With animal and guardian welfare emerging as an important election issue in British Columbia, the BC SPGA says voters deserve clear answers from political leaders on policies affecting people and the animals they care for.

People with pets have more political power than they may realize. By asking candidates the right questions, demanding meaningful commitments and casting an informed vote, they can help shape policies that affect their homes, their finances, their rights and the wellbeing of the animals they love.

For millions of people in British Columbia their pets are family. They provide companionship, emotional support, comfort and a sense of purpose. Yet when it comes to government policy, the needs of people with pets and the animals who depend on them can be overlooked.

Finding a rental home that accepts pets, paying increasingly expensive veterinary bills and navigating animal enforcement can create serious challenges for pet guardians. These are not simply animal welfare issues. They are also issues of housing security, financial hardship, fairness and the quality of their lives and their pets.

As British Columbians prepare to make their voices heard at the ballot box, people with pets have an opportunity to influence the direction of public policy. The key is to recognize that an election is more than a choice between candidates. It is an opportunity to ask questions, seek commitments and make elected representatives accountable to the people they serve.

The power of the pet-owning voter

Candidates regularly seek the support of voters concerned about housing, healthcare, affordability, public safety and the economy. People with pets are part of every one of these constituencies.

They are renters and homeowners, parents and seniors, workers and students, people living on fixed incomes and families struggling with rising costs. Their experiences with pets connect directly to decisions made by municipal, provincial and federal governments.

If candidates hear from voters about pet-related concerns, they may conclude that these issues are a priority. When voters consistently raise the same concerns political representatives have a reason to pay attention.

Your vote is important

Asking questions gives candidates an opportunity to explain their positions to you. Comparing answers helps voters weed out candidates candidates who do not care or understand their concerns versus those who are prepared to take action.

Three issues every pet guardian should raise

The BC SPGA has identified three important areas where political commitments could make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with pets and their animals.

### 1\. Pet-friendly housing

For many renters in British Columbia, finding a suitable home is difficult enough without having to overcome restrictions on pets. The BC SPGA advocates for greater access to pet-friendly rental housing and encourages the public to keep political pressure on representatives running for election to address barriers faced by people with pets.

When speaking with candidates, voters should ask:

- What will you do to make affordable, pet-friendly rental housing more accessible?
- Will you support legislation or policies that reduce discrimination against responsible tenants with pets?
- What practical steps will you take to help keep people and their animals together?
- How will you measure whether your proposed policies actually improve access to housing?

Do not settle for a general statement that candidates love animals or believe pets are important. Ask what they will do, which policies they support and when they expect to act.

### 2\. Animal enforcement

Animal welfare enforcement is another issue that deserves attention during an election campaign such as animal enforcement practices and the need for independent scrutiny of BC SPCA enforcement operations. The society advocates for greater accountability and has highlighted concerns about animals being vulnerable to seizure, including in circumstances involving veterinary care.

Animal protection is important. At the same time, people who care for animals should be able to understand the rules, know their rights and have access to a fair process when enforcement decisions are disputed.

Voters should ask candidates:

- What safeguards should exist to protect people and animals from unfair or inappropriate enforcement?
- Would you support independent oversight of BC SPCA animal enforcement operations?
- What process should be available when a person believes an enforcement decision was unreasonable?
- How would you ensure transparency, accountability and fair treatment while maintaining appropriate protections for animals?

These questions are not about dismissing animal welfare. They are about ensuring that enforcement systems operate fairly, economically and that legitimate concerns can be independently reviewed.

### 3\. Financial assistance: Will you help people afford responsible pet care?

The rising cost of living affects people with pets as well as those without them. Food, veterinary appointments, medications, preventive treatments and emergency care can place substantial pressure on household budgets.

When people cannot afford essential care, both they and their animals may suffer. Some guardians may delay treatment, struggle to purchase food or face the possibility of surrendering a beloved companion.

The BC SPGA has proposed a **BC Pet Bonus and Pet Tax Credits** initiative intended to help individuals and families cope with rising pet-related expenses. The society's proposal is explained in its Pet Bonus and Pet Tax Credits campaign.

Voters can ask candidates:

- Will you support the introduction of a pet benefit or pet tax credit?
- What financial assistance would you support for people struggling to afford essential veterinary care?
- Would you consider programs that help eligible low-income households pay for pet food and preventive care?
- What steps would you take to help people keep their animals rather than surrendering them because of financial hardship?

Ask the right questions—and look beyond campaign promises

Political candidates commitments can sound encouraging but voters need to understand what they mean in practice.

There is a difference between saying, “I care about pets,” and explaining, “I will support a specific policy to expand pet-friendly housing and work toward implementing it within my mandate.”

Make your Vote count for people with pets and animals

The BC SPGA has advocated for animal welfare, protections and rights and for their human companions in British Columbia since its inception in 2023.

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