1. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS A serious shortage of rental units 50 5 9 More than 50 per cent of B.C. residents have pets, but just 5 per cent of rental suites allow dogs, and only 9 per cent allow cats Pets in People Places

2. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS Pets in People Places The availability of pet-friendly housing is limited even further by a low rental vacancy rate Landlords are more selective about who they rent to, and tenants with pets are forced to compete for housing

3. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS Pets in People Places

4. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS 2,500 About 2,500 animals a year are surrendered to the SPCA because their guardians couldn’t find pet-friendly housing These animals are often relinquished in multiple numbers and are older, less adoptable pets who have spent most of their lives with a single family Pets in People Places

5. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS 80 Nearly 80 per cent of B.C. residents are in favour of legislation that allows pet guardians the right to keep companion animals Pets in People Places

6. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS easy compassionate humanewise profitable It’s easy for landlords and strata councils to prohibit pets, but it’s compassionate, humane, wise and profitable to permit and regulate them Pets in People Places

7. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS Regulating Pets  Landlords can put in place various safeguards to help ensure pet guardians are respectful of their neighbours and that they take proper care of their rental property and their pet  Tenants can increase their desirability as renters by providing prospective landlords with proof that they are responsible pet owners, and by agreeing to follow established pet policies Pets in People Places

8. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS The Benefits:  Pet guardians typically pay between 20 and 30 per cent more for rental units  Tenants with pets tend to stay longer – an average of 46 months, compared to 18 months for tenants without pets  Pet guardians have a vested interest in being model tenants Pets in People Places

9. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS  Building security is increased when pets are present, both in the unit of residence, and around the complex during late-night or early-morning walks  Pets reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress  Pets teach children empathy and responsibility, and contribute to their overall self-esteem Pets in People Places

10. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS The Tools For Landlords:  Pet damage deposit – In addition to the regular damage deposit, a landlord can require a pet damage deposit of up to 50 per cent of one month’s rent  Landlords can restrict the size, kind and number of pets  Landlords can restrict where pets are permitted inside and outside a unit Pets in People Places

11. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS  Tenant interviews – Asking a few key questions of tenants during a preliminary interview will help reveal whether they are responsible pet guardians  Landlords can have tenants abide by a strict Pet Policy setting out the number and type of pets a tenant can have, proper pet behaviour, pet vaccination and identification requirements and leash laws Pets in People Places

12. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS Pets in People Places For Tenants:  Pet resumé – Tenants should list pet’s achievements and attributes on a pet resumé. Include a photo as well as references from veterinarian, trainer, previous landlord, breeder, neighbour, dog-walker, or animal shelter where pet was adopted  Tenants should make sure their pet always appears groomed and wears proper identification

13. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS  Tenants should provide the landlord with proof of pet’s spay/neuter, and any certificates of pet’s obedience training  Tenants should invite a prospective landlord to meet their well-behaved pet  Tenants should indicate their willingness to respect the wishes of people who are fearful of or allergic to animals Pets in People Places

14. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS  Tenants permitted to have pets should always adhere to the established Pet Policy and encourage other pet guardians to do the same  Tenants should never acquire a pet unless permitted to do so  The website www.petsandapartments.com is an excellent resource to find pet-friendly housing Pets in People Places

15. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS clear and humane guidelines code of conduct The BC SPCA believes that these clear and humane guidelines that establish a code of conduct for pets and their guardians will reduce conflict and ensure harmony between pet guardians and their neighbours Pets in People Places

16. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS Where to Start  Facts  Sample Pet Policy  Sample Pet Resumé  Landlord and Tenant FAQs  Letter from the BC SPCA  And more … Pets in People Places Visit www.spca.bc.ca/rentaltoolkit for:

17. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS Pets in People Places Living with animals is one of the greatest benefits of life. Only by behaving as responsible pet guardians will we be able to initiate positive changes that result in a housing market that is as eager to accept our pets as they are to accept us

18. SPEAKING FOR ANIMALS Pets in People Places