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MARKHAM DOG ALLIANCE
YORK REGION'S LARGEST DOG-FRIENDLY EVENTS AND COMMUNITY!
About MDA
We started as a community group, then officially registered as a business in 2023. We have now hosted over 50 events, worked with over 300+ businesses, raised over $20,000 for local charities/non-profits, and are just getting started!​ In 2024 we attracted over 20,000 guests to our events, with our feature event Barkham Event drawing 7-9,000 attendees!
Our
Mission
PILLAR ONE: Community Events
PILLAR TWO: Dog-Forward Movement
PILLAR THREE: Giving Back
To build community through dog-friendly events.
We host and sponsor dog-friendly events in the York Region area that help promote, build, and empower local businesses while creating inclusive spaces for our community to meetup and make new friends. While doing this we promote rescues and charities to help animals in need.
AWARDS
Best Party and Event Planners 2024
Community Votes, Markham
Best Party and Event Planners 2023
Community Votes, Markham
​
Readers Choice Awards 2023
Markham Economist & Sun
INSPIRED BY OUR FUREVER CEO
Ellie is the heart and soul of MDA and in 2024 when she was diagnosed with cancer, team MDA surprised our founder Greg with an "End Of Life" Photoshoot with Danica Oliva Photography. Ellie, a rescued shelter dog from Toronto Animal Service lived 14 years. The majority of her life was in Toronto: Beaches, Yonge and Eglinton, Scarborough and her golden years were in Markham - where MDA began.
Did you know? MDA's Iconic purple colour was inspired by Ellie's first leash collar.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the questions we receive most often. If you can't find the answer to your question, email us for support.
1
How do I find out about upcoming events?
We post all of our upcoming events on our website homepage and if you join our MDA Dog Pack mailing list you'll get the events emailed right to you (+ promo codes, local news and more): Signup here!
2
Are all of your events dog-friendly?
Yes, that's always the goal. If we need to host a non dog-friendly event we will make it clear in the event posting.
3
Do you host events outside of Markham?
We have always leaned towards hosting events in Markham to keep things as local as possible - however, we love introducing our community to exciting dog-friendly spaces anywhere - if you're a dog-friendly space and want to partner with us, send us an email!
4
How do you become one of our chosen charities/non-profits that we support?
Email our Giving Back team and let them know how you'd like to be supported. We can't help everyone, but if we can support you through one of your events we'd love to! To date, we've raised over $20,000 for local charities and driven carloads of dog toys, blankets, dog & human food, and supplies to our local food banks. Email us to learn more.
5
How do I find out about upcoming vendor markets?
Every few weeks we send an email to our vendor mailing list with vendor forms to signup for upcoming events. We also send other Markham events vendor forms as well. Signup to our vendor mailing list here!
6
Do kids get into events for free?
Yes! Especially because we partner with local art schools like: Creative Genius Academy, Nelvin Drama Academy, and Pencil Studio so there's plenty for everyone in the family to do at events.
7
Do you need to have a dog to attend?
No, you can come solo or with friends & family. Up to you! Our events are for anyone that loves dogs, not just dog parents. There are vendors for everyone in the family, and activities for everyone to take part in.
8
Do you have to be from Markham to attend?
You can be from anywhere and you're still invited. We've had guests from Barrie, Hamilton, Niagara Falls, Kitchener, New York, and even Edmonton - (this is who we know of). When you come, visit us at the Purple MDA Tent and let us know where you're visiting from.
9
Where can I find dog-friendly resources?
Follow us on our social media channels: instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, and Tiktok. We regulary share and post dog-friendly spaces in York Region and the Greater Toronto Area. If you want us to feature your dog-friendly space, send us an email here.
10
How do I host an MDA event at my dog-friendly space?
Email us with details about your space and let's see if we can make magic happen! Email us here!