Most people in Prince George live in homes with yards.
However there are those who live in multi-family dwellings with restricted access to the use of a yard for their pets.
Living in such accommodation means that one typically has to abide by strict pet-ownership regulations, including no pets allowed.
Finding pet-friendly accommodation, especially those allowing dogs and even cats, is difficult.
The B.C. SPCA has an online rental toolkit that helps pet guardians locate housing that offers a welcome mat, to both people and their pets.
It also sets a high standard for pet care and responsibility in multiple-family dwellings
"The lack of pet-friendly housing in this province is a major issue for our organization," said Lorie Chortyk, the society's general manager of community relations.
"More than 2,500 companion pets, a year, are surrendered to our shelters by people who can't find housing that will permit their pets."
The toolkit is primarily aimed at renters, but it also promotes the inclusion of pet-friendly housing in strata units.
Simply put, says Chortyk, pets benefit society and prohibiting them does a disservice to all renters, homeowners, landlords and strata councils alike.
For example, she notes people with pets stay longer and pay more rent -- between 20 and 30 per cent more -- than people without pets.
Pets provide increased security to a building, when their guardians exercise them, as well as when left alone inside a unit and pets reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress in people.
Still, pet-friendly rental stock is slim in B.C., with only five per cent of rental suites or condominiums officially allowing dogs, and approximately nine per cent allowing cats.
When vacancy rates are low, the possibility of finding accommodation is even more overwhelming.
"We receive calls every day from people who are upset because they aren't able to find a place to rent with their pets," says Chortyk.
"Too often, the only choice they are left with is to give up their pets.
"This is devastating for the pet guardian and for the animals who have spent their entire lives with one family."
If you are looking for a rental or even a condominium accommodation and have a pet that is part of your family, don't give up.
Try putting together a pet resum. Let the landlord meet your pet.
Be an open and responsible pet guardian and know how to prove it.
The B.C. SPCA's online Rental Toolkit can help.
Visit www.spca.bc.ca/rentaltoolkit for quick facts, landlord and tenant FAQs, a list of questions for landlords to ask while interviewing prospective tenants, a sample pet policy, pet registration form and pet resum, a letter from the B.C. SPCA and an electronic PowerPoint presentation to deliver to stakeholder groups.
When you do find such accommodation, realize that finding an apartment for yourself is entirely different from finding an ideal place for your pet.
Pets have a natural fear of new surroundings.
Improperly introducing them to their new home can leave them stressed out.
Here are some suggestions:
Pick a small room to be the pet room, which will make the pet feel more secure while you're settling in.
Leave them with their crate, favourite toys, food bowls, furniture and litter box.
Always have your pet leashed until they have adapted to their new surroundings and you know the area they are in is secure and escape proof.
Clean up accidents as quickly as possible.
Behaviours tend to be repeated in the same areas, so remove odours as quickly as possible.
Let your dog visit your new place before moving in.
Relax with him in the new environment.
Take your dog on several walks to get accustomed with the new neighbourhood.
For your cat, provide one room as her home, with her toys, and other belongings for a few days.
Then, let your cat explore the new home on her own, one room at a time.
Do not open any windows more than a crack, unless they are screened securely, so that your cat cannot escape.
