Victoria is home to tens of thousands of pet owners. Yet, its pet-friendly policies remain limited. While cities such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto have advanced toward pet-friendly spaces, transit options, and housing opportunities, Victoria is still on the path toward improvement in these areas. With the right initiatives, Victoria has the potential to embrace these changes to become a leading pet-friendly city, benefiting both the quality of life of residents and the local economy.
One of the challenges pet owners have to face is finding rental housing that allows animals. Landlords often impose strict pet policies, leaving tenants with limited options. Even when housing is available, pet deposits and additional fees increase the expenses. This financial burden forces some families to give up their pets, making the lack of pet-friendly housing one of the main reasons for adult animal surrenders in British Columbia.
The difficulty of securing pet-friendly housing opposes the fact that pets play a crucial role in people’s well-being. For many, pets become more than just animals; they are lifelong companions that provide emotional support and improve mental health. With around 80 percent of Canadian households owning some type of pet and over half having a dog, cat, or both, pet ownership is certainly an integral part of life for many Victorians.
In Victoria, specifically, 72 percent of pet owners have one dog, while 11 percent have two, and less than two percent own three or more. Despite the presence of pets, many landlords remain hesitant to allow them due to concerns about property damage and the cost of renovations after tenants move out. While these concerns are understandable, the benefits of having more pet-friendly housing policies should be prioritized.
Beyond the personal value that pets provide to their owners, the pet industry is also a major economic force.
In Greater Victoria, pet owners spend millions of dollars on food, veterinary services, and other pet-related products. Across Canada, the pet industry thrives, with over 2,500 pet stores, employing more than 22,000 people. Alongside embracing a more pet-friendly approach, Victoria could support local businesses and create a space for job opportunities in this growing sector.
Implementing new shared spaces in Victoria, similar to those in cities like Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto, could offer residents a place to enjoy quality time with their pets while fostering a sense of community. These shared spaces, such as pet-friendly malls and more outdoor areas, can create more inclusive public spaces where pets are welcome. This will further solidify the city as a reliably pet-friendly region.
The city must also reconsider the rising popularity of exotic and wild animals as pets in Canada. This trend highlights the need for responsible pet-ownership regulations, as well as spaces and services that are supplied to all types of pets. With better policies, Victoria can ensure that pets, their owners, and the community share spaces harmoniously.
Victoria has the opportunity to become a model pet-friendly city, but for this to happen, it requires collaboration between landlords, policymakers, and pet owners. Encouraging more pet-inclusive housing, expanding pet-friendly public spaces, and supporting the pet industry will not only benefit residents but also contribute to the city’s economy.
By embracing these changes, Victoria can become a model for pet-friendly living, enhancing the lives of citizens and reinforcing its reputation as a progressive and welcoming city.