Bringing home a new puppy is one of the most exciting things a Toronto family can do. But before that fluffy bundle arrives, most first-time owners have two big questions: where do puppies actually come from in Ontario, and what supplies do I need on day one? This guide answers both — and gives you a complete, vet-informed shopping checklist. Start your prep early with our dog food and supplies collection, because the first 48 hours go a lot smoother when you're ready.
Quick note before we begin: Ashario Pets is a premium pet supply store. We sell food, treats, supplements, toys, and accessories — not live animals. We don't sell puppies, and this article explains why most reputable Ontario pet stores don't either. What we do help with is everything your puppy needs once you've found them. Browse dry puppy food to see where most new owners start.
Do pet stores sell puppies in Ontario in 2026?
Most reputable pet stores in Ontario do not sell puppies in 2026. The retail sale of dogs and cats has shifted dramatically over the past decade, with responsible retailers moving away from live-animal sales entirely and toward supplies, food, and adoption partnerships. Ashario Pets in North York does not sell live animals of any kind — we focus exclusively on the food, gear, and supplements your new puppy needs.
The reason is largely ethical and legal. Retail puppy sales have historically been linked to commercial breeding operations ("puppy mills"), and both Ontario animal-welfare rules and municipal bylaws across the Greater Toronto Area have tightened the framework around live-animal retail. Many stores that once had puppies in windows now partner with rescues for adoption events instead, or simply stopped selling animals altogether.
As of 2026, the recommended paths to getting a puppy in Ontario are: a reputable, health-testing breeder registered with the American Kennel Club or the Canadian Kennel Club, or a licensed rescue or shelter. The ASPCA and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association both recommend visiting where the puppy was raised and meeting at least one parent before committing.
Key Takeaway: Reputable Ontario pet stores in 2026 sell puppy supplies, not puppies. Ashario Pets sells no live animals — get your puppy from a health-testing breeder or licensed rescue, then let us handle the food, crate, leash, and bowls.
What supplies do I need before bringing a new puppy home?
Before your puppy arrives, you need six essentials: puppy-appropriate food, food and water bowls, a crate, a collar and leash (or harness), safe chew toys, and a grooming and clean-up kit. Having these ready before day one reduces stress for both you and the puppy and prevents last-minute panic shopping. Our team at Ashario Pets walks new owners through this exact list every week.
When a customer comes into our North York store on Finch Ave saying "I'm picking up my puppy this weekend," we build their cart around this core checklist. Here's what goes in it and why.
1. Puppy food (life-stage formulated)
Puppies need food specifically labelled for "growth" or "all life stages" that meets AAFCO nutrient profiles. Per AAFCO standards, growth-stage food requires a minimum of 22.5% protein content and 8.5% fat content on a dry-matter basis — noticeably higher than adult maintenance food at 18% protein. Large-breed puppies also need controlled calcium (typically 1.2–1.8%) to protect developing joints.
Brands like Acana, Orijen, Fromm, Go! Solutions, and Farmina offer strong puppy formulas. In our store we see customers do best when they keep the puppy on whatever the breeder or rescue was feeding for the first 1–2 weeks, then transition slowly over 7–10 days to avoid stomach upset. Browse dry puppy food or explore gentler options in our raw dog food range if you're going that route.
Shop at Ashario Pets
Puppy Growth-Formula Dry Food
For new Toronto puppy owners who want AAFCO growth-stage nutrition from trusted Canadian brands like Acana, Orijen, and Fromm.
Browse Dry Puppy Food →2. Bowls and feeders
Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are easiest to clean and gentler on developing chins than plastic. Fast eaters benefit from a slow feeder, which can reduce gulping and lower bloat risk. Explore dog accessories including feeders in a range of sizes.
3. Crate and bedding
A properly sized crate is one of the most valuable house-training and safety tools you'll own. The crate should be big enough for the puppy to stand, turn around, and lie down — but not so big they can potty in one corner. Many crates come with dividers so it can grow with your dog.
4. Collar, leash, and ID
A lightweight adjustable collar plus a 4–6 foot leash covers your basics. Many small-breed owners prefer a harness to protect the trachea. Ontario municipalities including Toronto require dog licensing, so an ID tag is essential from day one. Shop dog supplies including collars, leashes, and harnesses from brands like Earth Rated.
5. Chew toys and training treats
Teething puppies chew — a lot. Give them appropriate outlets with durable toys from Kong, ZippyPaws, or JW Pet, and use small, soft training treats for reward-based training. Brands like Crumps' Naturals and Fromm make gentle options suitable for young dogs.
6. Grooming and clean-up
Puppy-safe shampoo, a soft brush, nail clippers, and plenty of poop bags round out the kit. TropiClean and Earth Rated are popular picks in our dog grooming aisle.
How much should I feed my new puppy?
Puppies typically eat three to four small meals a day until about six months of age, then transition to two meals. Feeding amount depends on expected adult weight, not current weight — always follow the feeding chart on your specific food's guaranteed analysis. A small-breed puppy might eat 1/2 to 1 cup daily split across meals, while a large-breed puppy may need 2–4 cups, adjusted as they grow.
