Pet Inclusive Housing

Did you know that more than 60% of Canadian households have cats and dogs, with over 70% considering them family members?

Yet, tenants with pets face systematic discrimination and struggle to find suitable rental housing. This discrimination not only impacts individuals and families but also contributes to significant mental health challenges and housing insecurity.

Here are the key facts about the issue at hand:

• Vulnerable Populations: Young people, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are disproportionately affected by these restrictions

• Housing Insecurity: Pet restrictions in rental housing contribute significantly to housing insecurity and homelessness.

• Surrendering Pets: One of the top three reasons for surrendering pets to animal shelters is the loss of suitable housing.

• Mental Health: Pets are known to reduce stress, depression, and loneliness.

Humane Canada is working to change this!

Legislation: Humane Canada is working at the national level to increase animal protections and include people and their pets in housing policies that support pet-inclusive housing.
Advocacy: We have partnered with MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and our member humane societies and SPCAs to launch a parliamentary petition (e-5046) aimed at increasing access to pet-inclusive housing across the country.
Education: 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.

Join us in making a difference! Support our efforts by signing and sharing the petition:

Have you rented property in Ontario in the last five years?

In Ontario, “no pets” clauses in rental agreements governed by the province’s Residential Tenancies Act have been invalid and unenforceable since the late 1990s. However, in the past few years as rental property across the province has become less affordable and available, we have heard stories where people have been denied accommodation or have felt like they had to choose between their animals and finding a place to live.

To better understand this situation, Humane Canada is conducting a short survey that invites Ontario renters with animals to anonymously share their experiences with the “no pets” clause in the past five years. The information collected will allow us to see if there are gaps in the legislation that require attention.

Access the survey here:

Stay up-to-date with the latest news on pet inclusive housing across the country:

For media inquiries, please direct your questions to Tara Hellewell at tara@humanecanada.ca.

To read our latest press release, please click here.