Hound House, a new hangout spot for dogs and their humans, just opened in downtown Toronto. A haven for urban professionals and their pups, the space houses an indoor dog park, a dog spa, a cafe and bar, daycare services, a shop, monthly social events, and a rental space for private bookings. It’s the first place of its kind for the city, mixing luxury, practicality, and a sense of community, right on Queen Street West, between the Entertainment District and Trinity Bellwoods. Whether you’re a dog owner, a dog lover, or just looking for a fun place to hang out, Hound House literally has something for everyone. The spot is currently welcoming members – dog owners, dogs, and non-dog owners alike.
Toronto native Lauren Guizzetti and her partner Brandon founded Hound House to create a place where dogs and their owners could hang out all year round, no matter what the weather was like.
“After moving back to Toronto from California, where dogs are welcome almost everywhere, we were forced into our old Toronto routine,” says Guizzetti. “We immediately felt the guilt of keeping our Mini Bernedoodle Sky home alone, no longer able to take her to restaurants and patios, go shopping or visit festivals and markets. Like many, we struggled to find safe and clean places for Sky to exercise and socialize all year that also fit our lifestyle. Hound House is our answer to that challenge, providing a comfortable and elegant indoor environment for dogs and their humans to play, connect, and create a lasting community.”
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Guizzetti recognized a real need for such a space, especially considering that many people are still struggling with loneliness post-pandemic and a remote work culture has become the norm. “Everyone’s craving community, and that’s what we’re building for dog lovers in Toronto,” she says. “Our core values—inclusivity, innovation, and community—really guide us. We aim to offer a mix of luxury, comfort, and convenience for both dogs and their humans. Ultimately, we want to redefine what it means to work, play, and connect right at the heart of the city.”
Though functional and durable – with sanitary finishes to ensure easy cleaning – the space doesn’t compromise style. With a pioneering indoor park concept front and centre, Hound House redefines contemporary design by seamlessly merging minimalist aesthetics with playful elements. Designed by the award-winning Toronto-based firm Nivek Remas, the versatile space fosters a sense of community with a flexible layout that can accommodate both quiet work and lively social interaction. The design features a calming neutral color palette, minimalist finishes, and luxurious stone and marble surfaces. Playful elements like a dog sculpture, dog topiary, and whimsical window doodles create a fun and inviting atmosphere.
“The typical Hound House client is the urban professional who loves to enjoy high-quality experiences with their dogs,” says Guizzetti. “They’re busy people looking for a fun place where their dogs can thrive without interrupting their own productivity. They want to connect with like-minded locals and appreciate great quality in everything—products, food, and service.”
The greatest value-add of Hound House is that it gives Toronto something it’s never had before. “It’s a premium space where dog lovers, owners, and furry companions can socialize and really feel like they belong,” says Guizzetti. “Our co-working area allows members to get their work done while their dogs are playing, and our self-serve dog spa is perfect for some pampering. Plus, the café, bar, and events we have planned really provide a vibrant atmosphere for fun and connection. The unique vibe of Hound House allows our guests to enjoy what they need, whether it’s a cozy place to relax or a lively social gathering.”
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Hound House is also partnering with local dog adoption and rescue organizations to host adoption events. These events will allow potential dog owners to meet adoptable dogs and the people who work to rescue them. “We’re really excited about partnering with dog adoption and rescue nonprofits in Toronto to host special adoption events,” says Guizzetti. “We want to create amazing experiences that bring potential dog owners and pups looking for homes together in our welcoming space, helping to create connections that lead to forever homes.”
At its core, Hound House is all about community. “We have a variety of fun monthly events lined up for dog owners and lovers in the city,” says Guizzetti. “Over the next few months, guests can look forward to yoga classes, trivia nights, movie screenings, tasting events, art classes, seasonal celebrations, and so much more.”
Membership fees range from $130 to $250 based on the number of dogs in your household. Both dog owners and non-dog owners are welcome to become monthly members and drop-ins are welcome.
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