You and your pet are family and a vital part of your community. Get support with housing resources for pet owners.
Resources for Pet Owners
We have housing resources for pet owners to help you and your pets be a vital part of the pet-inclusive housing community.
Many rental housing providers require residents to have renters insurance. Click below for a list of some insurance companies that offer renters policies with no dog breed restrictions.
To have more effective conversations with your rental property owner or manager, be prepared with statistics that demonstrate the benefits of being pet-inclusive.
Empower yourself with information about the Fair Housing Act, a federal law that helps protect renters. Please note: This information does not constitute legal advice.
Use this tool to start a mutually courteous conversation with a housing provider about an ESA. Please note: This information does not constitute legal advice.
Finding a good way to introduce your pet to a housing provider can feel overwhelming. Ease into a more effective conversation by using this letter template.
The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative teamed up with Best Friends Animal Society to create resources about the benefits of welcoming dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Help is available! Check out even more resources for pet-owning renters, from assistance for pets and big-dog rental search help to important domestic violence resources.
Community-Friendly Owner
Help your pet become a welcomed and loved part of the community by following some easy tips aimed at keeping everyone happy.
Socialize
Help your pet get to know your neighbors – both people and pets. Just first make sure the others welcome the attention.
Pick it up
Poop is part of pethood. When nature calls, make sure you immediately clean up after your pet and properly dispose of the waste.
Exercise
Giving your pet enough exercise and mental stimulation is key to helping them release energy. Without it, pets might develop negative behavioral issues.
Tag
Ensure your pet is always wearing an identification tag and that their registration is up to date. Also, consider microchipping your pet in case they ever get lost.
Leash
Prevent your pet from sharing unwanted attention or wandering where they’re not supposed to by always leashing up. Consider working with your community to create an off-leash park where pets can roam free.
Train
Teaching your pet basic cues not only helps you build a pet-positive community; understanding simple cues like “sit” and “stay” can help save their life in an emergency situation.
Reflect
When considering a new pet, seek out resources to make an informed decision, and choose one that’s a good fit for your home and lifestyle.
Love
You and your pet are lucky to have each other. Giving your pet love and attention not only strengthens your bond, it helps build a more pet-positive community all together. When times get tough, resources are available in your community to help you keep your pet, and your local animal shelter is a great place to start.
Our 190-pound Great Dane Mastiff mix cut down on the number of places that we could move into. It was difficult to find one that would let us have a dog that size. But then we found The Crest and really liked it and have been happy with everything so far.
From Our Blog
Read the latest news, trends, and tips in building more pet-inclusive communities.
Addressing Pet Nuisance Complaints in Rental Housing: Tactics for Living in Harmony
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative As pet ownership in rental housing continues to grow, fostering a community where both pet owners and non-pet owners feel at home is essential. Proactively and fairly addressing common pet...
Lost Pet Recovery Plan for Pet-Inclusive Communities
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative The safety and well-being of our furry residents is extremely important - not only to those pet parents, but to everyone who loves and enjoys being around companion animals. However, despite our...
Where Pets Thrive: Crafting the Ideal Pet-Inclusive Apartment Community
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative How to attract renters by embracing their companion animals Today’s renter is many things . . . demographically diverse, often working remotely, seeking social interaction and quite...
Beyond Companionship: How Pets Improve our Quality of Life
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative Pets aren't just our cherished companions; they're often lifelines who boost our mood and bring joy into our lives. In this blog, we dive into how pets can make our minds and hearts healthier,...
Animal Companionship: Challenging Stereotypes, Expanding Access for All
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative The bond between humans and their pets is ancient and deep-rooted, providing companionship, emotional support, and even health benefits. As our society progresses, so does the conversation...