With tens of millions of pets living with families in poverty—at least triple the number of dogs and cats entering shelters—the extreme lack of access to pet resources, including affordable pet-inclusive housing, is a national crisis (HSUS’ Pets for Life).
Pet-inclusive housing is defined as rental housing that is free of breed, weight, and size restrictions and without nonrefundable upfront fees or monthly pet rents (Applebaum, et al., 2024). Only about 9% of all rental housing allows pets without breed, weight, and size. This research
does not specify low-income/subsidized and does not include the use of nonrefundable fees, so likely fewer units meet this broad definition of “pet-inclusive housing” (Carlisle-Frank et al., 2005).
Reducing restrictions on pet ownership in rental housing would create a more equitable and accessible housing market for pet owners. Lifting restrictions could provide pet inclusive rental housing for an estimate of 8.2 million additional animals, while improving the lives of their owners. Furthermore, easing restrictions could prevent the surrender of up to 10.5 million pets nationwide (Pet Inclusive Housing Initiative, 2021).
