I am Patricia Vallee, and I am deeply passionate about advocating for more resources for pet guardians and their furry family members during crisis moments. Whether it's fleeing violence or any emergency that results in the sudden loss of a home, having the right support for pets is crucial.

This issue is personal to me because it happened to me. I have five cats and a dog, and it is simply not an option for me to separate from them. For the past eight months, my beloved pets and I have been living in a tent. We're constantly uprooted and harassed by bylaw because affordable pet-friendly housing is nonexistent. I'm not alone in this struggle. There are countless others like me—unhoused and with nowhere to go because we refuse to part with our animal companions. 

Statistics reveal that over 70% of domestic violence survivors report their abusers threatened, injured, or killed their pets, showing the critical need for pet-inclusive emergency shelters. Additionally, approximately 48% of victims delay leaving abusive homes due to the fear of leaving their pets behind.

The government and local councils must acknowledge this overlooked demographic and work collaboratively with shelters, non-profit organizations, and housing authorities to create more pet-friendly emergency housing options. Allocating funding towards pet accommodation in shelters, establishing pet-friendly policies in housing regulations, and creating emergency grants for pet guardians are actionable steps that could offer immediate respite. Even allocating a specific area that people can safely camp while searching for housing so we dont have to worry about bylaw officers coming into our camps when we aren't there and stealing our possessions would help..its extremely traumatic to come back to your home and have everything gone repeatedly.. Imagine coming home and finding your house empty and having no way to replace your stuff.. especially during the winter months...that kind of thing is life threatening.. literally..And im unsure why its even acceptable behavior..

Implementing such solutions not only helps keep families together during turbulent times but also reduces homelessness among pet guardians who are unwilling to abandon their furry family members. Sign this petition to urge our policymakers to create and support affordable pet-inclusive resources in crisis housing. Let's ensure no more families are forced to choose between their home and their beloved animals.