Designate a safe room — ideally an interior room with fewer windows — where your pet can retreat. Fill it with familiar bedding, their favourite toys, and water. Close windows and draw curtains to reduce both sound and light stimulation.

White noise machines or calming music playlists designed specifically for pets can help mask external sounds. Studies have shown that certain frequencies of classical music and species-specific audio tracks reduce anxiety in dogs and cats. Layer this with a comfortable hiding spot like a covered crate for dogs or a high cat tree for cats, and you create a multi-sensory calm zone that competes with the chaos outside.

Explore the dog products and cat products available at Ashario Pets to build the ideal calming environment for your specific pet.

Calming Supplements and CBD Products for Pets

Calming supplements are among the most popular products pet owners seek during high-stress events. Ashario Pets carries a curated range of dog health and wellness and cat health and wellness products, including supplements formulated to support relaxation without sedation.

Brands available at Ashario Pets that fall within the wellness and supplement category include:

• Canine Matrix — functional mushroom-based supplements supporting immune and stress response in dogs
• MOJO Pet Supplements — targeted formulas for dog health including calming and joint support
• Pawtanical — plant-based and hemp-focused pet wellness products
• Wellytails — Canadian-made supplements supporting overall dog wellness
• Canine Life — daily supplement blends for dogs with sensitive systems

CBD and hemp products for pets are also available at Ashario Pets. As of 2026, CBD products formulated specifically for pets are legally available in Ontario when sourced from compliant suppliers. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new supplement or CBD product to your pet's routine, particularly if your pet is on medication or has a pre-existing condition.

Learn more about dog health supplements carried at Ashario Pets, and visit our dog wellness and cat wellness pages for a fuller picture of what we stock.

Enrichment Toys to Redirect Anxious Energy

Enrichment toys are a powerful tool for managing pet anxiety during festivals. When a dog or cat is mentally occupied — working through a puzzle feeder, chewing on a long-lasting treat toy, or batting at an interactive toy — their nervous system has something productive to engage with rather than fixating on frightening sounds.

At Ashario Pets, we carry dog toys and cat toys from trusted brands including:

• Kong — durable rubber toys that can be stuffed with soft treats or wet food to keep dogs engaged for extended periods
• ZippyPaws — plush and puzzle toys that provide sensory stimulation for dogs
• JW Pet — interactive and chew-resistant toys suited to a range of breeds and sizes
• Smart Pet Love — products designed to comfort and soothe anxious pets, including heartbeat simulation toys for dogs
• BuD'z — fun, varied toy options for both dogs and cats

Stuff a Kong with wet food from brands like The Honest Kitchen, Weruva, or Stella & Chewy's and freeze it the night before the festival. A frozen stuffed toy can occupy an anxious dog for hours, providing both mental stimulation and a calming feeding experience.

Smart Feeding Strategies for Festival Weekends

Anxious pets sometimes go off their food during high-stress events. To counter this, consider feeding a slightly earlier meal before the noise begins and offering highly palatable, high-moisture options that are easier to consume even when a pet's appetite is reduced. Wet dog food and wet cat food are excellent choices in these situations due to their strong aroma and palatability.

Brands available at Ashario Pets that are well-suited for stress-period feeding include:

• Tiki Cat and Tiki Dog — highly palatable wet options with strong protein profiles
• Caru — soft stews and broths that are gentle on the stomach
• Inaba — flaked and creamy cat treats that double as meal toppers
• Snappy Tom — broth-based cat food options that encourage hydration
• Open Farm — ethically sourced wet food options for dogs and cats

For dogs, a dog food broth poured over dry kibble from brands like Orijen, Acana, or Go! Solutions can encourage eating even during a stressful evening. Explore our full premium pet food selection online to plan ahead.

Calming Treats Worth Keeping on Hand

Festival weekends are an ideal time to lean on calming treats formulated with ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, or valerian root. These are available in the dog treats section at Ashario Pets. Brands like Crumps' Naturals and Kettle Craft offer wholesome, Canadian-made treat options, while Stella & Chewy's freeze-dried treats provide a high-reward, low-ingredient option that many anxious pets readily accept.

