Finding Pet-Friendly Apartments in Vancouver

At Naturally Urban we know how hard finding pet-friendly housing can be, so we’ve put together this list to make your search a little easier. We also know how busy you are and can make getting your pet food simpler with our low prices and free delivery. Try us out with this exclusive 10% discount code on your first order: PETFRIENDLY10

Also, If you have a listing you’d like added here, let us know! Email us at info@naturallyurban.com

Here is our ever-growing list of pet-friendly housing around Vancouver:

Vancouver’s rental market is a hot topic around the city and in our dog parks. Finding pet-friendly rentals around this city is ruff (get it?!) and it can often take months to find something you like, or at least something that isn’t going to hand you a renoviction sometime in the near future. There’s a serious shortage of pet-friendly homes in BC, not only for renters! It’s estimated that approximately 1700 cats and dogs are surrendered to the BCSPCA because of issues finding housing.

Our pets are part of our families and they deserve nice places to live! It will take a little sniffing around, a little bit of digging, but you’ll surely fetch something great. Luckily, we’ve done a lot of the work for you and put together a list of some of the best pet-friendly apartments and their restrictions so you can spend less time looking and more time living!

Owners of large-breed dogs face some of the hardest times finding appropriate homes. It seems both rentals and condos for purchase have restrictions not only on size, but of breeds as well. After some research, we’ve discovered Bosa Properties, and their collection of rent-to-own buildings.

Here is the breakdown:

The apartments are managed by Bosa Properties, which offers the unique opportunity to rent-to-own. Basically up to 25% of your rent is accrued as “BosaEquity” to a maximum of 5% of the price of a Bosa property. Find out more about Bosa Equity.

Large dogs are welcome at most of their properties, up to a maximum of 60 lbs. One dog or one cat is permitted in a suite. Many buildings have the convenience of a pet wash station adorably named a Laundromutt. Most buildings offer studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, and one building even offers furnished studio suites. Check them out here: Bosa Properties.

Another company you may want to check out is QuadReal. They manage 8 properties around Vancouver, including Kitsilano, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Yaletown, and Downtown. The properties offer spacious apartments, many of them pet-friendly to a maximum of 25lbs. The apartments are fully-equipped, offer either in-suite or on-site laundry, and great amenities on site. Most of the buildings are well located and are within walking distance to restaurants, cafes, parks, etc.

To help renters, advocacy groups like Pets OK BC formed to help renters by lobbying for an increase in pet-friendly rentals. They estimate that pet-owners stay an average of 250% longer in a unit than a renter without pets and that 80% of British Columbians support the rights of tenants to have pets. Learn 5 ways you can take action and help BC become more pet-friendly.

What makes a good pet-friendly apartment in Vancouver?

Finding pet-friendly apartments is so hard because there’s a serious lack of suitable options. Pet owners in Vancouver are busy, so easy access to all the things we need is really important. A few things on our lists include:

Access to off-leash dog parks or dog-friendly walking spaces.

A great pet-friendly apartment is often within walking distance to an off-leash park or dog-friendly walking area. If you can’t have your own yard, you’ll want to be able to easily take your pet to a space that they are welcome and can run around. Your neighbours will thank you for it (not to mention your things!) An exercised pet is a happy pet!

Access to spots to let dogs out to pee or to bring them down to with ease

Some pet-friendly apartments have a small area that its residents can bring their dogs down to relieve themselves. If you’re looking at a space that doesn’t have this advertised, you’ll want to look at the surrounding area for space you can use in a pinch. It definitely pays off to know where you can go when your pet wakes you up in the middle of the night!

Bathtubs or dog washes

Keeping your pet clean is as important for them as it is for you! Look for a space that has a bathtub or even an included dog wash in the building. This will make it simple for you if you don’t have the funds to send your pet to the groomer often.

Concrete walls or good soundproofing

If you have a particularly chatty pet, you may want to look into buildings that have concrete walls or if you’re in a suite, good soundproofing. While some neighbours might not mind the noise, others will find it frustrating. To avoid issues with your landlord, building manager, etc., do your due diligence and look for a space that cancels out some of the sounds.

Has lots of space or is within close vicinity of a daycare

We know that finding spacious apartments in Vancouver is a task all of its own, but most pets need some space they can call their own. If you are unable to find a place with space, you might want to check if there is a daycare in the area you can drop your pet off to play once or twice a week. They’ll love getting those social play days, and you’ll feel great knowing they are tuckered out!

Pet-friendly communities

Nearly as important as a pet-friendly apartment is a pet-friendly community. Not all neighbourhoods in the city are great for pets, but there are areas that make having a pet easy and enjoyable. These areas have access to parks where your pups are welcome or make walking with your pet equally as enjoyable. Areas like Kitsilano, East Vancouver, North Vancouver, Mount Pleasant, and some areas of the West End are our favourites!

Do you know of any other pet-friendly buildings in and around Vancouver? Let us know! Or, do you have a pet-friendly apartment you’d like listed? E-mail us at info@naturallyurban.com.

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