Pet-Friendly Rentals in Canada 2026: How to Find an Apartment

Finding a pet-friendly rental in Canada in 2026 is one of the biggest worries for newcomers moving with a dog or cat — and for good reason. Depending on the province, the rules change completely: in Ontario, the landlord legally CANNOT refuse your pet; in Quebec, they can. Renting with a pet in Canada takes strategy, documentation, and knowing exactly where to look, because prices climb and competition is real.

We have been through it. Arriving in Canada with a pet is absolutely possible, but you need to understand each province’s rules, the right sites to search, and how to present yourself to a landlord in a way that boosts your chances — even when the listing says “no pets”.

In this guide we cover everything: laws by province, average prices, search sites, documents that help, and mistakes you need to avoid.

Pet-Friendly Rentals in Canada: What the Law Says in Each Province

The rules on pet-friendly rentals in Canada vary dramatically from one province to another — and that is the first thing you need to understand before signing any lease. In Ontario, a “no pets” clause is legally invalid; in Quebec, the landlord can ban animals in the lease.

This completely changes your strategy when looking for a home.

Ontario (Toronto, Hamilton, Niagara/St. Catharines)

Ontario’s Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) is the most pet-friendly in all of Canada. Section 14 of the RTA states that any “no pets” clause in a lease is void.

In practice, this means that even if the landlord writes “no pets allowed” in the lease, that clause has no legal force. They cannot evict you for having an animal.

Important exception: the landlord CAN request the removal of the animal if it causes severe allergic reactions in other tenants, damages the property, or is considered dangerous. But they must prove this at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) — they cannot simply ask you to leave.

Quebec (Montreal, Sherbrooke, Quebec City)

Quebec works differently. The Civil Code of Quebec allows the landlord to include a clause prohibiting animals in the lease. If you signed a lease with that clause and bring a pet, the landlord can ask for the lease to be terminated at the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL).

There is an important nuance, though: if the landlord knew you had a pet before signing and did not include the prohibition clause, they cannot add that restriction later. In addition, cities like Montreal have breed-specific regulations — in 2026, Montreal maintains restrictions on pit-bull-type dogs.

Other Provinces

Ontario — Pets allowed by law. “No pets” clause is void. The strongest protection in Canada.
Quebec — Depends on the lease. “No pets” clause is valid. The landlord can prohibit animals.
British Columbia — Depends on the lease. “No pets” clause is valid. The landlord may charge a pet deposit (up to 50% of one month’s rent).
Alberta — Depends on the lease. “No pets” clause is valid. Pet deposit allowed, with no limit set by law.
Nova Scotia — Depends on the lease. “No pets” clause is valid. Halifax has a good pet-friendly supply.
Manitoba — Pets allowed by law (partial). “No pets” clause is void (with exceptions). Condo boards may restrict.

Verified as of March 2026. Check each province’s official website for the most current information.

If you are choosing between cities and have a pet, Ontario gives you a legal certainty that Quebec does not. That is a real factor in the decision — we see many couples changing their destination because of it.

How Much a Pet-Friendly Rental Costs in Canada in 2026

A pet-friendly rental in Canada in 2026 costs, on average, 5% to 20% more than equivalent apartments that do not accept animals — especially in provinces where the landlord is allowed to refuse pets. The gap is smaller in Ontario, where the prohibition is illegal, and larger in Quebec and BC.

Here are the average rents for a pet-friendly one-bedroom apartment in the main cities where newcomers settle:

Montreal, QC — $1,650 CAD/month. Pet deposit not allowed by law in QC.
Toronto, ON — $2,350 CAD/month. Pet deposit not allowed by law in ON.
Vancouver, BC — $2,500 CAD/month. Pet deposit up to 50% of one month’s rent.
Halifax, NS — $1,750 CAD/month. Pet deposit negotiable.
Hamilton, ON — $1,800 CAD/month. Pet deposit not allowed by law in ON.
St. Catharines, ON — $1,650 CAD/month. Pet deposit not allowed by law in ON.
Sherbrooke, QC — $1,050 CAD/month. Pet deposit not allowed by law in QC.
Quebec City, QC — $1,200 CAD/month. Pet deposit not allowed by law in QC.

Average one-bedroom rents, Canada, March 2026. Sources: Rentals.ca, Zumper, CMHC.

Important: In Quebec and Ontario, the landlord CANNOT charge a pet deposit. It is illegal. If someone asks for an extra deposit for your pet in these provinces, it is a sign of a scam or a landlord who does not know the law.

In British Columbia, the pet damage deposit is legal and can be up to half of one month’s rent. So if the rent is $2,500 CAD, the pet deposit can be up to $1,250 CAD.

How to Build a “Pet Resume” That Convinces the Landlord

A pet resume is a one-to-two-page document that introduces your pet to the landlord, and it is the single most effective tool for landing a pet-friendly rental in Canada — especially in provinces where the landlord can refuse animals. In Quebec, this document can be the difference between getting and losing the apartment.

