APPA’s Ongoing Support for Pet-Friendly Housing Initiatives
APPA collaborates with the Animal Policy Group (APG) to promote pet-friendly housing, ensuring that families and their pets can stay together.
Completed Projects and Outcomes
Denver: Pet Deposit Fund
APG engaged with Councilman Hinds’ office to enhance the pet deposit pilot program. Now, qualified District 10 residents can apply for funds covering both pet rent and pet deposits.
Updates on Ongoing Projects
STATE
Texas: LIHTC Qualified Allocation Plan for 2027
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) is reviewing the LIHTC and QAP. APG submitted comments advocating for pet-inclusive housing and collaborated with 13 key stakeholder groups supporting the initiative. The coalition’s requests include:
- Allowing pets with no restrictions on breed, size, or weight
- Eliminating non-refundable pet fees and pet rent
- Including a “pet-inclusive lease addendum” in scoring criteria
- Mandating pet-friendly policies for developments seeking points for dog park amenities
Key organizations involved include the SPCA of Texas, Operation Kindness, and others.
LOCAL
Dallas/Fort Worth: Pet Policy Transparency
APG met with Councilmember Gracey to emphasize the importance of transparency in pet policies. He aims to include this issue in the city’s legislative agenda, potentially drafting a bill and hiring lobbyists if necessary. Further discussions are scheduled regarding potential collaborations with Operation Kindness.
Portland, Oregon: Rental Policy Revisions
Chairwoman Avalos’ office has expressed interest in discussing potential caps on pet rents, bans on breed/weight restrictions, and advertising transparency. A meeting is planned for September.
San Diego, California: Cost Transparency Ordinance
The Council has yet to take further steps regarding the Residential Rental Price Gouging Fee Exploitation and Cost Transparency Ordinance.
Learn More
Advancements in pet-friendly housing enhance the human-animal bond and boost the pet industry’s growth. Continuous support from members is crucial for APPA and APG to further this initiative. For more information on APPA’s advocacy efforts, visit here.
To learn more about the Animal Policy Group, visit here.
