How to Find Pet Friendly Rentals & Apartments in Vancouver

There is a crisis facing Vancouver pet owners! Pet friendly apartments and house rentals in Vancouver, B.C. are few and far between. It’s even worse if you’re trying to find a dog friendly apartment that allows large dogs or more than one pet. What a ruff life!

Good news is on the horizon since Vancouver’s City Council unanimously voted to put a stop to the “no pets” clause in rental contracts in October 2020. This decision came after a push from local owners and the BC SPCA that argued pets are more critical than ever with people required to stay home during the pandemic. 

The BC SPCA released some astounding stats that helped argue for the rights of pets and their human parents:

• 25% of owner-surrendered animals are because of housing related issues
• Approximately 1,150 pets are surrender annually because of lack of pet friendly housing
• Tenants with pets stay an average of 46 months (compared to 18 months for tenants without pets)
• There is no significant difference in stats for damage between tenants with pets and tenants without pets

Vancouver prides itself in being extremely forward-thinking and pet friendly, so how are pet parents currently in this depressing situation? Yes, it’s amazing that Vancouver City Council has voted to end the “no pets” policy in rental contracts. However, since the October announcement there have been no updates on movement, including when the motion will be brought to BC legislation and or ideas on how this new policy will actually be implemented.

Basically, not much has changed here in Vancouver with pet friendly apartments being as hard as ever to find. All the while, owners over in provinces like Ontario are laughing since the no pet policy hasn’t been allowed for decades.

We definitely need to see more pet friendly apartments in lower mainland, BC! Until we start hearing about changes and seeing them being implemented, Vancouver pet owners will continue to struggle. We’re here to help you navigate the market with tips and share possible pet friendly house rentals in Vancouver, BC.

Tips for finding pet friendly apartments

We know it’s not easy! Here are some tips & tricks from fellow dog-owners who know how you’re feeling.

Get references & have a pet resume

If your pet already has a great record, this may help you in your house search. Many buildings with strict rules about pets will often be more open to making exceptions once they get to know your pet. The BC SPCA recommends making a resume for your pet and even has a template to cut your work down. Even if you don’t want to go through that trouble, asking your current landlord, neighbours, trainers, or vets for references and letters of support also go along way when discussing with potential landlords!

“Pets allowed” function on search engines

If you want to avoid frustration, turn on the “dogs allowed” or “cats allowed” function on when you search. Most search engines such as Craigslist, Zoocasa, Zumper, or even Facebook Marketplace have a pet friendly filter. It can be very disheartening to fall in love with a rental unit only to find out that they don’t allow pets.

Pick up the phone

You may have already looked through all the specified pet friendly rentals on the search engines. Now is the time to expand your search. When you’re looking at listing, skip over the ones that blatantly state there are no pets allowed. Instead, get together a list of rental listings that don’t mention pet policies and then give them a call. You’re more likely to have a good response from potential landlords if you speak to them on the phone!

Find rental management companies that have multiple buildings

If you find a dog-friendly or cat-friendly building managed by a specific company, then they often have other buildings that could suit your needs as well. If you need more options, try contacting their team to see what other suites they have available in different buildings.

Talk to other owners

One of the best resources is other pet owners! They’ve all been through what you’re currently going through. Ask to see if their building is good and has any openings. If not, they could also point you in the direction of other buildings they found during their own search.

You’re going to be busy looking for places and moving in once you’ve found your new house! Kafka’s Organic is a local pet food delivery that is meant to make your life as a pet parent easier. Our fresh dog and cat food is a versatile, healthy option that is delivered right to your door. Calculate how much food your precious pup or kitty is going to need with our feeding calculator. Once you’re ready to try it out, save some money on your first purchase by using the coupon TRYFRESH20 at checkout.

10 pet friendly buildings

We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best pet friendly rentals around Vancouver!

1. The Lauren

Area: West End Downtown
Address: 1051 Broughton Street, Vancouver
Pet Policy: Up to 2 pets per suite (check)
The Lauren is a modern building that has 186 beautiful pet friendly apartments in downtown Vancouver. It’s close to multiple dog parks, grocery stores, and great restaurants on Davie Street. You’ll love the modern interiors of the units and your friendly, pet-loving neighbours. More information found here.

