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“I had to sell all of my belongings and now I live in my vehicle, as I need to stay in the lower mainland but cannot find a house in my price range that will accept a pet.”

No one should have to choose between their pet and their home. But in BC 1.6 million renters bear the brunt of the housing crisis and with the lack of affordable housing options, there are even fewer for people who have pets.

The lack of pet-friendly rental options in BC is a barrier to safe housing for pet owners, especially those with lower incomes.

Pets are valued and loved members of many households across the province. Because of the physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership as well as the health and accessibility aspects, restricting pets in rentals is a fairness and human rights concern.

The lack of pet-friendly rental housing was a common theme we found in our BC Eviction Mapping Project. Tenants reported displacement, downsizing and even homelessness due to not being able to find housing that would accommodate their pet.

“[I had] Difficulty finding somewhere to move that allowed pets, had to move to a rougher neighbourhood, further away from work.”

In the BC NDP’s 2024 provincial election campaign, Premier David Eby promised to “stop pet evictions in purpose-built rentals” and recognized that no person should have to choose between their pet and their home.

We call on the provincial government to uphold that promise and prohibit pet bans in rentals. This will help protect the most vulnerable tenants, uphold their rights, and save them from having to choose between safe housing options or homelessness.

“The worst part this time around is that I think [I] have to leave my dog for a few months … We’re looking for pet friendly housing, but I just can’t afford the upfront costs all at once right now when inflation is hitting so hard.”

Use your voice and join us to stand up for tenants and pets across BC. Send a letter to your MLA asking them to prohibit restrictions on pets in any rental housing with five or more units.

You can read more about our suggestions for amendments to the RTA, outlined in our new law reform platform.

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