Owning a pet in the North

At first blush, not really that different from owning a pet in the South (Alberta, BC...etc)

But then, are there any real pet stores in Whitehorse? As it turns out, there are two 'tack and feed' stores that cater to raw dog food enthusiasts, riders who aren't really picky about good riding boots and incredibly expensive compressed-paper pelleted bedding for small critters (does $21 for a 20lb bag of Yesterdays News sound like a good deal to you?!). Rabbit food is fairly cheap, everything else is pricey.

C & D Feeds Phone: (867) 633-4620
Duffy's Pets &Tanzilla Harness Supply Phone: (867) 668-6350
Mitzi’s Closet Pet Boutique Phone: (867) 456-2900
The Feed Store / Pet Junction Phone: (867) 633-4076

Now, one of these stores actually sell pets. Duffy's Pets sells guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, birds, chinchillas, degus, rats, hamsters, mice and ferrets. Availability of any animal is limited so call ahead. It is an awesomely random little pet-shop, old house, many rooms.

Adopting a dog, cat or small animal from the Mae Bachur Humane Society is a pretty good option, although I have checked out the society's website and they don't specifically mention adoption of small pets, they may know someone in a position to give away a rabbit or rat.

For animal toys and affordable bedding? Walmart. I know, I know. I hate relying on it, and unfortunately when options are limited--that's where you go.

Dogs wear booties and jackets, and when it is -whatever...those walks are more like runs! Unfortunately people seem to abandon sled dogs once in awhile, but for the most part those dogs are very well treated and rightly so-they are people's livelihoods!

ps. I hope to never read this again, but in last week's Whitehorse Star someone had put in the classifieds Pets section: "Pet rabbit, living under neighbours house for the past month. Come and save him." Also, the newspaper has an advertisement suggesting to people that although horses are tough animals, the cold can be really hard on them. If they have shelter, it should be 3-sided. This is surprising to anyone?

Yikes! Do you know how cold it has been over the past month?