The Silent Tragedy Behind Every Move
Every summer, animal shelters across Greater Montreal sound the alarm. Adoptions drop, while abandonments surge. As moving season arrives, hundreds of cats and dogs are left behind — often because their owners couldn’t find a pet-friendly apartment.
Behind the “For Rent” ads lies a deeper reality: restrictive rental policies and the shortage of affordable housing are fueling a new wave of animal abandonment.
At Espace Nord, we believe that no one should ever have to choose between a home and their companion. That’s why over 50% of our units are pet-friendly — a conscious decision that reflects our vision of real estate that’s more humane, inclusive, and in tune with real life.
When Housing Becomes a Factor in Pet Abandonment
The numbers speak for themselves. According to the Montreal SPCA, nearly one-third of animal abandonments in Quebec are linked to housing issues:
- inability to find a pet-friendly apartment;
- rising rent costs;
- forced moves or ownership changes;
- restrictive condominium or landlord policies.
The problem has worsened in recent years. As rents rise, more tenants are being pushed out of their current homes without being able to find a new place that accepts their pets. The result: shelters are overflowing, adoptions are slowing, and thousands of animals are left behind.
In Montreal, the situation peaks around July 1st — the city’s traditional moving day. The SPCA alone rescues hundreds of animals each summer, with over 700 cats and dogs taken in around that date — a number that continues to climb year after year.
“No-Pet” Clauses: An Outdated Practice That Needs to Change
Historically, Quebec leases could easily include clauses prohibiting pets. Even though the Residential Tenancies Act does not automatically validate such clauses, many tenants still comply out of fear of eviction or non-renewal.
This has created a rental culture where landlords often hesitate to allow animals. Concerns about noise, odors, or potential damage are common — yet the reality is much more nuanced. The vast majority of pets in apartments cause no issues whatsoever, especially when their owners are responsible.
Still, these restrictions exclude a huge portion of the population: nearly half of Quebec households own at least one pet. For many, being told “no pets allowed” is not a small inconvenience — it’s a barrier to housing stability.
Moving With a Pet: A Daily Struggle
Finding an apartment in Montreal is already a challenge; doing it with a pet is often an uphill battle.
While many rental websites offer “pet-friendly” filters, in practice, these listings make up only a small fraction of available units.
As a result, families are often forced to:
- lower their expectations for size, neighborhood, or quality;
- accept outdated or distant apartments;
- hide their pets (risking eviction);
- or, in the worst cases, give them up.
The emotional toll of this situation is immense. For most people, a pet is not just an accessory — it’s a family member. The stress and heartbreak of having to abandon them leave lasting scars on both humans and animals alike.
The Emotional and Social Cost of Abandonment
Abandonment is never just a “practical decision.” Behind every dog surrendered to a shelter or cat left behind, there’s a broken bond — a story of loss and helplessness.
Shelters, often over capacity, are forced to make painful decisions. Some animals wait months for adoption; others never find a home again.
On a societal level, this crisis reveals something deeper: our housing system prizes ownership and stability but often forgets that a home is first and foremost a space for living. When rental policies ignore the emotional realities of families — including those with pets — they inadvertently contribute to social and emotional insecurity.
A New Vision for Housing: Espace Nord and Responsible Co-Living
That’s where Espace Nord stands apart.
Our philosophy is simple: housing should adapt to people’s lives — not the other way around.
That’s why more than half of our apartments welcome pets. This is a deliberate choice, built on our belief that:
- animals improve quality of life and well-being;
- responsible pet owners create stable, caring communities;
- comfort, cleanliness, and pet-friendliness can absolutely coexist.
In our buildings, dogs and cats are part of the community — meeting neighbors in the hallways, joining their owners on terraces, and adding warmth and energy to daily life.
Building a Balanced Approach
Espace Nord also recognizes that pet-friendly living requires clear, respectful management.
We’ve implemented a model that works for everyone, with:
- transparent lease clauses encouraging mutual respect;
- clear policies to minimize noise and damage;
- open communication with tenants;
- and a case-by-case approach to ensure harmony in every building.
Rather than banning pets altogether, we promote responsible coexistence. The result: happier residents, livelier buildings, and fewer abandonments caused by housing restrictions.
The Positive Impact on Community Life
Pet-friendly buildings naturally foster stronger, more connected communities.
Neighbors cross paths while walking their dogs, chat in hallways, and build bonds that go beyond the typical apartment lifestyle.
By allowing residents to keep their pets, Espace Nord helps:
- reduce loneliness, especially for people living alone;
- increase housing stability, since tenants are more likely to stay long-term when their pets are welcome;
- create authentic social connections, leading to friendlier and more caring communities.
It’s no coincidence that our buildings are known for their warm atmosphere and exceptional tenant retention rates.
Toward a New Standard in Montreal Real Estate
The housing landscape is evolving. More and more property developers are realizing that true inclusivity means thinking about pets, too. Younger generations, in particular, integrate their animals into every life decision — from choosing a job to picking a neighborhood.
At Espace Nord, we aim to inspire lasting change in the industry — to make “pet-friendly” the norm, not the exception.
We’ve proven that a well-maintained building with clear, respectful guidelines can host animals without compromising cleanliness, safety, or peace of mind. All it takes is a shift in perspective — one that sees pets not as risks, but as an integral part of urban life.
A Home for All — Humans and Animals Alike
Animal abandonment is not inevitable. It’s a direct consequence of social and economic choices that we have the power to change.
At Espace Nord, we believe that a home is more than four walls — it’s a space of connection, comfort, and loyalty.
Allowing families — both human and animal — to grow and thrive together is part of our commitment to building a more compassionate, community-driven city.
So the next time you’re looking for an apartment, remember:
a building that welcomes your pet is a building that truly welcomes you.