Behzhig’s guide to the real responsibility, real costs, and real commitment of dog ownership in Thunder Bay
By Behzhig, NetNewsLedger’s Intrepid German Shepherd
THUNDER BAY – Pet Life – I’m Behzhig. I can track a squirrel’s alibi across three yards, detect a sandwich two blocks away, and stare meaningfully at a leash until a human “remembers” what it’s for.
But here’s what I can’t do: budget, book vet appointments, train myself, or make sure I don’t end up lonely, bored, and barking my feelings into the neighbourhood at 2 a.m.
So—if you’re thinking about getting a dog—come sit. (Yes, you too.) Let’s talk about what you’re really signing up for: the daily work, the long-haul commitment, and the money that quietly trots out of your wallet month after month.
A dog is not a “right now” decision—it’s a years-long promise
Dogs don’t live in “maybe.” We live in routine. We live in today. And we count on you tomorrow.
Most dogs will be with you for a decade or more, which means your dog decision has to survive:
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job changes
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relationship changes
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moving (rentals can be picky about pets)
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travel plans
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health surprises
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Thunder Bay winters that feel like the universe turned the freezer to “MAX”
If you’re choosing a dog because you want companionship, safety, purpose, or a reason to get outside—those are good reasons. But they only work if you can meet our needs even when life gets messy.
The biggest cost isn’t money—it’s time (every single day)
Here’s the truth humans don’t always like: you don’t “own” a dog the way you own a couch. You care for a dog the way you care for a family member who can’t drive, can’t use words, and will absolutely eat a sock if left unsupervised.
You can be prepared for late night needs – that outside pee is far better than an inside pee. The call for snacks, attention, and time is key to my mental health and will be for your fur friend.
A realistic daily baseline for many dogs includes:
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Exercise: at least 1–2 walks (more for high-energy breeds)
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Training and manners: short sessions that add up over weeks
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Mental work: sniffing, puzzles, games, learning
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Social time: we are pack animals; isolation hits hard
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Clean-up: hair, paws, muddy floors, poop bags—glamour, thy name is “dog”
And puppies? Oh, puppies are adorable chaos with teeth. Keep in mind German Shepherd puppies go through a stage where they are more living up to “Land Sharks” with those sharp puppy teeth and teething.
They need more: more supervision, more potty breaks, more training, more patience… and more of your sleep.
The legal responsibility: your dog, your liability
In Ontario, if your dog bites or attacks, the law can place real responsibility on the owner. Ontario’s Dog Owners’ Liability Act sets out owner liability for damages from a bite or attack.
Locally, Thunder Bay’s municipal rules also expect owners to do the basics—like licensing your dog and preventing your dog from running at large. The city’s municipal code includes licensing requirements and defines “running at large” in practical terms (off your property and not under anyone’s control).
Translation from a German Shepherd: If something goes sideways, “He’s friendly!” is not a legal defence. Training, control, and prevention are part of the deal.
The real money: what dog ownership can cost in Canada (and Thunder Bay)
Let’s talk kibble and bills.
Canada-wide estimates vary because dogs vary (size, age, health, lifestyle). Rover’s Canadian reporting has put average annual costs in the roughly $1,418 to $4,485 range (depending on life stage and needs).
Meanwhile, the Ontario SPCA (citing the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association) notes annual average costs around $3,724 for a dog and higher for a puppy.
Those are big ranges because “dog” can mean:
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a small, healthy adult with a basic routine
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or a large, allergy-prone, anxious goblin who needs special food, meds, and training (I say this with love)
Up-front costs (your first “welcome home” hit)
Expect some combination of:
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Adoption fee or purchase price (varies widely; municipal/rescue fees can be a few hundred)
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Initial vet visit, vaccinations, parasite prevention
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Spay/neuter (if not already done)
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Microchip (strongly recommended)
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Supplies: crate, bed, bowls, collar/harness, leash, ID tag, toys, baby gates
Thunder Bay note: the City’s fee schedule includes an adoption fee listing for dogs (through city services) and licensing fees (details below).
Recurring costs (the “every month forever” part)
Here’s where people get surprised:
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Food (bigger dogs = bigger bill)
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Routine vet care (annual exams, vaccinations as advised)
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Flea/tick and parasite prevention
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Grooming (coat type matters—a lot)
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Training / classes (especially important early)
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Replacement gear (leashes wear, beds flatten, toys die heroic deaths)
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Dog walking / pet sitting / boarding for workdays and travel
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Emergency fund for “ate something weird” moments
Licensing in Thunder Bay (yes, it costs money—yes, it matters)
Thunder Bay’s 2025 user fee schedule lists dog licence fees such as:
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Unaltered dog: $67.47
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Unaltered + microchip: $51.90
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Spayed/neutered: $41.52
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Lifetime licence (spayed/neutered + microchip): $77.85
That’s not just bureaucracy—licensing helps with reunification if you slip the leash because a rabbit insulted your lineage.
“What about pet insurance?”
Insurance can help smooth out surprise costs, but premiums vary by coverage and location. MoneySense reported Canadian average monthly premiums (example figures for 2024) that differed by policy type and coverage level, with accident-only much lower than accident-and-illness plans.
The point isn’t the exact number—it’s that you should decide in advance whether you’ll pay monthly for insurance, or build a dedicated emergency fund and commit to keeping it funded.
Thunder Bay reality check: winter adds extra needs
I love snow. I love it so much I would like to roll in it until I become one with the tundra.
But winter also means:
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Salt and grit that can crack paws (booties or paw balm can help)
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Cold snaps where shorter outdoor sessions are safer
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Darkness (visibility gear matters for you and your dog)
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Boredom risk (more indoor enrichment: scent games, training, puzzle feeders)
If you’re not ready to meet your dog’s needs in February when the wind is spicy and the sidewalks bite back—pause before adopting.
The emotional responsibility: your dog becomes your shadow
A dog doesn’t just live in your home. A dog lives in your schedule.
If you work long hours, do shift work, or travel often, you’ll need a plan:
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mid-day walks or a dog walker
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a trusted sitter
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daycare (if your dog enjoys it)
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training support if separation anxiety shows up
And here’s the hard part: when it’s inconvenient—when you’re tired, sick, stressed, or broke—your dog still needs you to show up.
That’s the contract.
A quick “sniff test” before you adopt
If you can answer “yes” to most of these, your odds get way better:
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Can you commit to daily exercise and interaction—not just weekends?
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Do you have stable housing that allows dogs (and space for one)?
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Can you cover routine costs and handle surprises?
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Are you willing to train kindly, consistently, and early?
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Do you have a plan for vacations, emergencies, and long workdays?
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Are you ready for 10+ years of responsibility?
If several answers are “no,” that’s not shameful—it’s just information. You can volunteer, foster, or wait until life fits better. (Fostering, by the way, is a heroic act. I salute you with one paw.)
The payoff (yes, there is one—and it’s huge)
If you’re ready, dog ownership is extraordinary.
We’ll get you out walking on days you’d rather scroll. We’ll make your home feel less empty. We’ll celebrate your return like you just won an Olympic medal in “Coming Back From the Garage.”
But we can only be our best selves if you commit to being our steady, responsible humans.
Do that, and I promise: your life gets bigger.
Now… about that walk?
Woof!
Behzhig
