Vancouver called on to let low-income renters keep pets in subsidized housing units

It’s tough enough finding a place to rent that allows pets. It’s even more of a struggle if you’re seeking subsidized housing, a Vancouver lawyer says.

“I hear hundreds of examples every year of people having housing issues,” said Joshua Prowse, a housing lawyer with Community Legal Assistance Society. “One consistent pattern is pet owners being forced to make that choice — to give up their pet or wait even longer … and hope something (pet-friendly) comes up.”

Upwards of 20 per cent of those approved for subsidized housing must surrender their pets to the SPCA, Prowse said, adding: “It’s a terrible choice. We shouldn’t be asking these people who are vulnerable to have to make it.”

A choice, he hopes, they won’t have to make much longer.

Prowse sits on the City of Vancouver’s renters’ advisory committee. The committee has forwarded a proposal to city council that sometime in the early new year is expected to look at the matter and debate making it easier for low-income pet owners to bring their animals with them to subsidized housing.

There are more than 10,000 people in Metro Vancouver on waiting lists for subsidized housing, Prowse said.

The SPCA does a lot of work on housing issues and pets, he added, and has helpful information on its website.

“But that doesn’t help much with large institutional landlords like B.C. Housing.”

Other jurisdictions have taken steps to protect low-income renters with pets, he said.

“It’s time for our city to catch up and address this issue.”