BC SPCA Urges Pet-Friendly Housing Ahead of Provincial Election BC SPCA launches Vote for Pet-Friendly Housing campaign ahead of B.C.'s Oct. 24 election as over 100 animals wait for homes on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. The BC SPCA is calling for more pet-friendly housing ahead of British Columbia's provincial election on Oct. 24, as more than 100 animals in its care await adoption across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast. The organization says rental and strata restrictions can force people to choose between keeping a pet and finding a place to live. Campaign Calls for Pet-Friendly Housing PoliciesThe BC SPCA's Vote for Pet-Friendly Housing campaign urges British Columbians to ask political parties and local candidates to support better access to pet-friendly housing. The campaign encourages residents to send letters to candidates calling for changes to housing policies.Sarah Herring, the BC SPCA's senior officer for government relations, said in a release that pets reduce loneliness and help people make important social connections.The organization says restrictions in rental properties and strata housing can force people to choose between keeping a beloved pet and finding a place to live. It adds that finding a rental that allows pets can be another hurdle for people struggling to secure housing.Over 100 Animals Waiting in SheltersMore than 100 animals, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs, are in the BC SPCA's care awaiting adoption. Some have been waiting more than 100 days. The organization says the number needing homes is higher than at the same time last year, particularly among kittens and puppies.Animals arrive at the centres for various reasons. Some come in as strays or through protection investigations, while others are surrendered because their owners face financial difficulties, cannot manage the number of pets they have, or have not found housing that welcomes pets.In Victoria, Kiya is a senior dog looking for a loving home where she can spend her remaining years in comfort and as free from pain as possible. Ozzie, a playful Husky mix in Nanaimo, needs an experienced family with room for him to burn off energy before settling down for cuddles.In Comox, Kota is building confidence after missing out on important early-life experiences. He needs a patient owner who can provide structure, guidance and encouragement. Cher, a three-year-old rabbit in the qathet Regional District, has recovered from surgery for an eyelid condition and may have partial vision loss in her right eye. She is looking for a calm home where she can adjust at her own pace.Adoption Frees Space for More AnimalsFinding homes for animals ready to leave the centres also frees up space for others in need. Leon Davis, a BC SPCA regional manager for animal care services, said in the release that the organization always wants to see animals who are ready for adoption getting out of the centres and into their new homes as soon as possible.Davis added that this is not only better for the animals but also helps free up space in the centres for the next vulnerable animal who needs help.People interested in adopting can browse available animals on the BC SPCA website. Those unable to adopt can still help by fostering, volunteering, donating or sharing adoption listings with friends and family.The BC SPCA says the issue is particularly pressing as the provincial election approaches, with the campaign aiming to put pet-friendly housing on the agenda. The organization hopes that by engaging candidates and parties, more landlords and strata councils will adopt pet-friendly policies, keeping families and their pets together.