History & Background
Dr. Gary Michelson started Found Animals in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Found Animals established the first free microchip registry to help lost pets find their way home. With a commitment to continue keeping people and pets together, he turned to the next scalable solution: increasing the availability of truly pet-inclusive housing.
Teaming up with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), the Michelson Found Animals Foundation commissions research to better understand pet-related housing issues and find the right solutions to help keep people and pets together.
From this research, the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative develops resources, partnerships, and actionable tools to increase the availability of truly pet-inclusive housing. We are working hard to increase pet-inclusive housing because everyone should have access to the joy of pets. After all, pets help communities grow stronger.
Reports
Pets in Rental Housing 2025 Outlook
The Pets in Rental Housing 2025 Outlook explores how pet-inclusive policies are reshaping rental housing. With 72% of renters struggling to find pet-friendly housing, this report highlights the challenges and opportunities in meeting demand.
Discover actionable insights, key data, and strategies to attract more renters, reduce turnover, and expand revenue opportunities. Join the movement to create thriving, pet-inclusive communities for renters and their companion animals.
Click here to view the Pets in Rental Housing 2025 Outlook.
Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative Impact 2024
The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative Impact report highlights our steadfast dedication to keeping pets and their people together no matter where they live.
Our work centers on the development of actionable resources, tools, strategic partnerships, and research designed to increase reach and positively influence outcomes; both through balanced legislation and collaboration with the housing industry.
In this way, we ensure more housing availability for all companion animals.
Looking Ahead
Through compelling research and actionable tools, we build a stronger housing industry and a more pet-inclusive world.
SPARK A DIALOGUE
Our survey found that 92% of renters and 93% of rental housing operators agree pets are important members of the family. We use this positive connection with animals to drive the conversation. Further, we work together to help rewrite decades-old policies and find homes that keep people and pets together.
SHARE DATA
83% of property managers say pet-friendly vacancies fill faster. Certainly, there is a clear financial advantage for rental housing operators – and it could lead to millions more pets finding homes.
INFORM
Through relevant research, resources, and actionable tools, we help the housing industry explore pet-inclusive opportunities. At the same time, we support pet owners in being a positive part of their community.
Leadership
Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson
Co-Founders
Michelson Found Animals
Steve Feldman
PresidenT
Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI)
Ross Barker
Director
Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
Judy Bellack
Industry Principal
Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
Pet-Inclusive Housing Report
The Pet-Inclusive Housing Report highlights the benefits of pet-inclusive rental housing by sharing data and market-based solutions that benefit all – so residents, housing providers, and communities win together.
From Our Blog
Read the latest news, trends, and tips in building more pet-inclusive communities.
Raise the Woof: 2025 Pets and Housing Awards Are Open for Nominations!
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative The connection between people and their pets has never been stronger, and the multifamily housing industry is leading the charge in celebrating this bond. With more renters seeking pet-inclusive...
Breaking News: Dogs Have No Idea They Weigh Over 25 Pounds!
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative If you’ve ever watched a Great Dane cuddle into a ball small enough to fit on a child’s bean bag chair, you’ve witnessed the undeniable truth: dogs have no idea how big they are. Unfortunately,...
5 Things Hotels and Temporary Housing Providers Can Do Now to Help Families with Pets Affected by LA’s Wildfires
By The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative Here's how hotels and temporary housing providers can help keep people and pets together after LA's extraordinary wildfires. Many families are facing displacement in the aftermath of the LA wildfires, and for pet parents, the...
LA’s Wildfires Have Left Families in Turmoil. Here are 4 Things Rental Property Owners Can Do Now to Help.
By The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative Here’s how housing providers can help keep people and pets together after LA’s historic wildfires. In the aftermath of LA’s extraordinary wildfires that have left thousands of families without homes, one thing is clear: LA’s...
Embracing the Future of Pet-Inclusive Housing: 2025 Outlook
By Judy Bellack, Industry Principal, The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative As pets increasingly become integral members of households, the demand for pet-inclusive housing has never been greater. The Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative (PIHI), spearheaded by the Michelson...