Victoria residents who need to enter treatment, hospital care or housing will soon have a new option to ensure their pets are cared for while they get the support they need.
The City of Victoria announced Tuesday that it is partnering with Recovery Tails Society and BC Housing to launch the Victoria Pet Care Access Support program, which will provide voluntary, short-term foster care for pets.
The program is intended to address a barrier faced by some people trying to access health care, addiction treatment, shelter and housing services and having nowhere safe for their pets to stay.
According to the City, some people may delay or avoid hospitalization, treatment or accessing shelter because they do not have temporary care available for their animals.
“For many people, pets are family, and the fear of being separated from them can be a real barrier to accessing care, treatment or housing,” mayor Marianne Alto said in the announcement.
“Through the Victoria Pet Care Access Support program, we’re helping remove that barrier by ensuring pets have safe, temporary care while their owners take important steps toward stability, recovery and wellbeing.”
The City said it is putting $60,000 from its Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan implementation funding toward the initiative, while BC Housing is contributing another $30,000.
The combined $90,000 will fund the program for 18 months.
Beginning this fall, temporary foster care will be available to people accessing detox, stabilization or recovery services, as well as those entering shelter programs, transitional housing or independent housing.
Recovery Tails Society, which was established in 2025, will coordinate the program.
The organization works with pet owners, foster caregivers, hospitals, treatment programs, housing providers and other community organizations to arrange temporary placements and eventually reunite pets with their owners.
“Having a pet does not need to stand between someone getting access to care and support for long-term success,” said Priya Sharma, executive director and co-founder of Recovery Tails Society.
Temporary foster placements are expected to range from one to six months.
Dogs, cats and other small pets may be eligible depending on the foster homes available.
Participation is voluntary and referrals can be made through outreach agencies and service providers, while individuals can also access the program themselves.
The program will also rely on people willing to provide temporary foster homes for animals.
More information about the program and becoming a foster caregiver is available through Recovery Tails Society.
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