Annette Cary, a 60-year-old resident of Whitehorse, faces a common dilemma when perusing rental listings in the area: the prevalent “no pets” policy. Expressing her disappointment, Cary shared that her son had warned her about the challenging rental market in Yukon prior to her relocation. Despite efforts to find a suitable place for herself and her rescue dog, Axel, the scarcity of pet-friendly rentals remains a significant obstacle.
The Yukon recently implemented the Residential Tenancies Act, effective as of September 1, which includes provisions for formal pet deposits to address concerns about potential property damage. While this initiative aims to encourage more landlords to permit pets in their units, the reality on the ground shows that many landlords still opt to avoid tenants with animals, leading to distressing situations for pet owners like Cary and others.
Tess Hardy, the kennel manager at Humane Society Yukon, noted that the new regulations have not yet translated into a noticeable increase in pet-friendly rentals. She mentioned recent instances of pet surrenders due to housing restrictions, hindering people from adopting animals from shelters. Hardy emphasized the need for a balance between landlord concerns about property damage and the rights of pet owners, particularly those with limited financial resources.
Valerie Ducharme, another affected individual, expressed her reluctance to part with her Australian shepherd, Moo Moo, highlighting the deep bond between pets and their owners. Despite persistent efforts to secure pet-friendly accommodation, she faced repeated rejections once landlords were informed about her dog. Ducharme echoed the sentiment shared by many in the Yukon community, advocating for regulations similar to those in Ontario that prohibit landlords from enforcing no-pet clauses in leases.
As residents like Cary, Ducharme, and pet advocates continue to navigate the challenges posed by limited pet-friendly rentals in Yukon, the hope remains for a shift towards more inclusive housing policies that accommodate both tenants and their beloved animal companions.
