ASPCA Commends Colorado Lawmakers for Passing Pet-Inclusive Housing Bill

DENVER – The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) commends Colorado lawmakers for passing H.B. 25-1207 to help reduce barriers to pets in housing, making it possible for more Coloradans to find and keep homes that welcome their beloved pets. Sponsored by House Majority Leader Monica Duran (D-Wheat Ridge), Rep. Javier Mabrey (D-Denver), and Sens. Faith Winter (D-Westminster) and Tony Exum (D-Colorado Springs), the bill received overwhelming support in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and now heads to Gov. Jared Polis to be signed into law.

Most people consider their pets to be part of the family, but the shortage of pet-friendly housing is regularly cited as one of the top reasons pet-owners are forced to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender their pet to an animal shelter. A recent study from Humane Colorado (formerly Dumb Friends League) found that nearly 40 percent of animals relinquished between 2022 and 2024 was due to restrictive pet policies in housing. H.B.25-1207 reduces barriers to pets in housing by prohibiting insurance companies from including breed restrictions in multi-family insurance policies, and permits tenants in state-subsidized housing to have pets by creating a standard pet policy for these providers to adhere to.

“Pets are part of the family, and no one should have to make the heartbreaking choice between keeping a roof over their head or giving up their beloved pet. H.B.25-1207 ensures they don’t have to by empowering housing providers to create safe, healthy living conditions for tenants with pets,” said Sabrina Pacha, ASPCA director of state legislation for the Mountain West region. “We’re grateful to the Colorado General Assembly for passing this critical bill and we urge Governor Polis to sign H.B.25-1207 into law to help keep pets in loving homes.”

“There are immense health benefits to pet ownership that result in significantly improved outcomes for those experiencing housing instability, domestic violence, or other challenging moments of life. But right now, in our state, if you are looking for housing in the lower-priced rental market, chances are you will not be able to remain with your pet,” said Rep. Mabrey. “H.B.25-1207 will increase the amount of affordable housing that is pet-friendly to allow every family in Colorado to reap the benefits of pet ownership, support our shelters and their capacities, and improve the welfare of pets across the state.”

"Pets play a critical role in the lives of some of the most vulnerable populations. For both individuals experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic violence, pets represent an indispensable source of unconditional love and support,” said Majority Leader Duran. “H.B.25-1207 will ensure that even in the midst of crisis, Coloradans can find pet-friendly housing options to remain with their beloved pets by increasing the amount of affordable housing that is pet friendly. I am proud to have sponsored this critical bill that will improve the lives of Coloradans and our pets."

"As housing instability has increased, a lack of pet-friendly housing options is regularly cited as a reason that families relinquish their family pet to the local shelter. Restrictive pet-policies fuel the over-capacity crisis that shelters across our state are struggling with, resulting in devastating outcomes for pets,” said Sen. Winter. “I am proud that alongside my colleagues we passed H.B.25-1207 which will help alleviate the strain on shelters in Colorado by ensuring that no one has to make the choice between staying with their pet or getting housing."

"I am proud to have sponsored H.B.25-1207, a critical effort to ensure that no one, regardless of their income or zip code, must choose between keeping their pet and keeping a roof over their head,” said Sen. Exum. “This bill passing will allow every family in Colorado to reap the benefits of pet ownership, support our shelters and their capacities, and improve the welfare of pets across the state."

The ASPCA is working hard to remove barriers to keeping families intact, and one of the most common barriers is housing. Access to pet-friendly, affordable housing can provide significant benefits for individuals, families, and the community. Pets provide demonstrable benefits to people’s mental and physical health, and anyone who is willing and able to care for a pet should be able to benefit from the companionship, support, and unconditional love pets provide. Removing barriers to pet-friendly housing will not only help keep pets in loving homes and out of overcrowded shelters, but will also make pet ownership more accessible for all.

For more information about the ASPCA, or to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.