Finding a home for you and your furry, four-legged friend can be a bit of a challenge here in British Columbia, which is why the BC SPCA is now working hard to create a more humane community for people and pets alike.
Winston the beagle and Pepinot the miniature schnauzer were abandoned in a Vancouver apartment on moving day, likely because their owners could not find a new home that would be willing to accept them.
Photo Credit: BC SPCA.
The two pups have become quite good pals, and now their new owners are paying $400 more in rent per month, just to ensure that these two aren’t separated from each other.
Some can handle the extra $400 a month in rent, but most guardians cannot afford to pay more to keep their furry family members.
According to the BC SPCA, about 20 per cent of companion animals across the province are surrendered by their guardians because of a lack of available pet-friendly housing.
Breaking down that percentage, that’s about 1,500 pets annually.
Moreover, the BC SPCA receives dozens of calls from frustrated people unable to find a home for their pet, and yet 80 per cent of B.C. residents favour legislation that allows pet guardians the right to keep companion animals.
“The benefits animals provide affect people of all ages and from all walks of life, demonstrated by the reality that over fifty percent of the population has pets,” read a BC SPCA press release. “Discriminating against a possible tenant or property owner based on their positive relationship with their pets creates additional stress for all involved.”
In light of this issue, the BC SPCA has created three toolkits: one for renters, one for property owners and managers, and one for strata councils.
“These packages make it easier to communicate, both helping renter’s to demonstrate themselves as good guardians and also making it easy for strata councils and property owners to effectively manage their buildings and suites,” read the release.
To reach the toolkits, click on the following links: renters guide, property owner and manager guide, and strata council guide.
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