Because puppies grow fast, their calorie (kcal) needs are high relative to their size — often nearly double an adult dog's per pound of body weight. Overfeeding large-breed puppies is a genuine concern, since rapid growth can stress developing joints. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends monitoring body condition and consulting your veterinarian for a personalized feeding plan, especially for breeds prone to hip or elbow issues.
Bottom Line: Feed a growth-formula food with at least 22.5% protein, split into 3–4 meals for young puppies, and follow the label's chart based on expected adult weight. When in doubt, ask your vet.
Puppy food comparison: three popular Canadian options
Here's how three puppy-suitable brands we carry compare for new Ontario owners choosing their first bag.
| Feature | Acana | Fromm |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Owners wanting high-protein, regional Canadian ingredients | Owners wanting gentle digestion and steady quality |
| Protein source | Fresh regional meat, poultry, fish | Chicken, duck, and named meat meals |
| Grain option | Grain-free and grain-inclusive lines | Grain-inclusive and grain-free lines |
| Price tier | $$$ | $$$ |
| Available at Ashario | Shop Acana | Shop Fromm |
Both meet AAFCO growth standards. Our nutrition experts at the North York store often suggest picking based on your puppy's digestion and your budget, then sticking with one brand consistently rather than switching frequently. Customers love that they can compare bags in person at our Finch Ave location before committing.
Where do I get a puppy in Ontario if pet stores don't sell them?
In Ontario as of 2026, the two recommended routes to a puppy are reputable breeders and licensed rescues or shelters. A responsible breeder health-tests parent dogs, lets you visit their facility, and provides vaccination records. Rescues and humane societies across the GTA — including many that host adoption events — offer puppies and adult dogs looking for homes.
The ASPCA recommends avoiding any seller who won't let you see where the puppy was raised, ships puppies sight-unseen, or has multiple breeds constantly available. Once you've found your puppy through an ethical source, that's where we come in. Learn more about the pet adoption process and how we support new owners.
Our North York store gets a lot of these questions from families in the Yonge-Finch and Downsview areas who've just adopted and need a same-day starter kit. Because we're open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year, you can grab supplies the same evening you pick up your puppy.
Your printable new puppy checklist (Ontario 2026)
Here's the complete first-puppy shopping list our team uses with new owners:
- Puppy food — AAFCO growth formula, 22.5%+ protein (Acana, Orijen, Fromm, Go! Solutions, Farmina)
- Food + water bowls — stainless or ceramic; slow feeder for fast eaters
- Crate + bedding — appropriately sized with a divider
- Collar, leash, ID tag — plus a harness for small breeds (required licensing in Ontario)
- Chew toys — Kong, ZippyPaws, JW Pet for teething
- Training treats — small, soft, low-calorie (Crumps' Naturals, Fromm)
- Grooming kit — puppy-safe shampoo, brush, nail clippers (TropiClean, Earth Rated)
- Clean-up — poop bags, enzyme cleaner, pee pads
- Supplements — ask your vet; some owners add omega-3 or probiotics for coat and digestion
You can build most of this in one visit. Explore our dog health and wellness range for supplements, and check our best pet food for specific needs guide if your puppy has sensitivities.
Shop the Brands Mentioned in This Article
Find Acana, Fromm, and other premium puppy supplies in person at our North York store (1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2 — open 7 AM to 11 PM daily) or Browse dog food and supplies online →.
GTA delivery available via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes. Free in-store pickup in North York.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do pet stores sell puppies in Ontario in 2026?
Most reputable pet stores in Ontario do not sell puppies in 2026. Responsible retailers, including Ashario Pets in North York, focus on food, treats, supplements, and supplies rather than live animals. The recommended ways to get a puppy are through a health-testing registered breeder or a licensed rescue or shelter.
What food should I feed a new puppy in Canada?
Feed a food labelled for "growth" or "all life stages" that meets AAFCO nutrient profiles, with at least 22.5% protein and 8.5% fat on a dry-matter basis. Trusted Canadian options include Acana, Orijen, Fromm, and Go! Solutions. Keep the puppy on the breeder's or rescue's food for 1–2 weeks, then transition slowly over 7–10 days.
How many times a day should I feed my puppy?
Young puppies generally eat three to four small meals per day until around six months of age, then move to two meals daily. Follow the feeding chart on your specific food based on expected adult weight, and consult your veterinarian for a personalized plan, especially for large breeds.
Do I need to license my puppy in North York?
Yes. Toronto and surrounding Ontario municipalities require dog licensing, so an ID tag from day one is essential. For a detailed breakdown of local rules, see our guide on Ontario dog licensing and bylaws for North York owners on the dog blog.
Can I get all my puppy supplies in one trip to Ashario Pets?
Yes. Our North York store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2 carries puppy food, crates and accessories, toys, treats, grooming supplies, and clean-up gear — everything on the checklist above. We're open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year, and offer GTA delivery via Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes. Contact our team with any questions.
Ashario Pets — Premium pet supply store at 1111A Finch Ave W, Unit 2, North York, ON M3J 2P7. Call +1-647-564-4433. Open 7 AM to 11 PM daily, 365 days a year. We carry 79+ brands of dog and cat food, treats, supplements, toys, and accessories. Ashario Pets does not sell live animals. This article is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice — always consult your veterinarian for your puppy's specific health needs.
