PetSave - What is the cost of a pet these days?

In this episode of Love the North, we sit down with Jill from PetSave Sudbury for a real, unfiltered look at what it truly means to bring a puppy into your life.

From the moment an energetic six-week-old pup enters the studio, it becomes clear—puppies are as demanding as they are adorable. Jill walks us through the realities that many people overlook: the time commitment, financial responsibility, and long-term planning required when adopting a dog.

We dive into critical topics including:

The true cost of owning a “free” puppy (often exceeding $2,000 in the first year)
Why spaying and neutering timing matters, especially for larger breeds
The importance of proper vaccinations, including the life-threatening risks of parvo in Northern Ontario
How feeding habits and training methods can shape behavior—for better or worse
The dangers of outdated training tools and the benefits of humane, consistent training approaches

Jill also sheds light on a growing issue in the community—pet surrenders, particularly among younger owners who underestimate the 10–15 year commitment. With shelters overwhelmed since COVID, education and responsible ownership have never been more important.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone considering a puppy, currently raising one, or simply wanting to better understand the responsibility behind pet ownership.