Housing People and Pets Together: What’s your experience?

Two tenants outside a home with their pet in a kennel. The mood is sombre.

Operations & Maintenance

Online Learning Event

Free
Free for members

Start: Oct 10, 2023
End: Oct 10, 2023

Start: 10:00 am
End: 11:30 am

Online (Zoom)

Program Description

An Overview

Research is clear that the human-animal bond enhances our physical and mental well-being. Evidence also shows people see their pets as family members and often make difficult decisions, like staying in unsafe housing or turning down shelter or housing, to keep their family together.

Typically, overdose preHowever, we also know that co-housing people and pets is not without challenges.

Who should attend?

Non-profit housing providers, Board Members, Leadership, Managers and Frontline Staff

What You’ll Learn

  •  Better understand the benefits and importance of keeping people and pets together
  • Understand why the BC SPCA is working to increase the availability and affordability of pet-friendly housing
  • Share their experiences, challenges, barriers and solutions for pet-friendly housing
  • Learn from the experiences of other non-profit housing providers
  • Recommend resources or tools that would help make pet-friendly non-profit housing more feasible

Event Facilitated By

Meghann Cant 

Manager,

Companion Animal Welfare Science and Policy,
BC SPCA 

Meghann has worked for the BC SPCA since 2009 in the areas of research, education, advocacy, and policy. She has a Master of Science in animal welfare from the University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Calgary. Meghann has a passion for working collaboratively on complex issues where human and animal well-being intersect.

Sarah Herring

Government Relations Officer,
BC SPCA 

After 15 years as an urban planner working with local governments in three provinces, Sarah began a new career with the BC SPCA that combined her love of animals and communications, strategic planning and public engagement experience. Sarah coordinates and fosters the BC SPCA’s relationship with local, provincial and federal staff and politicians to advocate for advancements in animal welfare. Sarah is passionate about the power of the human-animal bond, having experienced its benefits as a therapy dog team member and volunteer for organizations providing veterinary care and support in First Nations communities and for people experiencing homelessness.