Calgary Humane Society and City of Calgary Launch City-Wide Initiative to Expand Pet-Inclusive Housing
Calgary Humane Society, in partnership with the City of Calgary, is launching a city-wide initiative to address one of the most urgent and preventable drivers of pet surrender: the lack of pet-inclusive housing.
Grounded in research conducted by the University of Calgary and supported by Calgary Humane Society’s frontline data, the initiative aims to increase access to pet-friendly housing, reduce housing-related pet surrenders, and ensure that no Calgarian is forced to choose between a safe home and their pet.
On average, over 500 animals annually are abandoned or surrendered to Calgary Humane Society due to housing insecurity. 53% of Calgarians report owning a pet, while less than 10% of low-cost rentals are pet friendly.
“Pets are family. Housing should reflect that,” said Carrie Fritz, Calgary Humane Society. “We are seeing more and more families facing impossible decisions, not because they don’t love or want their pets, but because they simply cannot find housing that allows them to stay together.”
Calgary is experiencing a widening gap between rising pet ownership and limited rental options that allow animals.
• More than half of pet-owning renters have been denied housing because of a pet
• Many individuals remain in unsafe or unhealthy living situations due to a lack of alternatives
• Vulnerable populations—including low-income families, seniors, and newcomers—are disproportionately impacted
• Housing instability is an increasingly common factor in pet surrender, putting a strain on animal shelters.
Each year, hundreds of animals are surrendered to Calgary Humane Society as a direct result of housing barriers. These are not cases of neglect or lack of commitment; they are the result of a system that leaves pet owners with no viable options. This partnership aims to encourage landlords to reconsider pet restrictions by highlighting the very real and often heartbreaking impact these policies have on companion animals, and on the people who love them.
“Enabling housing choice is essential to building a city that works for everyone,” said Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer, City of Calgary. “Landlords can play an important role in expanding housing choice by providing pet inclusive options for Calgarians.”
The initiative positions Calgary Humane Society and the City of Calgary as leading voices on pet-inclusive housing, bringing together landlords, housing organizations, social service agencies, and the broader community.
Key components include:
• Pet Emergency Boarding for individuals experiencing housing insecurity
• A Pet-Inclusive Housing Resource Hub offering centralized tools and guidance
• Landlord Toolkits with practical resources such as pet policies, screening templates, and risk mitigation strategies
• Tenant Toolkits including pet resumes, references, and guidance to improve rental success
• A public awareness campaign, cross-sector partnerships to align housing, social services, and animal welfare efforts
• Policy engagement to encourage pet-inclusive practices in future housing development
Importantly, the initiative addresses a critical insight: most landlords are not opposed to pets, they are concerned about risk. By providing clear tools, education, and support, Calgary Humane Society aims to reduce uncertainty and demonstrate that pet-friendly housing is both manageable and beneficial.
Research and experience show that pet-inclusive housing offers tangible advantages:
• Pet owners are often long-term, stable tenants
• Pet-friendly units attract a larger pool of applicants and fill more quickly
• Clear policies and expectations reduce conflict and property concerns
At its core, the initiative is about prevention, reducing the number of animals entering the shelter system by addressing the root causes of surrender. Every pet-friendly home represents a family that stays together, reduced pressure on animal shelters, and a stronger, more compassionate community.
“No one should have to give up a beloved companion due to circumstances beyond their control,” said Carrie Fritz, Calgary Humane Society. “By working together, we can build a Calgary where both people and pets have a place to call home.”
Learn more about the initiative and find resources at www.calgaryhumane.ca/meettheneed
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