Housing crisis leaves Calgary pet owners struggling to keep their animals

As Calgary continues to grapple with the rising cost of living, local animal welfare organizations are sounding the alarm on a growing crisis of housing instability, making it increasingly difficult for residents to care for their pets.

Parachutes for Pets, a Calgary-based charity that provides temporary shelter for animals during emergencies such as homelessness or medical procedures, has reached full capacity.

With approximately 150 pets on its waitlist, the organization is struggling to meet demand.

“If it’s a super emergency, we’re keeping dogs in our offices. Sometimes we’ll take them home,” said Baylee Dorchester, Director of Impact and Innovation at Parachutes for Pets. “We’re doing everything we can, but we’re completely full.”

Dorchester says the root of the issue is housing.

“Ninety per cent of the pets that we have in our care—the owners are unhoused and they can’t find anything. Either they’re not making enough, they have jobs, but they are not making enough to afford housing, or housing doesn’t accept pets of any capacity.”

The Calgary Humane Society is also seeing the effects of the housing crisis on pet ownership. In response, the organization has partnered with the University of Calgary to gather insights from tenants, landlords, and community groups.

“People find themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place,” said Sally Johnston, Director of Community Services at the Calgary Humane Society. “A lot of folks that we hear from are choosing to live in their vehicle to maintain their pet. They’re choosing pretty dire straits for themselves in order to maintain that ownership of their really loved animal.”

To support pet owners, the Humane Society has expanded its services to include assistance with medical and food needs, particularly for seniors.

“If an animal is in need immediately, we are here to help them regardless of any circumstances,” Johnston added.

Dorchester emphasized the emotional and psychological support pets provide to their owners, especially during times of hardship.

“There just needs to be more recognition of what the pets are doing for people,” she said.

Parachutes for Pets encourages Calgarians to support their mission through donations, shopping at their thrift store, or using their dog daycare services—all of which help fund the safekeeping program.