The Calgary Humane Society has joined forces with the City of Calgary to expand access to affordable housing that welcomes pets, addressing a critical need for pet-owning residents.
A Growing Problem
Each year, roughly 500 families in Calgary surrender a pet due to a lack of pet-inclusive rental options. Carrie Fritz, executive director of the Calgary Humane Society, emphasized the emotional toll: "Every single day, we see families coming in, making that impossible choice. They are choosing between a place to live or keeping their companion animal."
While more than half of Calgarians own pets, fewer than 10 percent of low-cost rentals permit them. Fritz noted, "The problem is real, and it's something that we felt we could do better on. We have had people coming into our shelter, incredibly emotional — grown men in tears — asking what we can do to help them."
Toolkit for Landlords and Tenants
In collaboration with the city, the Humane Society has developed an online toolkit designed to mitigate risks and facilitate discussions about allowing pets in rental properties. A University of Calgary study revealed that many landlords perceive risks such as noise, disruption, and property damage associated with pets. Fritz explained, "All of those risks are addressed in the toolkit. I think most landlords are not necessarily pet-averse; they're risk-averse. So if we can manage those risks, I think that they would be more willing."
The Humane Society also offers programs to help both parties navigate challenges and "meet in the middle." The toolkit is a first step, providing tenants with resources to increase transparency and accountability, giving landlords confidence to welcome animals.
Benefits for Landlords
Reid Hendry, the city's chief housing officer, pointed out that pet owners often make stable, long-term tenants. "By not allowing pets in your rental, you are inherently excluding 50 percent of potential applicants from your applicant pool. That just doesn't make good financial sense as a landlord. You're doing yourself a disservice by excluding that large portion, the majority of Calgarians who own pets, from renting in the space you own."
Fritz concluded, "This is not about irresponsible pet ownership. These pets have homes, these families love their animal, and we want to make sure that they're staying together."
