Whereas companion animals have been proven to enhance physical, emotional and mental wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable British Columbians such as women, young people, households with lower incomes, renters and those experiencing homelessness who identify greater reliance on their companion animals for support and greater difficulty finding affordable, pet-friendly housing; And whereas the lack of pet-friendly housing continues to be the primary reason for the surrender of healthy, loved, adult companion animals to the BC SPCA, despite the provincial governments work to increase housing affordability and supply: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM ask the Province of British Columbia to direct BC Housing to develop strategies and guidance that support pet-friendly housing in the non-profit sector; And be it further resolved that UBCM ask the Province of British Columbia to consider pet friendly housing in the BC Housing Strategy update and to work with stakeholders including but not limited to landlords and tenants associations, animal welfare organizations, public health, mental health and seniors organizations, and poverty reduction and homelessness advocates to find cooperative solutions to increase the availability and affordability of pet-friendly housing for all British Columbians while providing appropriate protections and mechanisms of compensation for landlords.
