As competition for housing intensifies in Victoria, more pet owners are being forced to surrender their animals to secure a rental property.
Despite changes in state law in 2020 giving tenants the right to own animals, Melbourne's Lost Puppy Home reported the highest number of pets surrendered due to “moves/no pets” in 2021. The number has increased by 47% since then.
The shelter said the increasingly competitive rental market meant landlords were often able to “pick and choose” tenants, leaving pet owners at the bottom of the tier.
“During times of crisis, our animals can be a major source of social support and comfort,” said Lost Dogs Home spokeswoman Susana Talefsky.
“Research suggests that when people have to give up their pets to find housing, it can have a significant impact on their emotional and mental health.”
The Lost Dogs' Home has introduced a program to prevent animals from being separated from their owners due to cost of living crises.
Pet owners are connected with a “Pet and Family Advocate” who can help them identify the help they need to prevent their pet from being surrendered.
“The most vulnerable people have the strongest bonds with their pets and are at the highest risk of losing them,” Talefsky said.
“We hope this new initiative will allow as many pets and their humans as possible to live together at home.”
Victorian legislation introduced in 2020 gives renters the right to keep pets in rental properties, but they must get written consent to do so.
Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse consent and must prove through an order from the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal that it is reasonable to refuse consent.
