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A lack of suitable pet-friendly accommodation is the top reason adult dogs are surrendered, according to the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ).
The inability to find appropriate accommodation is also the second-highest reason for people surrendering adult cats, the AWLQ says.
The welfare league said more than 2,500 animals are surrendered each year, and more than a quarter are given up due to a lack in appropriate housing.
Approximately 3 per cent of listings on realestate.com.au and Domain advertise as pet friendly, Ideal Property said in a statement, citing the AWLQ.
“The concern is that many people are choosing to move from a [house] to an apartment, especially as they age, and they are finding it difficult to take their pet with them,” AWLQ strategic director Joy Verrinder said.
“It’s sad because most pet owners treat their pets as family and really don’t want to leave them, and the animals also feel the loss.”
The league is calling for a change of laws to support people with pets. It also wants developers to factor in pets in their construction.
“Developers need to play their part by re-thinking their stance on pets, and ideally the laws should be reformed to make it illegal for any body corporate or landlord to refuse a resident with a pet as long as they can demonstrate they are a responsible owner,” Ms Verrinder said.
“Many places will only allow small dogs as well, which is disappointing. The decision should be based on the individual animal as their suitability will depend on many factors such as activity level of the animal and their owner, personality and training.”
Ideal Property’s John Li – whose apartment complex Banc, in Toowong, Brisbane is one of a handful of inner city developments that are pet friendly – said it was important for developers to consider the needs of pet owners.
“Many of our recent buyers have been mature professionals whose children have left home, so their pets are an important part of the family unit,” Mr Li said.
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