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.
However, we also know that co-housing people and pets is not without challenges.
Join the BC SPCA for an interactive discussion about pet-friendly housing – we’d love to hear about your experiences, challenges, and solutions (whether you currently allow pets or not), and what resources could make it easier to co-house people and their pets.
Who should attend?
Non-profit housing providers, Board Members, Leadership, Managers and Frontline Staff
What will you 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
Presenters:
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.
