This situation is very, very unfair. I honestly dont know what to do other than listed above. Im educated and never judge peoples work. Money is no issue I would work in a grocery store if needed. The only thing I cant do is get a job right away, IM IN CHINA. Finances are no issue.I just cant fulfill the job part. I have not talked to any employers.
What fields are you in? What is your job search plan? A lot of jobs are posted online and you can get your linkedin account setup and start job searching.
May jobs take months to get their hiring anyway. If you are in special field, did you start to find process to certify your credentials or course to bridge that from your current ones in China to Canada. If you have high ranking jobs, start look for headhunting agency to search and represent you.
Similar for housing. Many rental viewing can be done online and via email/chat applications.
Do you know roughly where you will live?
Are you ready to move once the visa is approved? How much notice do you need to give your current job to resign? Have a plan, describe your plan. Even have the resignation letter ready if your visa to stay there will be void soon after you resign.
As you said plan and have information about sending your pets. Enquirey emails/contact with airline...etc
I would think that if you had these planned out, it may be less of a surprise now.
Don't just think the VO is evil. That won't help you to plan your next step in a clear mind.