Finding housing

Starting your housing search

In some areas, housing is scarce and the market is competitive. Having a pet of any kind presents a challenge, but larger dogs, and certain breeds, are the most likely to be discriminated against.

There are some great resources out there for pet owners seeking housing. Allow yourself as much time as possible, be persistent but courteous, and do everything you can to make sure your dog is a great neighbour. Invest in training and consider a "dog resume" to show off your dog's best qualities. Get references from your trainer, dog walker, and previous neighbours. Check out these links for some great tips:

BAD RAP - Renting with your dog
Animal Farm Foundation - Tips for overcoming pet-owner inaccessible housing (article + podcast)

If you are renting or buying a unit in a co-op, strata or multi-unit building, be sure to ask specific questions about the bylaws that apply to pets. Always ask to see them yourself.

It is very common for us to hear from people whose landlord or manager was personally okay with their pet, but weren't acquainted with the letter of the bylaw. If BSL doesn't affect you personally, it's easy to be unaware. All it takes is a grumpy neighbour to use this against you down the road, and you can't count on being grandfathered in.

Before signing the agreement, ask to see any bylaws, regulations, and recent meeting minutes. Look for any reference to pet restrictions or breed language and get written clarification from a strata representative.
If there is a breed restriction that may remotely resemble your pet, ask for a statement in writing as to how breed identification is done. Shockingly, most stratas don't outline how a dog's breed is to be identified, and when there is a disagreement it usually resorts to a messy "he said she said" situation about the dog's breed. At least if you have a statement saying that a vet's statement or adoption paperwork is sufficient breed ID, you can have that on file in case concerns are raised in the future.
Don't make assumptions about pet policies based on other dogs who live in the building. Neighbours might be looking the other way, the resident may have an arrangement with council, or the pet might have been grandfathered in.

At the end of the day, it is the letter of the law that should inform your decision about whether this is the right place for you and your dog to live. We hear from many people who were reassured by landlords or neighbours that they would be safe, but without watertight documentation, you and your dog are at risk if you fall under a restricted breed bylaw.