I have come to realize, that even though there is low income housing, generally for families in need, the demand for low income housing is even higher due to Covid-19 and there is nothing that says that it will be changing anytime soon. However many people are having to surrender their animals to find affordable housing. I believe we need to make housing in Regina more pet friendly, stop the heartache and pain that comes with the surrendering of animals. In Regina, approximately 20% of surrenders are due to these issues. And do not cover the abandoned animals for people who cannot take their animals with them, due to the issue of not being able to find pet friendly housing. 

WHY? 

There are many reasons why animals have a positive impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing; A great source of companionship, comfort and motivation, Lower stress and reduce anxiety, They are a motivation for people to get out and exercise (exercise being extremely beneficial to people who suffer from depression), Stroking and being near your pet (dog, cat, fish) can bring calmness to the owner, Pets fulfil the human need to touch and be tactile-this helps reduce blood pressure and heart rate, Caring for your pet also gives you a sense of achievement and purpose; feeling valuable and needed, Children benefit from assisting in taking care of an animal (especially those children who have mental issues such as Autism and ADD/ADHD)

Tenants who have animals, cause no more destruction than a tenant who does not. There is no reason people should be denied affordable, safe living, just because they have an animal, especially those who benefit from it. Which is everyone.