Animal welfare advocate gathered in Sacramento recently to lobby for legislation to limit property owners’ ability to ban pets or charge a monthly “pet rent.” Even if that size weakened amid strong lobbying, could mark an important victory for California pets and the safety of their parents’ homes. This should serve as a model for legislation across the country.
America is in the middle of an affordable housing crisis which has increased the burden on animal shelters nationwide. Many shelters are reporting that the number of people who surrendered their animals due to housing pressure last year has increased 50% to 300% from 2022. This is exacerbated by the decrease in adoptions, which is also affected by the lack of housing. More shelter intake means euthanasia rates are also spiking in some communities, making pet-inclusive housing literally lifesaving.
My friends and I Michelson met the beast has closely monitored the relationship between housing availability and animal shelter population for years. We collaborate with Human Animal Bond Research Institute to study the problem, which leads to report in the subject and us Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative.
We found a big disconnect between what is usually called “pet-friendliness” and the real needs of pet owners. To begin with, there are no established standards for pet friendliness, an ambiguous term often accompanied by strict printing. While 76% of property owners and managers surveyed consider themselves pet-friendly, only 8% do not limit the number of animals and characteristics such as breed and size.
With the housing crisis showing no signs of abating, we need pet-friendly homes that truly meet the needs of pet owners. A pet-friendly home is better not only for residents and pets, but also for businesses.
The demand for pet-friendly homes is high, but the supply is low. When 66% of US households have at least one pet, we found that 72% of tenants said that pet-friendly housing is hard to find and 59% said that it is too expensive.
This is a priority for pet owners. Although 21% of renters surveyed are willing to compromise on their housing budget, only 9% are willing to compromise on pet friendliness. Our research further shows that pet-friendly homes are the future: Millennials and Gen-Zers are more likely to rent and own pets.
We found that pet inclusivity also has clear benefits for rental housing operators: 83% say pet-inclusive vacancies are filled faster and residents stay an average of 21% longer. Landlords who ignore this potential market segment are hurting businesses and communities.
When pets are not allowed, we found that 11% of tenants would be at risk of breaking the rules. Others will request accommodations for support animals even if they have not been diagnosed with an emotional or mental disability. Managing and investigating these requests takes valuable time and energy from property owners and employees.
It is a widespread myth that pets in rental units are a significant liability. In fact, less than 10% of pets cause damage, and when damage does occur, the average repair cost is $210, less than the average security deposit.
Pets are in fact an asset to the property, and not just financially. They have been shown to improve mental and physical health from the owner. In one rental community in particular, residents report that their pets approach their neighbors. and survey shows that residents who feel connected to their community are more likely to renew their leases.
Pets also make communities safer. Research has shown that neighborhoods with a high concentration of dogs and a high level of trust between residents experience less crime.
It’s no wonder California lawmakers aren’t the only ones considering pet-friendly policies. Legislation in Congress will prohibit breed restrictions in public housing, which residents often face even though federally funded housing is required to be pet-friendly. and Colorado Last year, measures were implemented to limit pet deposits and pet rentals and ban insurance companies from penalizing homeowners based on the type of pet.
Landlords who see these changes on the horizon and the business opportunities they present can take a few easy steps toward pet inclusivity:
- Try to eliminate unnecessary pet deposits and fees.
- Focus on individual dog behavior rather than size or breed.
- Work with an insurance company that has no pet-related restrictions.
- Require proof of rental insurance, which can cover pet-related claims.
- Provide pet amenities such as exercise and relief areas along with litter stations, which show tenants that pets are welcome.
Most people who own pets think of them as family. A pet-friendly home ensures families stay together and have a safe place to stay.
Brett Yates is the executive director of the Los Angeles-based Michelson Found Animals Foundation.
