Pet Inclusive Housing
Pets are family, and housing should reflect that.
The Problem
Access to pet-friendly housing is one of the leading and most preventable causes of pet surrender in Calgary. Every year, hundreds of animals are surrendered to Calgary Humane Society not because they are unloved or unwanted, but because their families cannot find housing that allows pets.
As housing costs rise and rental availability tightens, the gap between pet ownership and pet-inclusive housing continues to grow. About 53 per cent of Calgary households have pets, according to a 2020 Leger survey conducted for the City of Calgary as part of the Responsible Pet Ownership Bylaw Review. Fewer than 10 per cent of lower-cost rental listings in Calgary allow pets, based on a Rentfaster.ca snapshot taken May 20, 2026, using listings priced at $1,600 or less (based on The City of Calgary’s definition of affordable). Many renters are denied housing because of their animals, while others remain in unstable or unsafe situations to avoid losing a beloved companion.
Research conducted by the Haskayne School of Business in partnership with Calgary Humane Society found that most landlords are not opposed to pets themselves — they are concerned about risk. Concerns around damage, noise, and liability are often driven by lack of structure and support, not negative experiences.
At the same time, evidence shows that pet-friendly housing can be successfully managed through clear expectations, communication, and practical tools.
>500
Animals are abandoned or surrendered to Calgary Humane Society annually due to housing insecurity.
60%
Of renters have reported being denied housing because of a pet.
5%
Of apartment-building landlords - the largest rental category - report allowing pets at all.
Landlords are not opposed to pets themselves — they are concerned about risk.
The Solution
In response, Calgary Humane Society and the City of Calgary are launching a city-wide Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative focused on prevention, education, and collaboration.
The initiative aims to reduce housing-related pet surrender by helping landlords and tenants build successful, stable pet-inclusive housing arrangements.
The initiative includes:
- Pet-inclusive housing resources and toolkits
- Practical pet agreements and screening tools
- Behaviour support and educational resources
- Emergency boarding and crisis support services
- Public awareness campaigns and community partnerships
- Advocacy for more pet-inclusive housing policies and practices
At its core, the initiative is built on a simple belief
Pets are family, and housing should reflect that.
A Guide to Pet-Inclusive Housing (Landlord & Tenant Toolkit)
Emergency Boarding
Calgary Humane Society’s Emergency Boarding Program provides temporary care for pets belonging to individuals experiencing housing insecurity, crisis, hospitalization, or other emergency situations. The program is designed to keep people and their pets together during periods of instability by offering a safe, supportive place for animals while their owners work toward securing stable housing or resolving urgent circumstances. By removing the fear of losing a beloved companion animal during times of crisis, the program helps prevent unnecessary pet surrender and supports both human and animal wellbeing.
For more information or to access Emergency Boarding, please contact us at 403-723-6025 or email found@calgaryhumane.ca.
Community Services
- Pets & Renters Program behaviour and tenancy support
- Behaviour Support Services training and consultations
- Pet Food Bank food and supply assistance
- Emergency Boarding Program temporary crisis care
- Pet Safekeeping Program confidential safe housing
- Rosco’s Keep Them Home Program urgent veterinary support
- Wellness Clinics accessible veterinary care
- Seniors Program support for pet owners on a fixed income
- Lost & Found Services pet reunification
- Cremation & End-of-Life Services
Frequently Asked Questions
Pet-inclusive housing works best when expectations are clear, support is practical, and both landlords and tenants have the tools they need.
What is pet-inclusive housing?
Pet-inclusive housing refers to rental or housing environments that allow pets while using clear, structured policies to support successful tenancies. It does not mean “no rules.” Instead, it focuses on reasonable expectations, communication, and risk management practices that support both landlords and tenants.
Is this initiative asking landlords to accept all pets without restrictions?
No. The initiative encourages landlords to move away from blanket restrictions and toward structured, behaviour-based policies. Landlords can still establish reasonable expectations, agreements, and management practices that protect their property and support successful tenancy outcomes.
Are pets really a major factor in housing instability?
Yes. Research conducted with the Haskayne School of Business and frontline data from Calgary Humane Society show that housing barriers are a significant contributor to pet surrender and housing instability. Community organizations also report that pets are frequently cited as barriers to accessing shelter, rental housing, and supportive housing services.
Don’t pets cause more damage and complaints?
Research suggests that concerns about pets are often overestimated. In fact, landlords who prohibit pets reported higher rates of property damage and cleaning or turnover challenges than landlords who allow pets. Clear agreements, communication, and structured expectations are stronger predictors of successful tenancy than pet restrictions alone.
Why focus on landlords?
Most landlords are not opposed to pets themselves,they are concerned about risk, liability, and uncertainty. This initiative aims to provide practical tools, resources, and support that help landlords confidently manage pet-inclusive housing in a structured and consistent way.
What supports are available for landlords?
The initiative provides landlords with:
- Pet agreements and lease addendums
- Screening and reference templates
- Behaviour and conflict-resolution resources
- Educational materials and myth-busting information
- Guidance on communication and implementation
- Access to Calgary Humane Society support resources
What supports are available for tenants?
Tenants can access:
- Pet resume templates
- Guidance for renting with pets
- Responsible pet ownership resources
- Behaviour support and training information
- Free behaviour consultations and helpline support through CHS
- Emergency boarding and crisis support programs where applicable
Does pet-friendly housing benefit landlords?
Yes. Research and landlord experience suggest that pet-friendly housing can:
- Expand the applicant pool
- Reduce vacancy periods
- Improve tenant retention
- Support longer-term tenancy stability
- Create a competitive advantage in tight rental markets
Does this initiative involve changing legislation?
At this stage, the initiative is focused on education, awareness, collaboration, and practical tools. It also seeks to encourage broader conversations around pet-inclusive housing practices and future housing policy considerations.
What is Calgary Humane Society hoping to achieve?
The goal is to reduce preventable pet surrender by increasing access to stable, pet-inclusive housing. By supporting landlords, tenants, and housing partners with practical resources and education, Calgary Humane Society hopes to build a more compassionate and inclusive housing system where fewer families are forced to choose between housing and their pets.
How can landlords or organizations get involved?
Landlords, housing providers, developers, social service agencies, and community organizations can:
- Access the landlord toolkit and resource hub
- Explore pet-inclusive policy options
- Partner with Calgary Humane Society
- Participate in education and awareness efforts
- Help expand housing opportunities for people with pets
Will Calgary Humane Society advocate for policy change related to pet-inclusive housing?
Calgary Humane Society recognizes that long-term, sustainable change will require collaboration across multiple sectors, including government. As part of this initiative, Calgary Humane Society will work toward municipal and provincial policy change through its government relations strategy. This includes engaging policymakers, housing stakeholders, and community partners to encourage more pet-inclusive approaches in rental, affordable, and supportive housing development. The goal is to reduce preventable pet surrender, improve housing stability, and ensure more families can remain together with their pets.
Partner With Us
Landlords, housing providers, developers, social service agencies, and community organizations can help expand housing opportunities for people with pets.
Tell Us Your Story
Have you faced challenges finding pet-inclusive housing — or found a solution that worked? We want to hear from you.