2. 1108 Pendrell by Bosa4Rent

Area: West End Downtown
Address: 1108 Pendrell Street, Vancouver
Pet Policy: 1 dog or cat per suite, up to 60lbs
Bosa4Rent is a great company to rent from as it has its rent-to-buy program and lots of potential places to rent or purchase all over Vancouver. 1108 Pendrell is a beautiful building situated next to Davie Street and a quick walk to either Sunset Beach or Nelson Park. Enjoy amenities such as an in-building gym and a work/social room! This is another gem for pet friendly apartments in downtown Vancouver. More information found here.

3. Forte

Area: South Granville
Address: 1755 W 14th Ave, Vancouver
Pet Policy: 1 dog under 25lbs or 1 cat
Located in the convenient South Granville area, Forte on 14th has modern designs, mountain views, and great amenities. Building amenities include storage lockers, secure underground parking, and on-site professional management. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the fitness centre, outdoor pool, and social room once the pandemic is over. More information found here.

4. False Creek Residences

Area: False Creek
Address: 75 W 1st Ave, Vancouver
Pet Policy: 1 dog under 25lbs or 2 cats

What a beautiful and convenient area to live! False Creek Residences have a combination of studio and multiple-bedroom apartments and townhouses. You’ll be able to take advantage of an urban lifestyle while still having quick access to the beautiful outdoors. For instance, you’re steps away from the Seawall! More information found here.

5. The Lonsdale by Hollyburn

Area: North Vancouver
Address: 108 13th Street West, North Vancouver
Pet Policy: (check)
Thinking about living in North Vancouver? Look no further than the Lonsdale, a conveniently located pet friendly rental building in North Vancouver. With beautiful sweets featuring in-suite laundry, dishwasher, and balcony, you and your pet will feel right at home. They currently offer easy touchless renting (online) and virtual tours to help you search during COVID-19. More information found here.

6. Kits Walk by Strand Development

Area: Kitsilano
Address: 2075 W 12th Ave, Vancouver
Pet Policy: Up to 2 pets, currently no restrictions on type of animals, size, or weight
This newly constructed, modern building boasts 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites that have beautiful interiors and lots of light. It’s in a very dog-friendly location with beaches and parks close-by, as well as a dog washing area within the building. Strand Development has other buildings all over Metro Vancouver and are building more, most of which are pet friendly! More information found here.

7. The Heights

Area: Burnaby Heights
Address: 388 Skeena Street, Vancouver
Pet Policy: 1 dog or cat per suite, up to 60lbs
This is a pet friendly rental in Burnaby is right beside Hastings Park and has modern studio, one, and two-bedroom rental units. Just look out your window and you’ll see beautiful views of North Shore Mountains, downtown, or Burnaby Central Park. Plus, you’ll have easy access to local stores as well as transportation to get to other parts of Vancouver! More information found here.

8. GEC Marine Gateway (North & South)

Area: South Vancouver
Address: 488 West 64th Ave, Vancouver or 8101 Nunavut Lane, Vancouver
Pet Policy: Up to 2 pets allowed on ground floor townhouses
If you’re looking to get out of the city a little, try going south to GEC Marine Gateway. Their townhouses are pet friendly and offer amazing features such as in-suite laundry, private balcony, and large windows for lots of light. There’s lots to do in the area but if you want to adventure, the Canada Line is just a minute from your door. Ground townhouses are in hot demand so act quick if there’s one available. More information found here.

9. Panarama Tower by QuadReal

Area: Burnaby
Address: 4390 Grange St, Burnaby
Pet Policy: (check)
Are you looking for pet friendly rentals in Burnaby? You’ll want to check out Panarama Tower in the Metrotown area. You can’t ask for more out of a location as easy public transportation, local parks, and great eateries are at your doorstep! Although the tower is a bit older, suites are recently renovated and there are great amenities, including a fitness centre and heated outdoor swimming pool. Enjoy hotel-style amenities at a lower price now. More information found here.

10. The Westminster

Area: New Westminster
Address: 228 Nelson’s Crescent, New Westminster
Pet Policy: Up to 2 pets allowed (check)
Brand new rental homes (1, 2 & 3 bedrooms) in the heart of Brewery District, New Westminster. If you’re able to find a home here, you and your pet will enjoy a lovely view of the Fraser River and all day-to-day basics right outside your door. The Westminster boasts that their homes offer lots of space, larger than comparable rental units. Best yet, the building has a dog wash, enclosed dog run downstairs, and parks close by. More information found here.

Did we miss any great pet friendly buildings? Leave us some of the places you’ve found on your searches! Us pet parents need to stick together. Good luck on your search for your new pet friendly home – we’re rooting for you!