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Hidden Fee and Provincial Rules For Renting With Pets — Imagine coming home from an exhausting day at work to be greeted by a wildly wagging tail, sloppy kisses, or soft paws on your face. This heartwarming scenario is a reality for many, as 57% of Canadian households are pet owners. The unconditional love and joy that pets bring can melt away the stress of the day, making every moment spent with them a treasure. If this sounds like a dream to you, perhaps you’re closer to becoming a pet parent than you think.
Pets offer numerous benefits beyond companionship. They can improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. The routine of caring for a pet can also provide a sense of purpose and structure to your day. For families, pets can teach children responsibility and empathy, fostering a nurturing environment.
Pet Ownership in Canada
Indeed, owning a pet is a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with responsibilities that extend beyond just loving them. According to a 2019 survey, 95% of Canadians consider their pets family, reflecting the high value placed on pets in Canadian households. However, the commitment to pet ownership involves several important considerations and responsibilities.
Legal Requirements:
- Licensing: In most provinces, cats and dogs must be licensed. This typically involves registering your pet with the local municipality and paying a fee, which helps in case your pet gets lost.
- Tenancy Rules: Landlords in many areas have the right to deny tenancy based on pet ownership. It’s important to check the pet policies of rental properties before adopting a pet. Even if legally allowed, ensure your rental agreement explicitly permits pets.
Lifestyle and Living Situation:
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- Space Requirements: Different pets have varying space needs. For example, large dog breeds require more room to move around, while cats and smaller pets can adapt more easily to apartment living.
- Activity Level: Dogs, in particular, need regular exercise and outdoor time. Your lifestyle should be able to accommodate daily walks and playtime.
- Allergies: Consider any allergies in your household. Some people are allergic to pet dander, which could make living with pets challenging.
Financial Commitment:
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- Initial Costs: Adoption fees, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial setup costs (like beds, crates, and toys) can add up.
- Ongoing Costs: Regular veterinary care, food, grooming, and other supplies are continuous expenses. Emergency medical costs should also be considered.
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Time and Attention:
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- Training and Socialization: Pets, especially puppies and kittens, require time and effort to be trained and socialized properly.
- Daily Care: Feeding, exercise, grooming, and general care need to be part of your daily routine.
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Cost of Owning a Dog in Canada
If you’ve concluded that your home is suitable for a pet, the next step is to evaluate the costs of owning one. For anyone looking to adopt a dog, these are the annual costs according to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA):
- Veterinary care (flea/tick/heartworm prevention, dental care, vaccines, etc.): $1,149
- Food: $1,031
- Essentials (toys and collar): $104
- Other expenses (insurance and license): $1,018
- Total = $3,242
Here are some questions to consider before deciding on pet insurance. If your pet’s breed typically needs more vet care, or if your pet is older or has existing health issues, it might be beneficial to get insurance. Remember that unforeseen health problems or accidents can be very expensive, so if you decide against insurance, setting up an emergency fund to handle these costs could be a good idea. Be aware that the cost of pet insurance varies based on the policy, the breed of the pet, and the chosen coverage.
If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, keep in mind there are additional hidden costs. While expenses for food and some treatments might be lower during your dog’s first year, costs for microchipping and spaying or neutering your pet can total $675 or more.
An untrained puppy can cause chaos, so it’s wise to enroll your dog in obedience training. The cost for these classes can exceed $400 until your puppy graduates.
A new puppy will require a bed, collar, leash, and crate. These initial expenses can total around an additional $300. In total, you can anticipate nearly a $1,000 difference in expenses for the first year of owning a puppy compared to the recurring yearly costs.
Adopting a puppy from a shelter is generally the most cost-effective option and often the most fulfilling, as you are providing a relinquished animal with a second chance at a loving home. If you choose to adopt, the costs for sterilization and microchipping are typically covered in the adoption fee, which can be up to $300.
Anyone looking to find a specific breed that suits their personal requirements (such as hypoallergenic or calm disposition) should reach out to a reputable licensed breeder in their area. The cost of some dog breeds can be quite high, so it’s important to conduct thorough research before becoming attached to a breed that might exceed your budget. Some of the priciest dog breeds include Samoyeds, Chow-Chows, and English Bulldogs, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $11,500. More budget-friendly and typically family-oriented breeds include Beagles, Golden Retrievers, and Boxers. Expect to pay between $500 and $850 for purebreds like these.
How Much Does aCat Cost in Canada
In general, cats will cost less than dogs with food, pet insurance and annual licenses almost half the cost as for dogs. The OVMA breaks down the annual cost of owning a cat in Canada as follows:
- Veterinary care (flea prevention, dental care, vaccines, etc.): $968
- Food: $467
- Essentials (toys and collar): $33
- Other expenses (litter, insurance and license): $615
- Total = $2,083
You should also be aware that your new cat will require items such as a scratching post, a carrier, and a bed. While these are typically one-time expenses, they can accumulate to a few hundred dollars. Expect to spend about $500 more during the first year of your kitten’s life compared to subsequent years.
Adopting a cat from a shelter often includes the cost of sterilization, making it the most economical choice. Additionally, you’ll have the rewarding experience of providing a loving home to a cat at no extra cost.
If you’re interested in a specific breed, keep in mind that some breeds are pricier than others. Breeds like Persian, Russian Blue, or Bengal cats can range from $650 to $5,800, while more common breeds such as Havana Brown, Siamese, or Snowshoe typically cost between $650 and $1,300.
Renting With Pets Across Canada
In Ontario, landlords are permitted to charge up to one month’s rent as a pet deposit. This deposit can only be applied to the last month’s rent, as security deposits for damage are not allowed in the province. If a pet causes problems within the community, landlords have the authority to issue warnings and, if the issues persist, they can provide justification for evicting tenants and their pets.
Ontario enforces specific provincial restrictions regarding dog ownership. It is illegal to breed, own, or transfer any dog that is classified as a Pit Bull Terrier, which includes American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. This law was implemented in August 2005, and only Pit Bull Terriers that were owned before the ban or born within 90 days afterward are permitted to remain with their families.
Toronto is considered the best city for dog owners in Ontario. Despite its bustling and dense environment, the city is highly dog-friendly, hosting the annual Woofstock festival to celebrate dogs. On non-festival days, dog owners can enjoy numerous forested walking routes, dog-friendly beaches, and parks throughout the city.
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