For cats, treats from brands like Inaba or Tiki Cat can serve as a calming reward when paired with gentle handling and a quiet environment. Browse cat treats available at Ashario Pets to stock up before festival weekend.

Grooming and Physical Comfort During High-Stress Events

A freshly groomed pet is a more comfortable pet, and physical comfort contributes meaningfully to emotional regulation. The dog grooming and cat grooming products at Ashario Pets include options from TropiClean and Earth Rated — both brands known for gentle, effective grooming formulas. Giving your dog a calm grooming session before the festival begins can actually lower their cortisol levels and establish a sense of normalcy before the noise ramps up.

Ashario Pets also carries accessories including collars, leashes, and harnesses. Ensure your dog's ID tags are current and their collar fits securely before any festival weekend — escaped pets during loud events are an unfortunately common occurrence in Toronto every summer.

Get Supplies Delivered Without Leaving Home

If you're hunkering down at home with your pets during Veld or Caribana weekend and don't want to venture out, Ashario Pets offers delivery through Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. You can have calming supplements, wet food, enrichment toys, and treats delivered directly to your door without disrupting your pet's carefully maintained calm environment.

Check out current pet product coupons and promotions before placing your order, and visit the price match guarantee page if you've seen a lower price elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions: Pet Care During Festivals in Toronto

Are Veld Music Festival and Caribana dangerous for pets left at home?

Not inherently dangerous, but the sustained noise levels from both events can cause significant stress for pets with noise sensitivity. Dogs and cats left alone during loud festivals are at higher risk of anxiety, escape attempts, and destructive behaviour. Preparing your home with a safe space, enrichment toys, and calming supplements well in advance significantly reduces that risk. Always consult your veterinarian if your pet has a history of severe noise anxiety.

What calming products for pets does Ashario Pets carry?

Ashario Pets, located at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON, carries a range of calming and wellness products including supplements from brands like Canine Matrix, MOJO Pet Supplements, Pawtanical, Wellytails, and Canine Life. We also carry CBD and hemp pet products, enrichment toys from Kong, Smart Pet Love, and ZippyPaws, and high-palatability wet foods and treats designed to support anxious pets. Visit our dog health and wellness or cat health and wellness collections online for the full selection.

Can I get pet supplies delivered during Veld or Caribana weekend in Toronto?

Yes. Ashario Pets offers delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes, Instacart, and Fantuan. The store is open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day of the year, including festival weekends, so you can shop in-store or order for delivery at your convenience. Call us at +1-647-564-4433 for product availability questions.

Should I walk my dog during Caribana parade hours?

Walking your dog during peak parade or festival hours is generally not recommended if your pet is noise-sensitive. The combination of crowd noise, amplified music, and the unpredictable movement of large groups can trigger fear responses even in dogs that are normally calm. Schedule walks early in the morning or late in the evening when activity has subsided, and always keep your dog on a secure leash and harness. Ensure ID tags are up to date in case of unexpected separation.

How far in advance should I start a calming supplement routine before festival weekend?

Most veterinarians and pet wellness experts recommend beginning a calming supplement routine at least one to two weeks before a known stressor. This allows the supplement's active ingredients — such as functional mushrooms, calming herbs, or hemp compounds — to build up to effective levels in your pet's system. Always follow the product's recommended dosage guidelines and consult your veterinarian before starting any new supplement, particularly if your pet takes other medications.

Visit Ashario Pets in North York Before Festival Season Peaks

Toronto's summer festival calendar is packed, and Veld and Caribana are just two of the major events that can affect your pet's comfort. Being prepared is the best form of pet care during festivals. Ashario Pets at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, is open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, 365 days a year, making it easy to stock up on everything your dog or cat needs to stay calm, comfortable, and well-fed no matter what's happening outside.

Explore our commitment to pet care, read what our community says on our customer reviews page, or contact Ashario Pets directly for personalized product recommendations. Your pet's peace of mind is worth planning for.