Source: AVMA News
Nearly half of U.S. households own pets, but many face challenges finding affordable, pet-friendly rental housing. According to the 2021 Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative (PIHI) Report, 72% of renters find pet-friendly housing difficult to locate, and 59% find it too expensive. During the AVMA Convention 2024, experts discussed the issues surrounding pets and housing.
Key speakers included Dr. Zenithson Ng, Lynette Hart, and Jen Naitaki, who emphasized the importance of veterinarians in supporting pet owners with housing needs. Although 76% of property owners claim to be pet-friendly, only 8% have no breed or weight restrictions. These restrictions, along with additional pet fees, make housing more challenging for pet owners. Reducing barriers benefits landlords and tenants, promoting stable tenancies and positive mental health impacts from the human-animal bond. Veterinarians can help by educating pet owners and advocating for pet-inclusive policies. Future recommendations include enacting laws to encourage pet-friendly rentals, training landlords on the human-animal bond, and providing pet care education to owners.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.avma.org/news/steering-group-suggests-changes-more-pet-friendly-rental-housing