News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – A new policy promoting responsible pet ownership in public housing units has been adopted by the provincial government.

The objectives of the Responsible Pet Ownership Policy are to:

●    ensure responsible ownership of pets;
●    protect residents from dangerous pets or unhealthy living environments; and
●    respect the important medical benefits that a family pet may bring.

“The Department of Social Development is one of the largest landlords in New Brunswick and it is important that tenants are provided with a high-quality living experience,” said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé. “Pet owners have a responsibility both to the welfare of their pet and to the community in which they live. The Responsible Pet Ownership Policy clearly lays out the rules public housing tenants must follow if they wish to own a pet.”

The new policy will take effect Dec. 1 in all public housing units.

Key features of the new policy include:

●    a tenant may keep no more than one pet per unit;
●    pets are to be restrained with a leash when outside the unit;
●    no pets are allowed to run at large when outside the premises; and
●    tenants are liable for any damage or injury caused by their pet. These include costs for all damages to the unit or premises, pest control or cleaning.

Tenants wishing to keep a pet in a New Brunswick Housing unit must first receive approval from the department.

Residents who owned a pet or pets prior to this policy coming into effect may have the opportunity to keep them. However, the pet or pets must be approved by and registered with the department.

“Reviewing the rules about allowing pets in public housing was long overdue,” noted Dubé. “As a result of our internal review of a 25-year-old policy, we now have one that reflects the realities of today.”

More information on the new policy is available at regional offices of the department or online.