Reps. Mike Lawler and Jason Crow introduced the Pets Belong With Families Act on Apr. 20, aiming to prevent broad restrictions on dog breeds, size, or weight for families living in public housing. The proposed legislation also seeks to make it more affordable for families to have pets by placing reasonable limits on pet-related housing deposits.
The issue affects millions of Americans who own pets and live in rental properties or public housing. Many current policies include blanket bans on certain dog breeds considered dangerous, such as pit bulls and rottweilers, which can lead to difficult choices for low-income families about whether to keep their pets or maintain stable housing.
The Pets Belong With Families Act would amend Section 31 of the Housing Act of 1937 so that restrictions cannot be based solely on breed. However, it allows discretion regarding potentially dangerous individual animals. Senator Adam Schiff has introduced similar legislation in the U.S. Senate.
“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 Lawler.
Congressman Crow said: “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. 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.” Senator Schiff added: “No family should have to choose between keeping their beloved pet or having a roof over their head… This bipartisan bill would remove these unfair barriers to ensure that Americans and their pets can stay together.” Matt Bershadker from ASPCA said: “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… The ASPCA is proud to support this critical legislation.”
The legislation is endorsed by several organizations including the American Bar Association; American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals; Animal Legal Defense Fund; Animal Welfare Institute; Best Friends Animal Society; Humane World for Animals; Humane World Action Fund; Michelson Center for Public Policy; and National Housing Law Project.
Observers note that if passed into law this measure could impact both animal welfare outcomes—by reducing shelter crowding—and improve stability for renters who own pets.
