Hi

Our passports have been sent off for our visas to be entered and now the worries are kicking in (there have always been little doubts but now that it's our decision to go, stress has arrived).

My most recent concern is the settling in period with our two dogs - Max (8 year old weimaraner, with very dodgy skin condition) and Tilly (2 year old staffy-cross). The cost of these two dogs emigrating seems to equal what we've paid over the 2 1/2 year period we've been "in process". Wouldn't go without them but surely there has to be a cheaper way?

Although most of my immediate family live in Canada, we will have to rent for the initial period as, as lovely as my two dogs are, people don't seem to mind one dog but two can be too much to handle - has anyone any experience of renting (cheaply) with pets in Calgary?

Any advice on walking dogs in parks or on hikes round the Rockies would be greatly appreciated. One of the things I appreciate about Beverley is that I can walk them on the Westwood at 6.30am in the dark and not worry about wild animals attacking - realise this isn't going to be the case soon so want to take all necessary precautions (even in daylight).

Is Calgary dog friendly? We've visited many times but I can't make up my mind. There don't seem to be that many off-leash areas.

I have so many questions about all aspects of our move to Canada and this looks like a very useful forum which I'll certainly be using to gain valuable advice.

Thanks for listening and all comments welcome .

Gillian

Can't recommend a cheap option unfortunately.
Many rental apartments and houses will accept pets, at least all the ones I've rented did. We had cats and never had a problem.
High rises however usually don't for obvious reasons.
In general I'd say Canada is more pet-friendly than Britain, they even allow dogs into stores.
That said, don't allow your dogs to run off the lead except on your own property. There are lots of wild animals which may carry rabies. Also if they bite someone or kill a wild animal you could well be sued for an arm and a leg.
Also, make sure you get pet insurance as vets fees are very expensive.

Calgary is defiantly pet friendly, I’ve always had a dog and have no problems here (as long as you pick-up after them). There are several off-leash areas in the city, they can be found on the city of Calgary web-site.

When it comes to hiking in the back country we have a ‘bear bell’ we put on the dogs leash, you can her him from a mile away. This should help because most wild animals don’t want a confrontation with humans anymore than you want one with them.

Finding a place that will accept pets will be a task, but there are places that will take them, take a look at this website for rental properties: www.rentfaster.ca, good luck

This shouldn't be a problem since you are going to Calgary, but just so you know this particular dog would not be allowed in Ontario now that they have the Pit Bull ban. It covers Stafforshire Terriers and crosses, so if moving to Ontario was ever in the future, you could not bring this dog.

Thanks for your advice. It's reassuring to know that Canada is more pet-friendly and I'll definitely be taking out the insurance. Can't imagine either of them biting anyone (licking to death - yes) but certainly wouldn't want to get sued.

You're welcome,
I would be careful about letting your dogs run loose, even in parks.
Skunks and racoons carry rabies and will often hide under fallen branches and in tree stumps when the disease takes hold. Dogs being nosey animals may sniff them out and could be bitten. Only a remote possibility, but something to keep in mind.

Thanks Wayner for your useful advice. A Bear Bell is first on the list once landed and the website is very useful - cheers.

I'm not sure agree that "many rental apartments and houses will accept pets" - many have a "pets welcome" policy but when you go on and read it in depth, it says dogs measuring less than (15cm? I don't know what a cm is but it was small anyway!) are welcome....i.e. cat-sized dogs.

I've never had a dog in my rental place but I'd be willing to consider it although I think all pets must be carried in common areas which could be difficult with a dog!!! I had a cat once and the managers took an appropriate sized "pet deposit" in addition to the usual deposit and I think there was an extra "pet agreement" to be signed by the renter.

I'm sure you'll find something OP but I'd disagree that it's going to be as easy as David says. And I've never seen a dog that wasn't a seeing eye dog in a store before...what size of dogs are you seeing in what kind of stores?

Thanks Sysclp. Can't believe a country wouldn't let my Tilly in - I've never owned a more affectionate dog. Rules will be Rules I guess

If rental is a problem then I guess it's kennels for the hounds until we purchase a property and we'll stay with the family - can't imagine carrying Max in "common areas" as he's nearly 7 stone! (not preferred option but sounds like I may need to be realistic). Thanks.

This dog, the nearest one, lives in a high rise apartment, so it is possible to arrange. How they get around the carrying rule I don't know.

Re the rental problem, if you can assure the landlord that your dogs will not cause damage and perhaps a slightly larger damage deposit can often help. A landlord wants a rented property and things can be negotiated

Your choice will usually always be more limited when trying to rent with animals, but you can always ring and ask the renters. We have always managed to find housing for rent in NS and Ontario with two dogs with us. Both were fine houses.

Trust you dbd! Lol.

My son's sister in law has a child/dog that she has taken to the movies with her and to restaurants. The dog is a chihuahua and its in a carrying case thing. One of those fabric things that will accommodate and dog the size of a rat!!! She took him to the mall once and the security guard realized there was a dog in the cage and asked her to take the dog out.

So, my comment about dogs in stores is - I don't think so. If they won't allow a dog of the above size - they definitely won't allow big dogs. Except in Petcetera or other pet stores.