My partner and I have faced an unimaginable hardship. Over the past 14 days, we have made numerous distressing calls to rescues and shelters, attempting to surrender our beloved companions, who have been part of our family since they were kittens. Why? We were unable to find a pet-friendly rental, and were facing the threat of homelessness.

This is not an isolated story. Every shelter we have contacted repeated the same message, they are at their maximum capacity. Waitlists to accept more animals vary from 4 months to 3 years, implicating a severe crisis due to the current rental climate. As a result, our two pets had no other sanctuary but a pound and unfortunately are at risk of euthanasia as the volume of surrendered animals sky rocket.  

This option was only available to us for the fee of $540 per pet, costing us over $1000 to surrender our animals. We were ‘lucky’ enough to have the money to do this but when asked what would happen if we couldn’t pay, and what other families do if they can’t fund this I was told the pets would be dumped. 

The rental policies in New South Wales are failing families and their pets. The Australian Companion Animal Council reported that 63% of Australian households own a pet, yet only roughly 10% of rental properties permit pets as per Real Estate Institute's estimation.

Having pets in our society is essential for psychological wellbeing, particularly during these challenging times of increased isolation. Limiting pet ownership due to rental policies is a harsh reality that many Australians face. 

Anthony Albanese used Pet-friendly rental policy change during his Prime minister campaign and promised Australians to support change of this issue however since being elected has not spoken on this 1 time.

Therefore, we are requesting the NSW Government to consider implementing regulations that require landlords to allow pets in rental properties and make it stiff for them to reject pets. With this change, we can prevent the pain my family and so many others endured from surrendering their family members due to unsympathetic and rigid rental policies.

Pet owners, potential renters and animal lovers across NSW, we need your support to make this legislative change. Add your signature and voice to this crucial issue. Sign the petition today.