What to Include in the Pet Resume

Photo of the pet — a clean, nice photo of the animal looking calm and well cared for
Basic information — name, breed, age, weight, and whether it is spayed/neutered
Vaccination history — a copy of the up-to-date vaccination record
Letter from the vet — a simple letter from your veterinarian saying the animal is healthy and well cared for (request it before you move, translated into English or French)
Reference from a previous landlord — if you have rented with the pet before, ask your former landlord for a letter
Renter’s insurance — mention that you have or plan to get insurance that covers damage caused by the animal. In Canada, renter’s insurance with pet coverage costs between $25-$50 CAD/month
Training — if the pet has done any obedience or training course, mention it

Sample Text for the Pet Resume

“Hello, we are [name] and [name], a couple who recently arrived in Canada. Our dog/cat [pet’s name] is [X] years old, weighs [X] kg, is spayed/neutered, and is fully up to date on vaccines. They are calm, do not bark/meow excessively, and are used to apartment living. We carry renter’s insurance with coverage for animal-related damage. We have attached the vaccination history and a letter from our veterinarian.”

This kind of professional introduction works because it shows the landlord that you are organized and responsible — and that matters a lot in a competitive market.

Renter’s Insurance: Almost Mandatory

Even where it is not legally required, having renter’s insurance with coverage for pet damage is practically expected. The most commonly used insurers in Canada for this are:

Square One — from $20 CAD/month
Sonnet — from $25 CAD/month
TD Insurance — from $30 CAD/month

When you mention in your pet resume that you already have or will get insurance, the landlord relaxes. It is a small investment that opens many doors.

Watch Out for Pet-Friendly Rental Scams in Canada

Rental scams are one of the biggest worries for newcomers arriving in Canada — and “pet-friendly” listings are often used as bait, precisely because people with pets are more anxious to find housing. About half of the couples we work with mention a fear of falling for a rental scam.

Signs of a Scam

Price far below market — if a pet-friendly one-bedroom in Toronto is listed at $1,200 CAD when the average is $2,350 CAD, be suspicious
Landlord out of the country — “I’m travelling, but I can mail you the key if you transfer the deposit”
Asks for payment by wire transfer, crypto, or gift card — NEVER pay this way
Will not allow an in-person viewing — any legitimate landlord lets you visit the apartment
Asks for a deposit before signing the lease — in Quebec and Ontario, a security deposit for a residential rental is ILLEGAL. If someone asks for one, it is a scam or unlawful
Photos that look too professional — images that look like a hotel or Airbnb may be stolen from other sites

How to Protect Yourself

Always view the apartment in person before paying anything
Search the address on Google Maps — confirm the building exists
Verify the landlord’s name — search Google, social media, and public records
Never pay the first month before signing the lease and getting the keys
In Quebec: use the standard lease form from the Tribunal administratif du logement (TAL) — the landlord is required to use it
In Ontario: use the Ontario Standard Lease — mandatory since 2018

If you are arriving from abroad and cannot view the place in person, ask a friend, an acquaintance, or even a relocation service to do the viewing. Never rent without someone you trust having seen the place.

Practical Tips for Couples Arriving with a Pet

Most couples we support arrive on a study or work permit — and many of them have a pet. The logistics of arriving with an animal in Canada involve not only the flight and the pet’s paperwork, but also having housing secured that accepts the animal from day one.

Before You Move

International health certificate — issued by the veterinary authority in your home country, usually within 10 days before departure
Rabies vaccine up to date (typically at least 30 days before departure and still valid)
Microchip — required for entry into Canada
Veterinary health certificate — in English or French
Research the airline — each one has different rules for transporting animals, and requirements vary by nationality and route, so check your eligibility. In 2026, Air Canada accepts pets in the cabin (up to 10 kg with the carrier) for $75-$118 CAD per leg on domestic flights, with variable rates internationally

In the First Few Days

Pet-friendly Airbnb as a temporary base — filter for “pets allowed” on Airbnb. Average cost in Montreal: $120-$180 CAD/night for a full apartment
Start your rental search BEFORE you arrive — join Facebook groups, monitor the sites, and have your pet resume ready
Local veterinarian — register your pet with a Canadian vet as soon as possible. First visit cost: $70-$120 CAD

Dividing Tasks as a Couple

Whoever arrives with an open work permit usually has more schedule flexibility at first. One strategy that works: while one partner focuses on settling into work or school, the other dedicates the first days to an intensive search for pet-friendly housing. Splitting this saves time and reduces stress — which is already high when you are in a new country with an animal to care for.

