I am a senior with a small dog and beautiful ragdoll cat living in the Nelson area. I applied for subsidized housing for one  of the three new housing projects being built in Nelson. I am not eligible because they have a no pet policy. 

I would live in my car before abandoning my pets and I know there are many pet owners who feel the same. Seniors benefit greatly by having pets in there life. Much research has been done to prove this. The BCSPCA has written an excellent pet friendly rental agreement that can be used to resolve the issues surrounding tenants with pets. By signing the pet rental agreement the pet owners are held accountable to twelve stipulations that should put the landlords mind at ease.

Its time to end this discrimination against pet owners. So many pets end up at the animal shelter because the owners can't find anyone to rent to them with pets. I think it's a real disservice to seniors and people with disabilities who lives are enriched by caring for a beloved pet.  The majority of seniors and people with disabilities usually have much free time  to care for a pet.

Please see links below for example Of a pet rental agreement written by BCSPCA and research supporting the many benefits for seniors living with pets. This would be the same for people with disabilities who are able to meet the stipulations in the pet rental agreement shown below in link. See the link showing how Vancouver city is putting an end to no pet rules.

https://www.rebgv.org/news-archive/vancouver-council-passes-motion-to-end--no-pets--rental-rules​

http://www.petsfortheelderly.org/our-work/research.php​

https://spca.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/renters-guide.pdf