ASPCA Applauds Federal Housing Legislation to Help Keep People and Pets Together

WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a time when many American families are struggling to find housing options that meet their needs, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) applauds the federal lawmakers leading the charge to remove unreasonable housing barriers for pet-owning families applying for public housing.

In the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives respectively, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Reps. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Jason Crow (D-Colo.) have introduced the Pets Belong with Families Act. These companion bills would remove impediments for pet owners seeking public housing by:

• Prohibiting public housing agencies (PHA) from imposing pet restrictions based on breed, size, or weight.
• Establishing reasonable limitations on pet deposits, including an income-based maximum, a three-month amortization period, and a requirement for pet deposit reimbursement if no pet-related damage is identified.
• Additionally, the legislation would still allow PHAs to exercise discretion regarding potentially dangerous animals based on the individual animal’s behavior and would not override local jurisdictions or private housing restrictions.

“Families struggling with housing insecurity should not be forced to make the impossible choice between keeping a roof over their heads and staying with their beloved pets. Pets provide joy, comfort, and companionship — and no one should be denied that because of their income or housing status,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “The Pets Belong with Families Act will ensure lower-income families can access stable, affordable housing without fear of being separated from a cherished member of the family. The ASPCA is proud to support this critical legislation.”

Overall, pet-owning renters cite breed restrictions and size or weight restrictions among the top three hurdles in the rental market. There is no evidence that breed-specific restrictions improve community safety. Moreover, mounting research indicates breed is a generally poor predictor of an individual dog’s behavior and finds no differences in aggression between groups of breeds that are subject to such restrictions and those that are not. Yet current Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations allow PHAs to implement discriminatory and baseless breed and size restrictions.

“No family should have to choose between keeping their beloved pet or having a roof over their head. But too often, families are forced to make this difficult decision due to restrictions limiting the kinds of dogs allowed in their homes. This bipartisan bill would remove these unfair barriers to ensure that Americans and their pets can stay together,” said Senator Adam Schiff.

“For a lot of families, mine included, pets are part of the family. It shouldn’t come down to choosing between a place to live and keeping your dog or cat. This bipartisan, bicameral bill takes a more practical approach, cutting out those blanket restrictions while still holding owners accountable. It’ll help more families find housing, keep pets out of overcrowded shelters, and bring a little more common sense back into the process,” said Congressman Mike Lawler.

“Pets are our family. No one should have to choose between their pet and a roof over their head, but some housing currently requires them to,” said Congressman Jason Crow. “Our bipartisan bill will prevent needless restrictions on animal breeds in public housing so Coloradans and their pets can stay together, no matter where they call home.”

Lack of access to pet-inclusive housing has long been cited as a primary reason by families making the difficult decision to surrender their pets. As shelters nationwide struggle with an ongoing capacity crisis, the ASPCA is committed to helping shelters remove the barriers that prevent many people from adopting, including restrictive and burdensome pet policies to reduce the strain on shelters and help keep pets and people together.  has long been cited as a primary reason by families making the difficult decision to surrender their pets. As shelters nationwide struggle with an ongoing capacity crisis, the ASPCA is committed to helping shelters remove the barriers that prevent many people from adopting, including restrictive and burdensome pet policies to reduce the strain on shelters and help keep pets and people together.

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