Winter with a Pet

The Canadian winter is real and directly affects anyone with a dog. From December to March, temperatures can reach -25°C or lower in Montreal and Toronto. You will need:

Dog boots — the salt used on sidewalks hurts their paws. Cost: $30-$60 CAD at Canadian Tire or PetSmart
Dog coat — for short-haired breeds. Cost: $25-$50 CAD
Protective paw wax (Musher’s Secret) — $15-$20 CAD

It may sound like overkill at first, but it is necessary. We see many owners caught off guard by the impact of the cold on their pets.

What to Do If the Landlord Refuses Your Pet

If the landlord refuses your pet, the action you can take depends entirely on the province where you are. In Ontario, you have the law on your side. In Quebec, the situation is more complex.

In Ontario

If you have already signed the lease and the landlord tries to force the removal of your pet, they must file a complaint at the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) and prove that the animal is causing real problems (damage, severe allergies in other residents, danger). Until the LTB decides, the pet stays.

If the landlord refuses to rent to you BEFORE signing the lease because of the pet, the situation is greyer. They cannot include “no pets” in the lease, but in practice they can simply choose another candidate without giving a reason. It is frustrating, but it is the reality.

Tip: in Ontario, do NOT mention the pet in your initial application. Apply, sign the lease, and then disclose the animal. Legally, they cannot do anything. Ethically, that is your call — but legally it is your right.

In Quebec

If the lease prohibits animals and you signed it, the landlord can go to the TAL and ask for termination. The best strategy in Quebec is:

Only consider apartments that explicitly accept animals
Negotiate BEFORE signing — ask to remove the prohibition clause
If the lease is silent about pets (does not mention them), that usually means they are allowed

In Any Province

Document everything in writing (emails, messages)
Know your rights — each province has a housing tribunal (Landlord and Tenant Board in ON, Tribunal administratif du logement in QC, Residential Tenancy Branch in BC)
Consult tenant support organizations — they are free in every province

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a pet-friendly rental cost in Canada in 2026?
A pet-friendly rental in Canada in 2026 ranges from $1,050 CAD in Sherbrooke, QC, to $2,500 CAD in Vancouver, BC, for a one-bedroom apartment. In Montreal, the average is $1,650 CAD/month and in Toronto, $2,350 CAD/month.

Can the landlord ban pets in Canada?
It depends on the province. In Ontario and Manitoba, “no pets” clauses are void by law — the landlord cannot ban them. In Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, the landlord can include a clause prohibiting animals in the lease.

Can I bring my dog with me to Canada?
Yes. You will need an international health certificate from the veterinary authority in your home country, an up-to-date rabies vaccine (usually at least 30 days before departure), a microchip, and a veterinary health certificate in English or French. Requirements vary by nationality — check your eligibility. The CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) regulates the entry of animals into Canada.

What is a pet resume and how does it work?
A pet resume is a one-to-two-page document that introduces your animal to the landlord, including a photo, health information, vaccination history, a letter from the vet, and a mention of renter’s insurance. It is especially useful in Quebec and BC, where the landlord can refuse pets.

Do I need insurance to rent with a pet in Canada?
It is not legally required in every province, but having renter’s insurance with pet-damage coverage is highly recommended and can be decisive for approval. The cost ranges from $20 to $50 CAD/month depending on the insurer.

What is the difference between a pet deposit and a security deposit in Canada?
A pet deposit is a specific deposit to cover damage caused by the animal — allowed in BC (up to 50% of one month’s rent) but illegal in Ontario and Quebec. A security deposit for a residential rental is illegal in Ontario and Quebec, but allowed in other provinces under specific rules.

How does pet-friendly renting work in Montreal?
In Montreal, the landlord can prohibit animals in the lease under the Civil Code of Quebec. The average pet-friendly one-bedroom rent in 2026 is $1,650 CAD/month. Search on sites like Kijiji and Facebook groups using French terms such as “animaux acceptés”. Prepare a pet resume to improve your chances.

Can I be evicted for having a pet in Ontario?
Not simply for having a pet. In Ontario, the Residential Tenancies Act makes any “no pets” clause void. The landlord can only request removal of the animal at the Landlord and Tenant Board if they prove the pet causes damage, severe allergies in other residents, or represents a danger.

Sources

Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 — Ontario — https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/06r17
Tribunal administratif du logement — Quebec — https://www.tal.gouv.qc.ca/
CFIA — Importing or Travelling with Domestic Animals — https://inspection.canada.ca/animal-health/terrestrial-animals/imports/pets/eng/
Residential Tenancy Branch — British Columbia — https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/housing-tenancy/residential-tenancies
CMHC Rental Market Report 2026 — https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/
Rentals.ca National Rent Report — https://rentals.ca/national-rent-report
Ontario Standard Lease — https://www.ontario.ca/page/guide-ontarios-standard-lease

Need help finding pet-friendly housing before you land? The Daitana concierge at Comfort Living helps immigrant families settle in Canada with a home that welcomes your pet from day one. Follow @daitana.aguilar on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube @daitanaaguilar for more on moving to Canada.