Removing Barriers to Pets in Housing

Keeping Pets and People Together

Family hugging dog

The ASPCA is working hard to remove barriers to keeping families intact—and one of the largest barriers is housing. We are actively advocating for more equitable access to pet-friendly housing, which, unfortunately, is becoming increasingly scarce.

Most of us consider our pets to be part of the family. Sadly, these bonds are being strained by restrictive policies that make it particularly challenging for families, especially lower-income households and renters, to secure housing that accommodates their four-legged family members. Breed, size and weight restrictions, no-pet policies, high pet deposits, and a lack of pet-friendly emergency sheltering options all serve as major challenges to keeping pets and people together.

Renters

Pet restrictions have real-world effects for renters. Often faced with a lack of suitable, pet-friendly housing and expensive pet deposits, many are forced to give up their pets.

Affordable Housing

Pet-friendly housing is vital to the health and well-being of a community and its residents. Expanding affordable pet-friendly housing is necessary to keep people and pets together.

Homelessness

Pets provide companionship and unconditional love, no matter a person’s housing status. Sadly, support resources are not widely available to unhoused individuals with pets.

Domestic Violence

Pet-friendly emergency housing is a lifeline for victims of domestic violence seeking refuge with their pets, especially since those pets are often in danger or victims as well.

Cohousing

By allowing pets, emergency shelters save lives by removing a significant barrier to safe and stable housing for both the chronically homeless and victims of domestic violence.

Fair Housing Act (FHA)

The Fair Housing Act and a host of other laws protect the right of people with disabilities to keep assistance and emotional-support animals in housing.

Homeowners

Breed-specific legislation, property insurance coverage and pet restrictions are examples of barriers that can limit a homeowner’s ability to keep their pets.

Benefits

People and communities all benefit from pets, and pet-friendly policies promote happier and healthier families while providing better futures for everyone.