People face many challenges in securing pet-friendly housing, finding pet-friendly transport and providing companion animal care during work hours. SPCA is concerned that current restrictions contribute to the number of companion animals relinquished to shelters in New Zealand.

SPCA encourages public transport operators, landlords or rental companies and businesses (e.g. hotels) to reduce restrictions and adopt policies which acknowledge the value of companion animals in our communities. SPCA supports responsible companion animal ownership which includes giving consideration for people who do not like dogs or are allergic to cats.

SPCA supports aged care facilities (e.g. retirement villages) which allow appropriate owned or fostered companion animals.

Companion animal ownership is associated with mental benefits and increased social connection for older adults and may benefit older adults by providing companionship, giving a sense of purpose and meaning, reducing loneliness, increasing socialisation and helping to cope with loss.

Fostering partnerships between retirement villages and animal shelters allows suitable animals a break from the shelter environment and allows older adults to access the benefits of caring for companion animals without the costs or lifetime commitment of pet ownership.

SPCA supports legislative changes which aim to reduce barriers to pet-friendly communities.

We acknowledge the important role that companion animals play in people’s lives and their communities and we applaud the goal of making it easier for responsible tenants to own companion animals.

Pet-bonds have been proposed as one approach to increase the number of rental properties which may allow companion animals.

SPCA encourages Councils to include pet-friendly policies and bylaws which strike the balance between responsible pet-ownership, pet-friendly communities and community safety.