The Struggle is Real
The Market
The demand for pet-friendly housing far outweighs supply. Research shows that over 70% of renters have pets, yet only a fraction of rental listings accommodates them and when they do, they often come with size and breed restrictions.
This imbalance creates an increasingly competitive and frustrating market for responsible pet owners who are actively seeking housing that includes their pets as part of the household.
housing barriers
In Calgary alone, 155 pets were surrendered in 2023 due to housing-related issues, directly linking rental barriers to pet displacement. These numbers are only increasing.
Across Canada, animal welfare organizations consistently report housing as a leading reason pets are given up, forcing families to make heartbreaking decisions between keeping their home or their pet.
The trust gap
vulnerability
Many landlords remain hesitant to accept pets due to concerns around property damage, noise, and liability.
Without a standardized system to assess responsible pet ownership, decisions are often based on assumption rather than verified behavior.
vulnerability
vulnerability
A lack of pet-friendly housing is forcing some of the most vulnerable people in Canada to remain in unsafe or unstable living situations.
Research shows that up to 47% of domestic violence survivors delay leaving, or do not leave at all, if they cannot bring their pet with them, highlighting how deeply pets influence safety decisions.
desperation
desperation
A lack of pet-friendly housing is also contributing to a quieter, more concerning issue, pets being abandoned rather than surrendered through proper channels.
Housing instability is a leading reason for pet relinquishment, yet not all animals make it to shelters. When faced with strict rental restrictions, sudden moves, or limited time, some owners feel they have no viable options and resort to abandoning pets in vacant properties, rural areas, or public spaces.
exclusion
desperation
Nearly 1 in 5 Canadian pet owners (19%) have been denied housing or experienced difficulty securing a rental due to having a pet.
This highlights a widespread barrier in the rental market—where responsible pet owners are excluded not because of their track record, but because there is no system in place to demonstrate it.
Pets are Family
The Value of Pets in Everyday Life
Pets play a meaningful role in our lives, offering companionship, emotional support, and a consistent sense of connection. They contribute to improved mental and physical well-being by reducing stress, encouraging routine, and promoting active lifestyles.
Beyond their individual impact, pets help strengthen social bonds, sparking interactions, building communities, and fostering a sense of belonging. For many, pets are not just animals but integral members of the family, making their inclusion in housing and everyday life essential to overall quality of life.