Finding housing during an affordability crisis with low vacancy rates is hard enough, but trying doing it with a pet.
That’s why Humane Canada, with represents SPCAs and Humane Society’s nationwide, is backing a new petition aimed at making it illegal to ban pets in rental agreements. MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith is also supporting the move to bring in a renters’ bill of rights that would protect pet owners.
“We, the undersigned, citizens of Canada, call upon the House of Commons to include Canadian tenants with pets in a legally binding, nationwide Canadian Renters’ Bill of Rights with a specific provision for companion animals, voiding any ‘no pet’ clauses in tenancy agreements so that tenants with pets are no longer excluded from rental housing,” the petition reads.
The parliamentary petition (e-5046) is a long way from becoming law, but it is designed to increase access to pet-inclusive housing across the country.
“More than 60% of Canadian households have cats and dogs, with more than 70% identifying them as family members,” it notes.
It also says companion animals reduce stress, depression and loneliness.
But pet restrictions in rental housing lead to housing insecurity, homelessness and disproportionately affect the young and vulnerable populations, such as seniors and people with disabilities.
“One of the top three reasons people surrender their pets to animal shelters is loss of suitable housing, which is increasing across the country due to national economic challenges,” it adds.
That comes as animal shelters nationwide are already at capacity.
The petition also suggest landlords can benefit from pet-inclusive housing through increased tenant retention.
Right now, only Ontario addresses the issue of discrimination against pet owners. In that province, any provision in a tenancy agreement that prohibits animals is void under section 14 of the Residential Tenancies Act.
“We’re working with our members all across Canada, including BC SPCA, Winnipeg Humane Society, Edmonton Humane Society, and Montreal SPCA, to raise awareness on this issue,” Humane Canada said in a statement.
