Desperate renters forced to give up beloved pets or be homeless

A growing number of pets are being surrendered as the South East Queensland rental crisis forces some animals lovers to choose between keeping their pets or being homeless.

There has been a significant increase in pets being surrendered and fostered out as the South East grapples with a rental shortage caused by people relocating during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Of the almost 2000 animals surrendered to Animal Welfare Queensland (AWLQ) in South East Queensland last financial year, 24 per cent of cats and dogs were surrendered by owners due to accommodation issues.

The issues were related to landlord or body corporate rules; inability to find pet friendly accommodation; or owners moving or becoming homeless.

Kaos, 3, who was up for adoption at Sunshine Cost Animal Refuge, which is seeing a dramatic increase in pets being surrendered due to the housing rental crisis on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Lachie Millard

AWLQ Strategic Director Dr Joy Verrinder said accommodation issues were the third highest reason for surrender of cats and the second highest reason for the surrender of dogs.

“While this has been an ongoing issue, it has been exacerbated by the escalating housing prices and housing shortages since Covid,” she said.

“Most people do not want to surrender their pets, and some end up homeless because they refuse to give them up.”

Comparisons of the data pre and post Covid-19 have shown a 61 per cent increase in surrenders due to body corporates’ refusal to allow pets and a 32 per cent increase in surrenders due to homelessness.

Dr Joy Verrinder. Picture: Tim Marsden

Dr Verrinder said there had also been a 32 per cent increase in emergency boarding requests this year compared with last financial year.

“Our community support manager receives approximately 15 enquiries per week with the majority of people unable to find suitable housing for themselves and their pet, often because their rental house has been sold and they are unable to find another place,” Dr Verrinder said.

“Some are sleeping in their cars or in temporary accommodation because of an inability to find pet-friendly accommodation.”

New legislation passed on October 14 means rental property owners are no longer allowed to have a “no pet” rule, needing reasonable grounds to refuse the request.

Dr Verrinder said AWLQ encouraged pet owners to provide a pet resume with references from vets and trainers, an introduction and a pet agreement.